Which state has the lowest property taxes 2022

Table of Contents Show

What Are Property Taxes?
What Are Property Taxes Based On?
States Ranked By Property Tax
State Property Tax Exemptions
The Bottom Line: Property Taxes Vary From State To State
Which US state has the lowest property taxes?
Is there anywhere in the US with no property tax?

Searching for a new home comes with several considerations. Often, we value the community our home is in as a top priority. But financially supporting the local area, like schools and infrastructure, comes with property taxes. In all 50 U.S. states, laws require the majority of property owners to pay real estate taxes, and property taxes vary by state.

If you are considering a real estate search, you’ll want to think about the location’s property taxes since they add to your homeownership costs. With that in mind, here is a basic rundown on the financial charge and a list of property taxes by state to help you start.

What Are Property Taxes?

Property taxes, or real estate taxes, are paid by a real estate owner to county or local tax authorities. The amount is based on the assessed value of your home and vary depending on your state’s property tax rate. Most U.S. homeowners have to pay these fees, usually on a monthly basis, in combination with their mortgage payments. If you pay off your loan, you receive a bill for the tax from local government occasionally during the year.

The money used for the property tax goes toward the community. It supports infrastructure improvements, public services and local public schooling.

What Are Property Taxes Based On?

While your home’s assessed value for property taxes may match its actual value, that won’t always be the case. That gap can affect your tax amount. What you’ll pay in property taxes ranges depending on the state and county you live in as well as the overall value of your home. That includes both the land itself and the structures on it. So, vacant land will likely have lower real estate taxes due to a lower assessed value.

Assessment is based on a unit called a mill, equal to one-thousandth of a dollar. Assessors find annual property tax liability by multiplying three values:

the state tax rate,
the assessment ratio (the portion of the property value subject to tax),
and the property value.

Some of these values fluctuate according to the market and state.

States do their property assessments at different frequencies, some annually and others every couple of years.

States Ranked By Property Tax

Here is a list of states in order of lowest ranking property tax to highest:

Rank	State	Real Estate Tax Rate	Average Home Price	Annual Property Tax
1	Hawaii	0.28%	$615,300	$606
2	Alabama	0.41%	$142,700	$895
3	Colorado	0.51%	$343,300	$1,113
4	Louisiana	0.55%	$163,100	$1,187
5	District of Columbia	0.56%	$601,500	$1,221
6	South Carolina	0.57%	$162,300	$1,238
7	Delaware	0.57%	$251,100	$1,240
8	West Virginia	0.58%	$119,600	$1,269
9	Nevada	0.60%	$267,900	$1,310
10	Wyoming	0.61%	$220,500	$1,319
11	Arkansas	0.62%	$127,800	$1,358
12	Utah	0.63%	$279,100	$1,362
13	Arizona	0.66%	$225,500	$1,446
14	Idaho	0.69%	$212,300	$1,492
15	Tennessee	0.71%	$167,200	$1,548
16	California	0.76%	$505,000	$1,644
17	New Mexico	0.80%	$171,400	$1,740
18	Mississippi	0.81%	$119,000	$1,751
19	Virginia	0.82%	$273,100	$1,779
20	Montana	0.84%	$230,600	$1,818
21	North Carolina	0.84%	$172,500	$1,833
22	Indiana	0.85%	$141,700	$1,853
23	Kentucky	0.86%	$141,000	$1,866
24	Florida	0.89%	$215,300	$1,934
25	Oklahoma	0.90%	$136,800	$1,952
26	Georgia	0.92%	$176,000	$2,006
27	Missouri	0.97%	$157,200	$2,111
28	Oregon	0.97%	$312,200	$2,116
29	North Dakota	0.98%	$339,000	$2,138
30	Washington	0.98%	$193,900	$2,134
31	Maryland	1.09%	$314,800	$2,370
32	Minnesota	1.12%	$223,900	$2,429
33	Alaska	1.19%	$270,400	$2,599
34	Massachusetts	1.23%	$381,600	$2,667
35	South Dakota	1.31%	$167,100	$2,857
36	Maine	1.36%	$190,400	$2,953
37	Kansas	1.41%	$151,900	$3,060
38	Michigan	1.54%	$154,900	$3,343
39	Ohio	1.56%	$145,700	$3,390
40	Iowa	1.57%	$147,800	$3,407
41	Pennsylvania	1.58%	$180,200	$3,442
42	Rhode Island	1.63%	$261,900	$3,548
43	New York	1.72%	$313,700	$3,749
44	Nebraska	1.73%	$155,800	$3,754
45	Texas	1.80%	$172,500	$3,907
46	Wisconsin	1.85%	$180,600	$4,027
47	Vermont	1.90%	$227,700	$4,135
48	Connecticut	2.14%	$275,400	$4,658
49	New Hampshire	2.18%	$261,700	$4,738
50	Illinois	2.27%	$194,500	$4,942
51	New Jersey	2.49%	$335,600	$5,419

Please note: this data is based on WalletHub’s 2021 findings; however, the numbers pull from the 2019 census. So, you may see some fluctuation between the numbers mentioned above and other reports, particularly the median home value. Prices may also change depending on market influences.

State Property Tax Exemptions

While most U.S. homeowners must pay property taxes, some properties are exempt. This differs from a tax deduction, which only lowers an individual or group’s tax liability. Property tax exemptions include qualifying individuals, such as senior citizens, STAR (School Tax Relief) participants, those with disabilities and veterans. Certain eligible government, nonprofit, and religious entities may also fall under an exemption.

Vulnerable or low-income homeowners are typically the target of many property exemption programs, whether they lower or eliminate the property taxes. However, even taxpayers who use their home as their primary residence may qualify for the Homestead Exemption. It’s also possible to apply for multiple exemptions if you live in certain areas. Thus, a wide range of people may be able to save thousands on real estate tax.

Eligibility may shift depending on your state’s laws, your local municipality, and your situation. Check with the appropriate local services if you need help navigating the available programs.

The Bottom Line: Property Taxes Vary From State To State

You may live in an area that levies significant property taxes or caps exemptions at a low threshold. If you are struggling to afford your current tax liability, consider refinancing your property, as it can help lower the costs tied to owning a home.

Looking to buy? Property taxes can make a big difference when it comes to affordability. Get preapproved now so that you have all the info you need to make an informed decision while house hunting.

Which US state has the lowest property taxes?

Hawaii. Hawaii has the lowest property taxes in the country.

Is there anywhere in the US with no property tax?

Unfortunately, there are no states without a property tax. Property taxes remain a significant contributor to overall state income. Tax funds are used to operate and maintain essential government services like law enforcement, infrastructure, education, transportation, parks, water and sewer service improvements.