Compare Property Tax Rates by County
Pick any two US counties and instantly compare their effective property tax rates, median home values, and annual tax bills — then enter your home value for a personalised estimate.
Rates vary by 10x
Some counties charge 10× more than others on the same home value.
3,000+ counties covered
Every county in all 50 states with 2024 data from the US Census Bureau.
Use your home price
Enter any home value to see an instant custom tax estimate for both counties.
County A
County B
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Select two counties above to compare
Pick a state, then a county for each side to see a side-by-side breakdown.
How to Use Property Tax Comparisons When Buying a Home
Understand the True Cost of Ownership
A lower purchase price doesn't always mean lower ongoing costs. A $350,000 home in a 2.2% tax county costs $7,700/year in property taxes — more than a $500,000 home in a 1.0% county ($5,000/year). Always model the effective rate against your target price before making an offer.
Compare Adjacent Counties
County lines are often invisible on the ground — two neighborhoods can be a mile apart but in different counties with meaningfully different tax rates. If you're flexible on location, comparing adjacent counties can reveal significant savings without changing your commute.
Plan Your Mortgage Budget
Lenders include property taxes in your debt-to-income ratio via escrow. A county with a 1.5% rate on a $400,000 home adds $500/month to your effective mortgage payment — which can shift your qualifying loan amount significantly.
Factor in What You Get
Higher-tax counties often fund better schools, parks, and infrastructure. When comparing, weigh the tax savings against differences in school ratings, public services, and property value appreciation — the county with the lowest rate isn't always the best financial choice.
Explore More Property Tax Data
Dig deeper into state and county-level data across the US.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about comparing property tax rates.
What is the best way to compare property tax rates between counties?
Use the effective tax rate — median annual property taxes paid divided by median home value — rather than the nominal (statutory) rate. The effective rate reflects what homeowners actually pay after assessments, exemptions, and local adjustments, making it the most apples-to-apples metric across different jurisdictions.
Why do property tax rates vary so much from county to county?
Property taxes are set at the local level to fund schools, fire departments, roads, and other municipal services. Counties with well-funded local budgets, high population density, or recent capital projects tend to levy higher rates. Rural counties and those in low-cost states often have much lower effective rates.
Can I lower my property taxes by moving to a different county?
Yes — choosing a county with a lower effective rate can save thousands of dollars per year. On a $400,000 home, moving from a 2.0% county to a 0.8% county saves $4,800 annually. However, keep in mind that higher-tax areas often have higher home values and better-funded public services.
Does comparing counties account for homestead exemptions?
The effective rates used in this comparison are based on median taxes actually paid, which already reflect the average impact of exemptions like homestead, senior, and veteran discounts across that county's homeowner population. Your personal exemptions may lower your individual bill further.
What is a good effective property tax rate?
Nationally, the average effective property tax rate is around 1.1%. Rates below 0.5% are considered very low (common in Hawaii, Alabama, and parts of Colorado). Rates above 2.0% are considered very high (common in New Jersey, Illinois, and Connecticut). Most counties fall between 0.5% and 1.5%.
How do I find out my exact property tax bill?
Your county assessor or treasurer's office has your exact assessed value and applicable tax rates. Use the comparison tool here to estimate based on effective rates, then verify with your county for the precise figure including any special district assessments.