Property taxes are surging. See what homeowners by state and county.

Property taxes in the U.S. are increasing faster than inflation, with the average homeowner paying $4,427 last year, a 3.7% rise from 2024, according to ATTOM. In contrast, the Consumer Price Index rose by 2.7%. Some states, like Delaware and Maryland, saw even larger increases. Property taxes fund local services such as schools and emergency services, making up 70% of local tax collections. Despite a 1.7% drop in the average value of single-family homes, property taxes rose due to the rising costs of public services. While taxes increased in 40 states and D.C., they decreased in 10 states, mainly in the West, due to policy changes and alternative revenue sources. Homeowners in the Northeast, California, and Illinois pay the highest taxes, with New Jersey averaging $10,500 annually, while West Virginia has the lowest at $1,081. QUESTION: How might rising property taxes impact the affordability of homeownership for future generations?