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.

FULL STORY: 50-State Property Tax Comparison Study

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

Land Use United States Connecticut Rhode Island Property Tax Bridgeport Providence Lincoln Institute of Land Policy Reports Minnesota Center for Fiscal Excellence 50-State Property Tax Comparison Study View More

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