Have you ever gone on vacation in a new city and enjoyed it so much that you dream about living there full-time? Or maybe you’re just looking for a part-time getaway in a spot where the weather is always warmer than back home. Whatever the case may be, it’s important to do some research about local property taxes before making any big decisions. The property tax rate in some U.S. states may seem prohibitively high, but others are known for lower tax rates. Based on recent data compiled by the Tax Foundation — a nonprofit research group specializing in tax policy — here’s a look at the 11 U.S. states with the lowest effective property tax rates, as of 2025.

10. Colorado (tie)

Effective property tax rate: 0.50%

Colorado is tied with Delaware for the 10th-lowest effective property tax rate in the U.S. This makes cities such as Denver a particularly attractive place to own property. According to an analysis by the Colorado Sun, the property tax on a $550,000 house in Denver would be just $2,860 — far less than the $5,059 tax bill for an identically priced property in Atlanta, $6,379 in Los Angeles, or $14,243 in Portland, Oregon. 

On an individual county level, Colorado’s rates are lowest (0.21%) in Jackson County — a sparsely populated county of just over 1,200 people located in the north along the Wyoming border. Because of high home values, though, Coloradans still pay the 15th-highest total amount of property taxes per capita in the country, at $7,263 annually, according to additional data provided by the Tax Foundation.

10. Delaware (tie)

Effective property tax rate: 0.50%

Like Colorado, Delaware has a 0.50% effective statewide property tax rate. However, the exact rate you’ll pay varies depending on which of the state’s three counties you own property in. For instance, in New Castle County — home to major cities such as Wilmington and Newark — the tax rate hovers around 0.74%. In Kent County (home to the capital city of Dover), the rate drops to 0.46%, while in Sussex County it’s just 0.33%. 

Despite the low tax rates, Delawareans still pay the 13th-highest total amount of annual property taxes per capita in the country, at $7,693 per household. The Delaware Legislature passed a bill in August 2025 to help provide property tax relief to any locals facing increased tax bills in the wake of a recent statewide property reassessment. And fortunately, Delaware is one of only a handful of states not to charge a statewide sales tax.

8. Nevada (tie)

Effective property tax rate: 0.49%

Nevada is one of two states with a 0.49% effective property tax rate. While that is the average statewide, in terms of individual Nevadan counties, the tax rate is lowest (0.40%) in Storey County, which is located east of Reno and is home to just over 4,000 full-time residents. 

If you’re eyeing property in Las Vegas (located in Clark County), the property tax rates are slightly higher but still affordable. Despite the city’s association with glitz, glamour, and wealth, the property tax rate in Clark County is just 0.50%.

8. Tennessee (tie)

Effective property tax rate: 0.49%

While Tennessee’s effective property tax rate recently rose from 0.45% to 0.49%, it remains in a tie for the eighth-lowest rate in the country. Locals also pay an average of just $4,731 in annual property taxes per capita, which ranks second-lowest among U.S. states after Alabama. 

Tennessee’s property tax rates are their lowest (0.31%) in Cumberland County, a community of more than 65,000 residents located halfway between Knoxville and Nashville. Notably, there are ongoing efforts to ban state property taxes altogether in Tennessee, with a vote set to take place in 2026.

6. Idaho (tie)

Effective property tax rate: 0.48%

Idaho claims the sixth-lowest effective property tax rate in the U.S. in a tie with West Virginia. The lowest rate is just 0.29% in Clark County; however, very few Idahoans get to take advantage of such a low number, as there are fewer than 800 people who call the county their full-time home. When it comes to total taxes paid per capita each year, Idaho ranks the ninth-lowest among U.S. states, with a total of $5,173 per person.

6. West Virginia (tie)

Effective property tax rate: 0.48%

While West Virginia’s effective property tax rate is 0.48% statewide, those rates on a county level drop as low as 0.30% in Summers County, which is located toward the southern part of the state and includes the city of Hinton. But even at their peak, countywide property tax rates in the state of West Virginia remain quite low. The highest tax rate is 0.68% in Kanawha County, home to the state capital of Charleston. In total, West Virginians pay an estimated $5,335 annually in terms of property taxes per capita, which is the 16th-lowest statewide average in the country.

4. South Carolina (tie)

Effective property tax rate: 0.47%

South Carolina is another state where the average property tax rate comes out to 0.47%. South Carolinians also pay the seventh-lowest amount of total property taxes per capita, at just $5,052 annually. 

The lowest effective property tax rate (0.34%) among individual counties in South Carolina can be found in Horry County, which includes Myrtle Beach and is located along the Atlantic Coast. The rates jump a bit higher in places such as Allendale County, which levies a property tax rate of 0.88%.

4. Utah (tie)

Effective property tax rate: 0.47%

On a statewide basis, Utah is one of two states tied for having the fourth-lowest effective property tax rate in the country. However, rates creep up in places such as San Juan County (0.84%), which makes up the southeastern part of the state and includes parts of Canyonlands National Park. 

But generally, Utah’s property tax rates are quite low, especially in Rich County (despite what its name might suggest). Bordering both Idaho and Wyoming in northern Utah, Rich County has an effective property tax rate of 0.29%. Per capita, Utah residents pay around $6,277 in property taxes, which is right around the midpoint for all states.

3. Arizona

Effective property tax rate: 0.44%

While Arizonans pay an average property tax rate of 0.44%, the 9,500 residents of Greenlee County, which is located along the New Mexico border and contains parts of the Apache National Forest, are subject to a property tax rate of just 0.36%. The average homeowner in Arizona shells out around $5,232 in annual property taxes, which is the 11th-lowest such number in the United States.

2. Alabama

Effective property tax rate: 0.36%

Alabamans not only pay the second-lowest property tax rate in the nation, but also pay the lowest amount of property taxes per capita each year, at just $4,722. When you break it down by county, the property tax rate is lower than 0.30% in 18 of Alabama’s 67 counties, with the lowest total dipping below 0.20%. That rate can be found in Choctaw County, which borders the state of Mississippi and imposes a property tax rate of just 0.18%.

1. Hawaii

Effective property tax rate: 0.32%

Hawaii has the lowest property tax rate of any state. The most affordable rate on a county level is in Maui County, where residents pay just 0.17% on property taxes. But this rate can be deceiving — as noted by the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, property taxes are assessed based on total property value, which is extremely high across the board in the Aloha State. In fact, the average Hawaii resident spends $9,503 in annual property taxes, which is the fourth-highest amount in the country, after New York, California, and Connecticut.

Summary of States With the Lowest Property Taxes

Ah, the confusing world of TSA rules. Are we meant to remove our shoes or aren’t we, and do electronic devices stay in our luggage or go in the bin? The answer seems to change frequently and perhaps arbitrarily, but there are some airport security tips that never go out of style. Chief among them, according to a conversation-starting viral video, is to never put a certain item directly in the TSA bin. Find out more about this important travel tip below.

Ring, Ring

Travel vlogger Tiffany, who publishes under the name Travel.by.the.Books, recounted in a viral TikTok video an incident that occurred at a TSA checkpoint during a recent trip. After she placed her cellphone in the bin, the TSA agent on duty looked at her and said, “You don’t like your phone?” After Tiffany replied that she did indeed, the agent told her that putting it directly in the bin on its own is “the fastest way to get it stolen.”

It’s easy to see why: Depending on how many people are going through security at the same time as you, there’s no telling whether you’ll make it through before your bag is scanned. If you don’t, there’s nothing stopping a quick-fingered traveler on the other side from swiping a loose phone and bringing it along to their final destination while you’re stuck frantically looking for it. 

“The number-one thing [TSA agents] see stolen on a regular basis is phones,” Tiffany claims. “They’re left out and available, the lines get backed up, and people don’t notice until it’s too late.”

A Simple Solution

To avoid sending your phone on a different flight, simply put it inside your bag before your luggage goes through the scanner — and be sure to zip it up. The odds of theft are considerably lower when the would-be thief in question has to unzip other travelers’ bags in the hopes of finding a phone to plunder, especially with so many other people — including and especially TSA agents — around. Putting away your phone gives you one less thing to worry about. 

Even if your device isn’t stolen, you may accidentally leave it behind. You won’t be alone: The TSA estimates that 90,000 to 100,000 items are left behind at security checkpoints each year. If you notice your device is missing, you have 30 days to make a claim with the TSA by visiting the TSA’s Lost and Found section of its website.

And now, there’s one less thing for travelers to worry about with security screening: taking off their shoes. In July 2025, the TSA amended this long-standing rule, first introduced in 2006, citing new security technology. The agency hopes that the move — along with several others like the addition of dedicated family lines and new eGates — will speed up security processing times. Just be sure to do your part and avoid these seven common mistakes travelers make at the TSA checkpoint. 

Featured image credit: monkeybusinessimages/ iStock via Getty Images Plus 

When it comes to budget-conscious travel, the best hacks are cheap and versatile — like the humble shower cap. This underrated item can do far more than protect your hair from water. From containing messes to organizing accessories, shower caps can be a luggage lifesaver. You can grab a pack of disposable caps for just a few cents each, or opt for reusable versions for $2 a piece. Some hotels even offer them for free. Here are six ways to make the most of this clever solution on your next adventure.

Shoe Cover

Whether you just finished an epic hike or got caught in the rain on a city walking tour, dealing with dirty shoes is often unavoidable while traveling. Keep your suitcase clean (and bacteria at bay) by wrapping your shoes in shower caps. Simply stretch the cap over the soles so the elastic fits snugly around the top. Most caps will fit a standard pair of walking shoes, and they’re cheaper than traditional travel shoe bags.

Laundry Separator

While a shower cap can’t haul an entire bag of dirty laundry, it’s perfect for storing smaller items, such as damp swimsuits or dirty socks. Keeping these items separated from the rest of your luggage helps everything stay fresher, especially when you’re on the go and don’t have time to do laundry. It’s a simple and effective solution to a messy, yet common, travel problem. 

Toiletry Sealer

Leaky shampoos and messy lotions can wreak havoc on a bag of clean clothes. In a pinch, wrap your toiletries in a shower cap to contain spills and moisture. For extra protection, secure the cap with a rubber band or tie it shut. Shower caps can also be used for other personal care items. Forgot a cover for your toothbrush or razor? A clean shower cap doubles as a quick and sanitary shield — no fancy case required.

Electronics Protector

Tossing a shower cap in your backpack or purse while traveling is a simple way to protect your gear if you’re caught in unexpected rain or snow. One cap can cover multiple small electronics, such as phones, tablets, and cameras, keeping them safe and dry until you’re back indoors. Plus, a spare cap is a great way to store a wet umbrella after use, protecting the rest of your bag from getting soaked. 

Accessory Organizer

Items such as hats, headbands, and hair clips tend to get lost in large suitcases, but you can use a shower cap as a pouch to keep them in one place. It’s also a clever way to store loose electronic cords and chargers, children’s toys, and even pet accessories like leashes and collars. 

Snack or Trash Holder

When you’re on the road with kids or pets, having snacks and treats on hand often makes the journey smoother. In a pinch, a shower cap (a clean one, of course) is a budget-friendly way to temporarily store these goodies. Plus, it can be repurposed for collecting wrappers, crumbs, and small trash when a bin isn’t nearby.

Turbulence is one of the most common sources of anxiety for air travelers — even for those who fly often. According to a recent study, around one in three Americans report having a fear of flying, and turbulence is cited as the most common culprit. After all, a sudden dip or midair wobble can feel alarming, especially if you can’t see what’s causing it. Experts agree that there’s nothing to worry about, but fear isn’t necessarily rational. Still, by understanding more about this natural phenomenon, you can help calm those preflight jitters. Let’s tackle the stigma surrounding turbulence to help you feel more at ease during your next flight. 

The Science Behind Turbulence

Turbulence is an invisible form of air movement that causes an aircraft to move erratically. The National Weather Service identifies four main types of turbulence:

• Mechanical turbulence: This occurs when friction is created by irregular terrain, such as mountains, and human-made obstacles, like large buildings.
• Thermal turbulence: This happens when uneven heating of the ground causes warm air to rise and cool air to sink, leading to bumpy and gusty conditions. This is most common in the afternoon.
• Frontal turbulence: This arises when warm air is lifted along a sloping front (a place where two air masses meet) — warm air interacts with colder air, creating unstable conditions.
• Wind shear: This is the technical term for a change in wind direction and/or wind speed over a specific horizontal or vertical distance; it is caused by factors such as thunderstorms, temperature inversions, and jet streams.

Turbulence can occur unexpectedly even if the air appears to be clear, in a phenomenon known as “clear air turbulence.” This is caused by wind shear and is most frequent during winter and least frequent during summer. It also appears to be happening more often, with some studies suggesting climate change as the main culprit.

Lastly, there are also different intensity levels of turbulence, which are typically classified as light, moderate, severe, or extreme. While most turbulence is “light,” meaning very mild, the most extreme types, though rare, can lead to structural concerns with the aircraft. But even moderate turbulence can be disruptive. For instance, during moderate turbulence, food and drink service may be temporarily paused for everyone’s safety. 

How Often Does Turbulence Happen?

According to the National Weather Service, turbulence, while unpredictable, doesn’t occur frequently. At cruising altitudes, only about 3% of the atmosphere has conditions that lead to light turbulence at any given time — and just 1% has moderate turbulence. The likelihood of experiencing severe turbulence is even lower, at a fraction of a percent.

There is a caveat, though. Some flight routes are naturally bumpier than others because they fly over locations such as mountainous regions, which are more prone to experiencing turbulence. This is why the Rocky Mountains, for instance, see the most turbulent flight routes in the United States. Meanwhile, areas with changing wind patterns are also prone to turbulence, such as where the jet stream crosses the North Atlantic Ocean, which happens to be one of the world’s busiest flight routes.

Is Turbulence Something To Be Worried About?

Writing for his website Ask the Pilot, airline pilot and author Patrick Smith reassures travelers that turbulence is nothing to worry about. He explains that aircraft are designed to endure “an extreme amount of stress,” and the level of turbulence needed to cause catastrophic damage is something “even the most frequent flyer — or pilot for that matter — won’t experience in a lifetime of traveling.”

Statistics on turbulence-related injuries highlight just how rare they are. Between 2009 and 2024, the FAA reported 207 severe passenger injuries caused by turbulence, which averages to about 13 injuries per year. Considering that more than 3 million passengers fly through U.S. airspace daily, the likelihood of being seriously injured by turbulence is very close to zero.

The chances of a plane crashing due to turbulence are even more improbable. “Over the whole history of modern commercial aviation, the number of jetliner crashes caused by turbulence, even indirectly, can be counted on one hand,” Smith writes.

How To Stay Safe During Turbulence

While turbulence is rarely very dangerous, it is still the leading cause of nonfatal injuries to passengers and crew. So, it’s best to err on the side of caution. The FAA provides guidelines to help passengers stay safe during turbulence and prevent injuries.

Most importantly, the agency recommends that passengers keep their seat belts buckled whenever they are seated, even if the “fasten seat belt” sign isn’t illuminated. This may seem like overkill, but most turbulence-related injuries occur to those who are not wearing their seat belts at the time of the incident. Due to the unpredictable nature of turbulence, pilots can’t always warn passengers ahead of time.

Of course, there are also instances when passengers are required to be buckled in, per FAA regulations. This includes whenever the plane is taxiing, as well as during takeoff and landing. In addition to wearing your seat belt, be sure to stow large or heavy items in the overhead bins securely, as loose objects can become hazardous in bumpy conditions.

While these guidelines may seem stringent, they’re in place to keep you, your fellow passengers, and air crew safe during unpredictable flying conditions. And remember, while bumps and drops may feel unsettling in the moment, they’re a regular part of flying. Modern aircraft are built to handle far more than turbulence can throw at them.