When you’re a homeowner, there are so many things you have to pay for, like surprise repairs, basic maintenance, and, of course, property taxes. And just like all other home-related expenses, property tax rates by state can vary widely depending on where you live.
Here are the 10 best and 10 worst states for property taxes — and how much you might spend per year, according to data gathered from Rocket Mortgage, a curator of land, property, and real estate data.
10. Iowa
When people think of states with high property taxes, Iowa doesn’t always top the list, but homeowners there feel the impact. Iowa has an effective property tax rate of 1.43%, which is higher than the national average. With a median home value of $195,900, the typical homeowner pays about $2,795 per year in property taxes. For a higher-priced home valued at $303,400, the annual property tax bill jumps to roughly $4,329—showing how quickly costs can rise even in a state with relatively affordable home prices.
9. Nebraska
It would probably surprise most people to learn that the state of Nebraska has the same average property tax rate as New York — 1.50%. That’s a shocking figure. But consider this — the typical home in the Cornhusker State costs only about $223,800, so you’d only end up owing $3,350 in property taxes annually.
8. Winsconsin
When people think about expensive states for homeowners, Wisconsin doesn’t always come to mind, but property taxes there can add up quickly. Wisconsin has an effective property tax rate of 1.51%. On a home valued at $303,400, that translates to an annual property tax bill of about $4,594.
7. Texas
Texas may be known for its lack of a state income tax, but homeowners still face sizable costs. The state’s effective property tax rate is 1.58%. On a $303,400 home, that comes out to an annual property tax bill of about $4,790. With a median home value of $260,400, the typical homeowner pays roughly $4,111 per year—putting Texas among the more expensive states for property taxes.
6. New York
Most people know that New York City is an expensive place to live, but the rest of the state is no picnic either. In the Empire State, you would pay a 1.60% average property tax rate. That would equal almost $8,000 a year — or about $666 a month — on average.
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5. Vermont
Known as the Green Mountain State, Vermont may be famous for its luscious woods. However, you could also call it “the property tax state.” Its property tax rate is 1.71%. A typical homeowner might pay around $5,176 a year in property taxes — ouch.
4. New Hampshire
Living in New Hampshire, the cradle of New England, can seem idyllic until you look at property taxes. The average property tax rate is 1.77%. The average homeowner will pay $6,505 a year in property taxes, which comes out to almost $600 per month.
3. Connecticut
Connecticut is known for being an expensive place to live. And that’s especially true if you’re a homeowner. Known as the Constitution State, Connecticut has an average property tax rate of 1.92%. The average homeowner will pay $6,575 in property taxes every year.
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2. Illinois
The Land of Lincoln doesn’t seem like it would be the obvious choice for the highest property tax rate in the country, but it is. The effective tax rate is 2.07%. The average annual tax on the state’s average home ($250,500) is $5,189 — or about $467 per month.
1 Highest. New Jersey
The Garden State is known for being the most densely populated state in the country, but it’s also one of the most expensive for homeowners. The average property tax rate is 2.23%. The average homeowner will pay $9,541 a year in property taxes.
No. 10 Lowest West Virginia
John Denver sang about West Virginia for many reasons — and property tax rates should have been one of them. The Mountain State has an average property tax rate of 0.54%. A typical homeowner will pay only $835 in property taxes each year — the lowest total amount in the country.
9. Delaware
Unlike other South Atlantic region states, Delaware has a low overall property tax rate at 0.53%. If you’re a homeowner in the first state in the union, you’ll pay about $1,731 a year in property taxes.
8. Idaho
Idaho stands out as a relatively affordable state for homeowners thanks to its low property taxes. The effective property tax rate is just 0.53%. On a $303,400 home, that comes out to an annual property tax bill of about $1,619.
7. Utah
If you love skiing and hiking, you’ll love living in Utah. Another great part of living in the Beehive State? Low property taxes. Utah residents only pay a 0.53% property tax rate with an average total property tax bill of $2,412.
6. Arizona
Arizona has become a haven for people who want sun without the hassle of hurricanes or tropical storms. It’s also perfect for homeowners on a budget. The average property tax rate is 0.52%, one of the lowest rates in the country. The average homeowner will pay around $1,858 – more than $1,000 less than the national average.
5. South Carolina
Living on the East Coast near the beach sounds perfect. What makes it even better? A low property tax rate. The Palmetto State has an average property tax rate of 0.51% — one of the best in the country.
4. Nevada
If you love gambling, you might love living in Nevada, home to casinos in Las Vegas and Reno. However, you might also enjoy living with low property tax rates. How low? The average property tax rate is 0.49%. On average, a typical Nevada homeowner spends about $1,970 in property taxes every year.
3. Colorado
Home to the Rocky Mountains, Colorado is one of the most beautiful states in the country. It’s also home to some of the lowest property tax rates in the nation, at 0.49%. Unfortunately, with median home values close to $502,200, you could still wind up paying a hefty amount in total property taxes.
2. Alabama
If you love SEC football and good ole’ country cooking, then you’ll love Alabama. Another reason to love the Cotton State? Low property tax rates. It has the second-lowest overall property tax rate in the country — 0.38%.
No. 1 Lowest: Hawaii
If you had to guess which state in the country had the lowest property tax rate, it’s unlikely that you’d guess correctly. The answer? Hawaii. The Aloha State boasts the lowest overall property tax rate — 0.27%. But don’t get confused. Hawaii is still one of the most expensive states in the country to live in.
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