Methodology & sources

Every figure on this site comes from a named public dataset, or is a clearly labelled model assumption you can change. Nothing is scraped from listings and nothing is estimated where a published figure exists.

What comes from published data

• Median home value, real estate taxes paid, gross rent, occupied units, population — US Census Bureau, American Community Survey ACS 2023 5-Year (tables B25077, B25103, B25064, B25003, B01003). Updated each December.
• Effective property tax rate — median real estate taxes paid divided by median home value. This is the standard published methodology and matches how the Census Bureau and Tax Foundation express county tax burden.
• Mortgage rates — Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey, refreshed weekly.
• Residential electricity price — US Energy Information Administration, Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A, by state.

What is modelled

Three line items have no county-level public dataset, so they are national estimates. They are shown as editable inputs and are excluded from any ranking on this site.

• Homeowners insurance — 0.60% of home value per year. Real premiums vary widely by state, roof age and claims history.
• Maintenance reserve — 1% of home value per year, the conventional planning figure. Older homes run higher.
• Water, sewer and trash — a flat US household average.
• Electricity usage — the US average household figure. The price per kWh is real and state-specific; the usage is not.

Known limitations

Effective tax rates are county-wide medians. Individual bills vary by municipality, school district and any exemption you have filed. Always confirm with the county assessor before relying on a figure. ACS estimates for small counties carry wide margins of error.