Report Compares Property Taxes Around the Country

Calling the property tax, "probably the most controversial tax in the United States," the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy and the Minnesota Center for Fiscal Excellence have released the "50-State Property Tax Comparison Study" for 2013.

2 minute read

May 1, 2014, 12:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


The Lincoln Institute of Land Policy has released its "50-State Property Tax Comparison Study" in partnership with the Minnesota Center for Fiscal Excellence. The goal of the study, according to the Lincoln Institute's website, is to provide accurate data as a foundation for "sound governmental decision-making."

The study examines "effective property tax rates," defined as the actual tax payment as a percentage of market value. As quoted from a press release announcing the report, here are a few of the key points that exemplify the wide variations in property tax policy around the country:

  • "Bridgeport, Connecticut continues to impose the highest taxes on median-value homes in urban cities, with an effective rate above 4 percent.
  • "The lowest rate, in Columbia, South Carolina, is slightly above .6 percent." 
  • "The decline in real values in Detroit leaves it with high effective tax rates, but a new revaluation initiative in the city may reduce that rate in the future." 
  • "The New England region, with its heavy reliance on property taxes, has the highest effective homestead rates, but the Midwest leads with the highest effective rates on commercial property."
  • "There was no change between 2012 and 2013 in the top 5 cities with the highest property tax bills on a median-value home."
Patrick Anderson covered the report from the perspective of Providence, Rhode Island, which fell out of the top spot in the property tax burden rankings for commercial properties. Providence recently froze commercial property tax rates while raising residential rates. 

Wednesday, April 30, 2014 in Lincoln Institute of Land Policy

Large blank mall building with only two cars in large parking lot.

Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House

If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.

April 18, 2024 - Central Penn Business Journal

Street scene in Greenwich Village, New York City with people walking through busy intersection and new WTC tower in background.

Planning for Accessibility: Proximity is More Important than Mobility

Accessibility-based planning minimizes the distance that people must travel to reach desired services and activities. Measured this way, increased density can provide more total benefits than increased speeds.

April 14, 2024 - Todd Litman

Rendering of wildlife crossing over 101 freeway in Los Angeles County.

World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County

Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.

April 15, 2024 - LAist

View of downtown Seattle with Space Needle and mountains in background

Eviction Looms for Low-Income Tenants as Rent Debt Rises

Nonprofit housing operators across the country face almost $10 billion in rent debt.

6 hours ago - The Seattle Times

Rendering of Brightline West train passing through Southern California desert

Brightline West Breaks Ground

The high-speed rail line will link Las Vegas and the Los Angeles area.

7 hours ago - KTLA

Aerial view of gold state capitol dome in Denver, Colorado and Denver skyline.

Colorado Bans No-Fault Evictions

In most cases, landlords must provide a just cause for evicting tenants.

April 23 - Colorado Politics

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.