Property tax regularly ranks among the least popular forms of taxation in the United States. Though property taxes can be set by local authorities such as cities, counties, and school boards, states often establish parameters in order to keep tax rates somewhat uniform. Each state, however, establishes different parameters, and as a result, what homeowners end up paying out of pocket can vary considerably, depending on the state they are in.

Using data from tax policy research organization the Tax Foundation, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed total annual property tax collections as a share of the total value of owner-occupied housing units at the state level to identify the states with the highest (and lowest) property taxes. 

It is important to note that a low property tax rate does not necessarily mean low tax collections overall in a state. State and local governments need to meet their financial obligations one way or another, and a low effective property tax rate can often mean that other tax rates, like sales or income taxes, might be higher. These are the states where Americans are paying the most in taxes. 

One of the most common ways state and local governments use revenue from property taxes is to fund public school systems. Indeed, states with higher effective property tax rates also tend to have higher than average per pupil education spending. While higher school spending alone does not necessarily improve outcomes, better funded schools can often more easily afford luxuries like smaller class sizes and a broader curriculum. Here is a look at the best public high school in each state.

Click here to see the states with the highest and lowest property taxes
Click here to read our methodology