Property Taxes Outpace Inflation Across the U.S., Fueled by Local Budgets
Last year, the average homeowner paid $4,427 in property taxes, up 3.7% from 2024 and faster than the 2.7% CPI; tax bills rose in 40 states plus D.C., with Delaware up 18% and Maryland 11.6%, even as home values slipped 1.7% to $494,231. Tax hikes reflect local funding needs for schools and services, not consumer prices, and some states cut levies (Wyoming 25% cut for properties up to $1M; Montana rebates). New Jersey averages about $10,500, while West Virginia averages around $1,081. Property taxes account for roughly 70 cents of every dollar in local tax revenue.
