GoKawiilCensus data: property taxes dominate state revenue in half of US states
New 2024 U.S. Census Bureau data shows property taxes are the largest combined state and local tax revenue source in 25 states, including Florida, Texas and New York, while general sales taxes lead in 16 states and individual income taxes top seven, including California. Washington draws nearly half its tax revenue from general sales and gross receipts taxes, and Delaware stands out for its reliance on license taxes.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The breakdown highlights how differently states fund public services, with some leaning heavily on property owners, others on consumers, and a few, like Delaware, on business registration fees tied to their role as corporate havens. Such structural differences could shape how states respond to economic downturns or shifts in federal funding, since reliance on a single tax type can make budgets more sensitive to specific economic conditions, such as housing markets or consumer spending.
- Property taxes are the top revenue source in 25 states, led by New Hampshire at 64.3%.
- General sales and gross receipts taxes are Washington's dominant revenue source, nearing half its total.
- Delaware's reliance on license taxes reflects its status as a popular legal home for businesses.
Source: visualcapitalist.com — Gabriel Cohen, 2026-11-06
Published there as: “Where Each U.S. State Gets Its Tax Revenue From”
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