What's the Difference? Community Association vs. Landowners or Ratepayers Association

Yes.

There is a big difference between a 'community association' and a 'taxpayers' or 'landowners' or 'ratepayers' association... it involves ideology.

Example is from Nova Scotia.

Sign at the local fire hall in Great Village [taken just after the Nova Scotia shooting in 2020] shows "Ratepayers Association" cancelled meeting.

Other group is a 'visioning' communitarian group.

https://greatvillagens.webs.com/contact  

Great Village Community Association

Great Village Community Association is a nonprofit organization committed to helping the community in work and play. The association has a future vision of Great Village as a cohesive community where community events and celebrations are inclusive and where people choose to live, work, play and raise their families. 
They are committed to the community through volunteering and communicating with all local organizations and surrounding areas.