As we embark on a journey across the United States, we uncover an aspect of homeownership that often prompts a deep sigh: property taxes. From coast to coast, these necessary contributions to local and state coffers can vary wildly. Let’s explore the 20 states where the dream of owning a home comes with a hefty annual reminder of civic duty.
20. Ohio
The Buckeye State welcomes homeowners with open arms and a property tax rate that might make you blink twice. With an average tax bill hovering around $2,300, it’s a gentle nudge compared to what lies ahead on our list.
19. Rhode Island
The smallest state boasts some sizeable tax demands. Average property taxes here sail to about $2,500, making every square foot count in a big way.
18. Maryland
Maryland, with its charm and waterways, also brings a property tax bill averaging around $3,000. It’s a cost of admission to some of the most desirable living spaces near the nation’s capital.
17. Massachusetts
The Bay State, rich in history and higher education, also specializes in higher property taxes, with averages around $3,500. Historical charm, it seems, comes with a modern price tag.
16. Vermont
Vermont’s picturesque landscapes are matched with property taxes that paint a less idyllic picture, averaging about $3,600. It’s a small price to pay for those seeking solace in its natural beauty—relatively speaking.
15. California
The Golden State shines bright with opportunity, innovation, and, yes, higher property taxes, averaging about $3,700. The price of sun, surf, and Silicon Valley dreams is evidently steep.
14. Michigan
Michigan, with its Great Lakes and greater tax rates, sees homeowners facing an average bill of $3,800. It’s a reminder that lake views and city living come at a cost.
13. Washington
The Evergreen State, known for its tech giants and natural vistas, also boasts property taxes averaging $3,900. A premium for those who want to keep it green in every sense of the word.
12. Maine
Maine’s rugged beauty and coastal charms are accompanied by property taxes averaging $4,000. For those in love with New England’s allure, it’s a bitter but perhaps worthwhile pill.
11. Minnesota
The Land of 10,000 Lakes makes a splash with property taxes too, averaging around $4,100. It’s the price for access to endless natural beauty and vibrant metropolitan communities.
10. New York
The Empire State, with its iconic cityscapes and bustling life, commands an average property tax of $4,500. It seems the city that never sleeps also never stops taxing.
9. Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s cheese, beer, and sports come with a side of property taxes, averaging $4,600. A hearty sum for those who call this passionate state home.
8. Connecticut
Connecticut, nestled in the heart of New England, offers picturesque living and property taxes averaging $5,000. A quaint lifestyle with a quantifiable cost.
7. Pennsylvania
The Keystone State, rich in American history and culture, also boasts property taxes averaging $5,100. Independence, it seems, comes with its own set of fees.
6. Rhode Island
Making a second appearance on our list due to its unique position, Rhode Island’s compact size doesn’t prevent its property taxes from expanding, now hitting an average of $5,200. A small state with a sizable tax tag.
5. Nebraska
The Cornhusker State, with its sprawling plains and agricultural prowess, sees average property taxes reach $5,300. A testament to the high cost of spacious living.
4. Texas
The Lone Star State, where everything’s bigger, including the property tax bills, averaging $5,400. A stark reminder that vast lands come with vast responsibilities.
3. Illinois
The Windy City and beyond face the gusts of property taxes head-on, with Illinois homeowners paying an average of $5,500. A whirlwind of a figure for those nestled in the Midwest.
2. New Hampshire
New Hampshire, with its motto of “Live Free or Die,” might consider amending to “Live Free, Pay Taxes,” with averages soaring to $5,600. Freedom in the Granite State has its price.
1. New Jersey
Crowning our list, New Jersey stands unparalleled with the highest average property tax in the nation— a staggering $8,400. The Garden State proves fertile ground not just for produce but for tax bills that are anything but garden variety.
The American Dream Costs
So, it’s clear that the American Dream of homeownership comes with a diverse landscape of fiscal obligations. Whether it’s the price of coastal living, access to metropolitan hubs, or simply the cost of sprawling acreage, property taxes remain a significant factor in the pursuit of finding a place to call home.
The post The 20 Worst States for Punishing Property Taxes first appeared on Pulse of Pride.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Wangkun Jia.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
