Investing: Lowest Property Tax by State

As a real estate investor, it’s important to examine all factors when you’re considering purchasing a property for investment purposes. Some of the most important considerations include property location, valuation, and taxation. Because of this, many investors choose to buy in states with the lowest property tax.

All states impose a property tax on homes that is charged to the owner. This tax may be imposed as a base amount per $1,000 on the fair market value, or it may be charged as a percentage of the overall market value of the property.

The location of the property and its overall value determine the amount of tax that is payable each year. The valuation of a property is reassessed on an annual basis, and taxes can fluctuate significantly. Thus, it’s important to make a careful assessment of expected taxes before jumping into an investment that may result in unexpected costs.

Quicken Loans calculated the effective property tax rate by state utilizing 2019 calendar data from the Tax Foundation. This information has been combined with the average home prices by state for June 2021 prepared by the Motley Fool to provide the comprehensive list of states with low property taxes below. 

It’s important to remember that these are only averages. Property taxes vary by city and can be significantly higher or lower than the state average. In addition, a low property tax percentage combined with high home costs can lead to higher taxes than might be expected.

States with the Lowest Property Tax

States with lower property taxes tend to be located in the Southeast. Home values in these locations are also lower (on average) than in other parts of the country. 

However, before opting to invest in an inexpensive location, you should consider more factors. Other elements could include tenancy rates and the increase in property valuation over time.

West Virginia

  • Effective annual property tax rate: 0.53%
  • Median home price: $117,768
  • Average yearly property tax: $624.17

Alabama

  • Effective annual property tax rate: 0.37%
  • Median home price: $170,184
  • Average yearly property tax: $629.68

Mississippi

  • Effective annual property tax rate: 0.63%
  • Median home price: $140,818
  • Average yearly property tax: $887.15

Arkansas

  • Effective annual property tax rate: 0.61%
  • Median home price: $149,120
  • Average yearly property tax: $909.63

Louisiana

  • Effective annual property tax rate: 0.51%
  • Median home price: $187,844
  • Average yearly property tax: $958.00

South Carolina

  • Effective annual property tax rate: 0.53%
  • Median home price: $225,406
  • Average yearly property tax: $1,194.65

Oklahoma

  • Effective annual property tax rate: 0.83%
  • Median home price: $150,754
  • Average yearly property tax: $1,251.26

Kentucky

  • Effective annual property tax rate: 0.78%
  • Median home price: $168,998
  • Average yearly property tax: $1,318.18

Wyoming

  • Effective annual property tax rate: 0.51%
  • Median home price: $273,992
  • Average yearly property tax: $1,397.36

Tennessee

  • Effective annual property tax rate: 0.63%
  • Median home price: $231,682
  • Average yearly property tax: $1,459.60

Highest Property Tax by State

In contrast to states with the lowest property tax, below you’ll find a list of states with the highest effective property taxes. Note that some states have a relatively low effective property tax percentage, but the median home prices are high. California is an example of this.

New Jersey

  • Effective annual property tax rate: 2.13%
  • Median home price: $408,517
  • Average yearly property tax: $8,701.41

New Hampshire

  • Effective annual property tax rate: 1.89%
  • Median home price: $366,129
  • Average yearly property tax: $6,919.84

Massachusetts

  • Effective annual property tax rate: 1.08%
  • Median home price: $518,203
  • Average yearly property tax: $5,596.59

Connecticut

  • Effective annual property tax rate: 1.73%
  • Median home price: $318,096
  • Average yearly property tax: $5,503.06

Vermont

  • Effective annual property tax rate: 1.76%
  • Median home price: $299,998
  • Average yearly property tax: $5,279.96

Rhode Island

  • Effective annual property tax rate: 1.37%
  • Median home price: $372,809
  • Average yearly property tax: $5,107.48

New York

  • Effective annual property tax rate: 1.30%
  • Median home price: $371,880
  • Average yearly property tax: $4,834.44

California

  • Effective annual property tax rate: 0.70%
  • Median home price: $683,996
  • Average yearly property tax: $4,787.97

Illinois

  • Effective annual property tax rate: 1.97%
  • Median home price: $233,661
  • Average yearly property tax: $4,603.12

Washington

  • Effective annual property tax rate: 0.84%
  • Median home price: $519,552
  • Average yearly property tax: $4,364.24

Final Considerations

While states with the lowest property taxes and home value should form part of an investor’s decision when purchasing an investment property, there are many other factors at play. Make sure you fully consider all aspects of your purchase before making the jump!

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**Blog Article Disclaimer*

This blog article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The content is intended to offer general information and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances.

While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date, laws and regulations are subject to change, and the legal landscape may vary based on jurisdiction. Therefore, we make no representations or warranties regarding the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or suitability of the information contained in this article.

Reading, accessing, or using the information provided in this blog does not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader and the author, and any reliance on the information is at your own risk. If you require legal advice or assistance, it is crucial to consult with a qualified attorney who can consider the specifics of your situation and provide advice accordingly.

The author and the platform disclaim any liability for any loss or damage incurred by individuals or entities as a result of the information presented in this blog. We recommend consulting a legal professional before making decisions or taking action based on the information provided in this article.

This disclaimer is subject to change without notice, and it is the responsibility of the reader to review and understand the disclaimer before relying on the information contained in the blog article.

PayRent is on a mission to build a rent collection app that fosters a positive and productive relationship between renters and landlords. We focus less on transactions and more on the people behind them.

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