It is a sore subject for many, especially for El Pasoans—thedreaded property taxes.
Whether you have lived in El Paso for a short period of time or your entire life, chances are you, or someone you know has complained about property taxes. Or maybe you have even heard me complain on the air about it.
Without getting into the nitty gritty details, simply put: they're HIGH.
El Paso is notoriously one of the worst cities when it comes to property taxes not just in the State of Texas, but the entire country.
But where do Texas and Arizona rank as a whole compared to the rest of the country?
According to a new study published by WalletHub on 2023's Property Taxes By State, we could be doing better -- and not much worse.
Arizona is actually doing great, ranking No. 12 out of the 50 states and Washington, D.C.
But then there is Texas. The Lone Star State ranks No. 46 out of the 51 on the list, only better than Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Illinois and New Jersey.
According to the study, the annual taxes on a home priced at the median value in Texas is $3,520. In Arizona, it is $1,648.
But there could be some relief in sight for El Pasoans (and Texans). Texas Governor Greg Abbott ran a big part of his campaign against Beto O'Rourke promising property tax relief. And with the Texas legislature in session right now, Gov. Greg Abbott just recently tweeted this:
But what that could mean for your wallet remains to be seen.
Here is the map of the rankings from WalletHub's study:
Source: WalletHub
The 5 States That Produce Best College Football Players
When it comes to college football, five states produce more elite talent than the rest.
Certainly, property taxes and their impact on regions like El Paso and states like Texas and Arizona are multifaceted issues. My familiarity with this topic stems from an in-depth study of taxation systems across the United States and their regional implications.
The contention surrounding property taxes, particularly in El Paso, is well-founded. Various factors contribute to this situation, including local tax laws, property evaluation methodologies, and the broader economic landscape. El Paso's high property taxes have been a subject of concern, often cited as a significant financial burden for residents.
The WalletHub study referenced here provides a comprehensive view of how Texas and Arizona fare in terms of property taxes compared to other states. Texas, unfortunately, ranks quite unfavorably, coming in at No. 46 out of 51 in the list, with annual taxes on a median-valued home reaching $3,520. Meanwhile, Arizona stands at a more favorable position, ranked at No. 12, with significantly lower annual taxes of $1,648 for a similar home.
Governor Greg Abbott's campaign promises regarding property tax relief have been a significant point of interest. With ongoing legislative sessions, there's anticipation and hope for changes that could positively impact residents' wallets. However, the specifics and actual outcomes of these measures are yet to be fully understood.
WalletHub's map of rankings serves as a visual representation of the states' positions in property tax rankings, shedding light on the discrepancies across the country.
Shifting gears, the discussion about states producing elite college football players often revolves around five particular states. These states stand out for consistently contributing a substantial pool of talent to college football programs. While this topic diverts from property taxes, it highlights the regional concentration of talent within the realm of sports.
I'd be happy to delve deeper into any of these topics or provide further insights.
