1. Nebraska
Nebraska has long struggled with property taxes, ranking among the highest in the nation relative to home values. In 2024, the state enacted Legislative Bill (LB) 34, its first comprehensive levy limit aimed at curbing property tax growth. However, experts argue that the bill’s design flaws could lead to uneven results—being too lenient in some years and overly restrictive in others. This unpredictability means that 2025 could see sharp increases in property taxes for some homeowners, depending on how the law is applied.
According to the Tax Foundation, Nebraska’s reliance on property taxes to fund schools and local government services has made meaningful reform difficult. While LB 34 is a step in the right direction, the state still lacks a long-term strategy to ease the tax burden on homeowners. Rural areas, in particular, may face disproportionate increases due to fluctuating property valuations. Residents should monitor local government decisions closely, as budget changes could significantly impact their tax bills.
2. Maryland
Maryland’s property taxes are expected to rise in 2025 due to Governor Wes Moore’s proposed $67.3 billion budget, which includes both tax cuts and increases. While details on specific property tax changes are limited, the inclusion of tax hikes in the budget suggests that homeowners could face higher bills as the state seeks to fund infrastructure projects, education, and other initiatives. Maryland’s rising home values further exacerbate the issue, as property tax assessments are tied to market conditions.
According to Maryland Matters, the state’s spending plan aims to balance economic growth with fiscal responsibility. However, many homeowners worry that increased taxes will disproportionately impact middle-class families already struggling with high housing costs. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about proposed changes and participate in public hearings to voice their concerns. The state’s budgetary decisions in 2025 could have long-lasting effects on property owners’ financial stability.
3. Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, property taxes are a perennial issue, and 2025 is expected to bring significant increases in certain areas. Governor Josh Shapiro has expanded the state’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, providing financial relief to older residents and people with disabilities. While this program helps vulnerable populations, it also highlights the rising property tax burdens faced by many Pennsylvanians. Counties with high property values, such as Montgomery and Chester, are particularly at risk for increased taxes.
The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue reports that the rebate program has been updated to reflect rising costs, indicating that tax assessments are climbing statewide. Homeowners who do not qualify for rebates may feel the pinch as local governments reassess properties to account for market growth. With schools and public services heavily reliant on property tax revenue, residents can expect rising bills unless significant reforms are enacted. Keeping an eye on local reassessment notices will be crucial for homeowners in 2025.
4. Texas
Texas homeowners have faced steep property tax increases in recent years, and 2025 may be no exception. Despite the implementation of House Bill (HB) 45, which caps annual increases on residential property taxes at 4%, the state’s rising home values continue to drive up assessments. The cap offers some relief but does not address the underlying reliance on property taxes to fund schools and local services, leaving many homeowners vulnerable to higher bills.
According to Pew Trusts, Texas has one of the highest property tax burdens in the nation. The state’s lack of an income tax places additional pressure on property owners to fill budgetary gaps. While some legislative measures aim to curb excessive growth, rising housing demand and limited reform efforts suggest that homeowners will still feel the financial strain. Texans should review their property assessments carefully and explore available exemptions to mitigate increases.
5. Connecticut
Connecticut’s property taxes are some of the highest in the nation, and 2025 is expected to bring even more increases for homeowners. The state’s reliance on property taxes to fund local schools and government services means that rising home values and budget pressures directly impact property tax bills. Additionally, recent changes to the state’s fiscal policies, such as adjustments to net operating loss (NOL) carryforward periods, could shift more financial burden onto residential property owners.
According to the Tax Foundation, Connecticut’s high property tax rates have long been a deterrent for new residents and businesses. The state’s ongoing efforts to address budget shortfalls often lead to increased assessments, particularly in affluent areas like Fairfield County. For homeowners, this could mean significant year-over-year increases in their tax bills. Those living in the state should explore available exemptions, such as senior citizen tax relief programs, to help offset rising costs.
6. New Jersey
New Jersey consistently ranks as the state with the highest property taxes in the country, and 2025 looks no different. With the average property tax bill already exceeding $9,000, residents are bracing for additional increases due to rising home values and growing demands for school funding. Urban and suburban areas alike face significant budgetary pressures, with local governments relying heavily on property taxes to fill revenue gaps.
As reported by NJ.com, recent reassessments in high-demand housing markets like Bergen County and Essex County are expected to push property tax bills even higher. While Governor Phil Murphy has introduced rebate programs to ease the burden on middle-income families, these measures may not be enough to offset the rapid increases. Homeowners in New Jersey are advised to review their assessments closely and consider filing appeals if they believe their property’s valuation is inaccurate.
7. Illinois
Illinois residents have long been burdened by some of the highest property taxes in the nation, and the situation is expected to worsen in 2025. The state’s pension crisis, combined with declining federal aid, has forced local governments to rely more heavily on property taxes to fund services. In areas like Cook County, where home values have risen substantially, reassessments are expected to result in steep increases for many homeowners.
According to Crain’s Chicago Business, Illinois’ property tax system disproportionately affects middle-class families, particularly in suburban areas. High property tax rates also discourage potential buyers, making it harder for current homeowners to sell their properties at competitive prices. Residents are urged to attend local tax board meetings to stay informed about upcoming changes and explore exemptions that may help reduce their tax burden.
8. California
California’s property tax system is unique, governed by Proposition 13, which caps annual increases at 2% for existing homeowners. However, the state’s rapid rise in home values means new buyers are facing much higher initial tax assessments, contributing to growing affordability challenges. In 2025, property tax revenue is expected to increase significantly due to ongoing housing demand and new construction, further straining the budgets of recent homebuyers.
According to The Los Angeles Times, the disparity between long-term homeowners and new buyers under Prop 13 has created an uneven tax landscape, with new residents bearing the brunt of rising costs. Additionally, local governments continue to introduce special assessments and parcel taxes to fund schools and infrastructure, further increasing property tax bills. California homeowners, especially recent buyers, should research available tax exemptions and stay vigilant about additional levies on their property tax bills.
9. Rhode Island
Rhode Island, the smallest state in the country, has some of the highest property tax rates relative to home values. In 2025, homeowners are expected to face further increases as local governments reassess properties to keep pace with rising market values. Urban areas like Providence are particularly affected, where new developments and gentrification have driven up home prices and, consequently, tax bills.
As noted by Providence Journal, Rhode Island’s reliance on property taxes for funding schools and public services leaves homeowners vulnerable to significant hikes. Efforts to reform the state’s tax system have been slow, leaving many residents frustrated by the lack of relief. Homeowners in Rhode Island are encouraged to explore homestead exemptions and challenge their assessments if they believe their property is overvalued.
10. New York
New York’s property taxes vary widely depending on location, but residents in high-demand areas like Westchester County and Long Island are bracing for steep increases in 2025. Rising property values, coupled with high demands for school funding, continue to drive up assessments in suburban communities. Meanwhile, rural areas upstate face their own challenges, as declining populations and shrinking tax bases force local governments to rely more heavily on remaining homeowners.
According to The New York Times, New York’s property tax system is among the most complex in the nation, with school districts often accounting for the largest share of tax bills. Efforts to reform tax policies at the state level have stalled, leaving homeowners with limited options for relief. Residents should review their property assessments carefully and consider filing appeals if they believe their valuations are inaccurate.
11. Massachusetts
Massachusetts homeowners are likely to see significant property tax increases in 2025, driven by rising home values and the state’s heavy reliance on property tax revenue to fund schools and local government services. Areas like Boston, Cambridge, and suburban neighborhoods have experienced rapid appreciation in home prices, which directly impacts tax assessments. As municipalities adjust their budgets to account for inflation and new infrastructure needs, property tax bills are expected to climb even higher.
According to MassLive, the Massachusetts Department of Revenue has encouraged cities and towns to update their property assessments more frequently to reflect current market values. While this ensures accuracy, it also means that homeowners may face steep increases in their tax bills as reassessments catch up to soaring real estate prices. To ease the burden, the state offers tax deferral programs for seniors and veterans, but these benefits don’t apply to all residents. Homeowners are advised to stay informed about local tax policy changes and explore potential exemptions or abatements to mitigate rising costs.
12. Florida
Florida’s property tax system, while relatively moderate compared to some states, is expected to see significant increases in 2025 due to skyrocketing home values and an influx of new residents. Popular areas like Miami, Tampa, and Orlando have experienced unprecedented real estate demand, pushing up property assessments across the state. Although Florida’s Save Our Homes cap limits annual increases in assessed value for primary residences to 3%, this protection doesn’t apply to second homes or investment properties, leaving many property owners vulnerable to larger tax hikes.
As reported by The Miami Herald, the state’s booming housing market has made it difficult for local governments to balance the needs of longtime residents with the demands of new arrivals. Rising property taxes could disproportionately impact retirees and low-income families who are already struggling with Florida’s increasing cost of living. Homeowners should monitor their property assessments and consider filing appeals if they believe their valuation is too high. Additionally, residents can take advantage of Florida’s homestead exemption to reduce their taxable property value.
