🏛️ Property Tax by State: 2026 Rankings
Property tax rates swing wildly across the US — from 0.28% in Hawaii to 2.23% in New Jersey. On a $400K home, that's a $7,800/year difference. Here's how each state ranks.
The US average effective property tax rate is ~1.02%. On a $400K home, expect ~$4,100/year. Calculate yours with the Property Tax Calculator.
🔥 Top 10 Highest Property Tax States
| State | Rate | On $400K Home |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | 2.23% | $8,920 |
| Connecticut | 2.14% | $8,560 |
| Illinois | 2.08% | $8,320 |
| New Hampshire | 1.93% | $7,720 |
| Vermont | 1.83% | $7,320 |
| Texas | 1.60% | $6,400 |
| Nebraska | 1.61% | $6,440 |
| Wisconsin | 1.61% | $6,440 |
| Ohio | 1.53% | $6,120 |
| Iowa | 1.53% | $6,120 |
💚 Top 10 Lowest Property Tax States
| State | Rate | On $400K Home |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | 0.28% | $1,120 |
| Alabama | 0.36% | $1,440 |
| Colorado | 0.51% | $2,040 |
| Nevada | 0.53% | $2,120 |
| South Carolina | 0.53% | $2,120 |
| Louisiana | 0.53% | $2,120 |
| West Virginia | 0.55% | $2,200 |
| Utah | 0.57% | $2,280 |
| Delaware | 0.58% | $2,320 |
| Arizona | 0.60% | $2,400 |
Calculate your exact property tax with the Property Tax Calculator — includes monthly escrow and homestead exemption.
🧮 How Property Tax Is Calculated
Property Tax = Assessed Value × Mill Rate
- Assessed value — County's estimate of your home's value (not always market value)
- Mill rate — Tax per $1,000 of assessed value
- Example: $400K assessed × 10 mills = $4,000 tax bill
💡 Homestead Exemptions Can Save You Thousands
It reduces your taxable assessed value by a fixed amount. Examples:
- Florida — $50,000 off (plus extra for seniors, vets, disabled)
- Texas — $100,000 off school taxes (raised in 2023)
- California — $7,000 off (Prop 13 limits increases)
- Georgia — Varies by county, often $2,000–$10,000
→ Apply at your county assessor's office within the first year of ownership.
❓ FAQ
Which state has the highest property tax?
New Jersey has the highest effective property tax rate at ~2.23%, followed by Connecticut (2.14%) and Illinois (2.08%).
Which states have no property tax?
No state has zero property tax, but rates under 0.5% are considered very low: Hawaii, Alabama, Nevada, South Carolina, Louisiana, West Virginia.
Can I appeal my property tax assessment?
Yes — and you should if you believe it's above market value. Every county has an appeals process. Winning appeals can save $500–$2,000/year. Look for "Notice of Assessment" and file within the deadline (usually 30–90 days).
Are property taxes tax-deductible?
Yes — property taxes are deductible on Schedule A if you itemize. The SALT cap limits total state + local tax deductions to $10,000 per return (may change after 2025).
Calculate Your Property Tax
Free calculator with state rankings and homestead exemption support.
🧮 Try the Property Tax Calculator →