Property taxes by state: Ranked from highest to lowest for 2026

Why do property tax rates vary so much?

Property taxes can vary significantly from place to place for many different reasons.

For example, if a city opts to provide a wider range of services and amenities, maintaining multiple parks, a large, state-of-the-art library, and more, it needs to raise more money to pay for the cost of those services. Cities with more bare-bones offerings may be able to charge less.

Tax rates may also depend on local property values. Imagine two towns with similar budget needs. If one town has homes worth $250,000 on average and the other has a typical home price of $500,000, the second can have a lower tax rate while raising a similar amount.

Property taxes can also rise and fall over time. As home prices fluctuate, the amount you pay can also adjust. If the market price of your home rises, it’s likely that its assessed value for tax purposes will also go up, increasing the taxes you have to pay.

How are property taxes determined?

The amount you pay in property taxes depends on two key factors:

• Your home’s assessed value. This is your local government’s tax assessor’s estimate of the value of your home. It may be adjusted based on things like owner-occupant exclusions or other factors.
• The millage rate. This is the tax rate charged based on the value of your property. Usually, this is expressed in terms of a number of dollars per $1,000 in property value.

For example, the city of Boston, Massachusetts, charges a millage rate of $12.40 for residential property. Imagine you own a home worth $700,000. Your tax bill each year would be $700 * $12.40 = $8,680.

You can usually find the mill rate for your area on your local government’s website. You can also reach out to the assessor’s department for more information.

States ranked by property tax rate

The table below ranks each state by property tax rate. Keep in mind that in some cases, states with lower tax rates may have higher average tax bills due to higher average home values.

How to lower your property taxes

Property taxes are an important source of funding for local governments. While it’s important to pay your fair share, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t look for opportunities to save some money, especially if you think that you’re being charged more than you should be or if your taxes are rising to the point of making your home hard to afford.

Request a reassessment

Remember, the amount you pay in property tax depends on the local mill rate and the assessed value of your home. Homes can be difficult to value, and in some cases, the local assessor may not make an accurate assessment of your property’s value.

If you feel like your assessor has placed too high a valuation on your home, leading to a tax increase, you can request a reassessment.

The process for requesting a reassessment can vary by town, county, or state, so check with your local government for the precise steps to follow. In general, you’ll need to contact your assessor and provide supporting evidence for your claim that your home has been overvalued. Being able to show things like comparable home sales that support your argument can be a big help.

Apply for state property tax exemptions

Many states and local governments offer property tax exemptions, letting you reduce how much of your home’s value is subject to property taxes. These, in effect, reduce your home’s assessed value.

Exemptions can vary from town to town and state to state, so check what’s available in your area. Some common exemptions include:

• Senior citizen. Those over a specific age, often 65, can exclude a portion of their home’s value from taxes.
• Veteran. If you’ve served in the military, you may be able to get an exclusion that reduces your property’s assessed value. Depending on where you live, the exclusion may be a flat amount or based on whether and to what extent you are considered disabled.
• Homestead. Some areas let people who own and live in their home, rather than rent it out, exclude a portion of their home’s value from property taxes.

FAQ

Property taxes play a big role in how affordable a home is, so it’s important to understand how they work.

Which states have no property taxes?

Currently, there are no states that do not have property taxes, though some states, such as Florida, have discussed abolishing certain property taxes. No matter where you live, you can expect to pay some property tax.

Do property taxes go up every year?

Property taxes do not necessarily go up every year, but they are more likely than not to increase. Inflation means that everything, including homes and the cost of city services, tends to rise each year, so local governments need to raise more money each year unless they cut services.

Can you appeal your property tax assessment?

Yes, you can appeal your property tax assessment. Reach out to your local assessor’s office for information on the process for your area.

Are property taxes included in a mortgage payment?

Many lenders will include your property taxes as part of your monthly payment and hold the money in escrow, paying your quarterly tax bill on your behalf. Keep in mind that you still have to make tax payments even after paying off your mortgage.

What happens if you don’t pay property taxes?

If you don’t pay property taxes, your local government may place a lien on your home for tax delinquency. In serious cases, the government could foreclose on your home and sell it to recoup the tax money you owe.

The bottom line: Research property taxes before you move

Property taxes are a major part of the cost of homeownership, so it’s important to be prepared for the tax bill when you’re looking at homes to buy. How much you pay will depend on the value of your home and where you live, as well as what exemptions you can qualify for.

If you’re considering downsizing or moving to reduce your tax burden, consider partnering with a Redfin agent who can help you throughout the process of selling your current home.