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

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 23, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Black and white photos of camp made up of small 'earthquake shacks' in Dolores Park in 1906 after the San Francisco earthquake.

The 120 Year Old Tiny Home Villages That Sheltered San Francisco’s Earthquake Refugees

More than a century ago, San Francisco mobilized to house thousands of residents displaced by the 1906 earthquake. Could their strategy offer a model for the present?

April 15, 2025 - Charles F. Bloszies

Millbrae BART station.

HSR Reaches Key Settlement in Northern California City

The state’s high-speed rail authority reached an agreement with Millbrae, a key city on the train’s proposed route to San Francisco.

April 24 - San Diego Post

Spiral ramp on exterior of parking garage in downtown Spokane, Washington.

Washington State Legislature Passes Parking Reform Bill

A bill that would limit parking requirements for new developments is headed to the governor’s desk.

April 24 - OPB

Missouri state capitol dome in Jefferson City, MO.

Missouri Law Would Ban Protections for Housing Voucher Users

A state law seeks to overturn source-of-income discrimination bans passed by several Missouri cities.

April 24 - Missouri Independent