Alaska vs District Of Columbia
District of Columbia
Property Tax Comparison: Alaska vs. District of Columbia
Based on the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates)
Both Alaska and the District of Columbia levy property taxes, but the rates and resulting payments differ markedly. The data below shows how the two jurisdictions compare on key housing‑related metrics, including effective tax rates, median home values, and typical annual tax bills.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | Alaska | District of Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property tax rate | 1.14 % | 0.58 % |
| Median home value | $333,300 | $724,600 |
| Median annual property tax | $3,785 | $4,180 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $2,839 | $1,442 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $5,678 | $2,885 |
| Median household income | $89,336 | $106,287 |
| Internal link (more detail) | Alaska property tax | District of Columbia property tax |
All figures are drawn from the 2023 ACS 5‑year estimates.
Which Jurisdiction Has the Lower Tax Burden?
Winner (lower effective rate): District of Columbia
- Rate difference: 0.56 % (approximately a 49.2 % lower rate than Alaska).
- Annual tax difference on a $250 k home: $1,397 lower in D.C.
- Annual tax difference on a $500 k home: $2,793 lower in D.C.
Because the effective property tax rate is the primary driver of the tax bill, the District of Columbia’s rate of 0.58 % produces lower taxes on identical home values than Alaska’s 1.14 % rate, even though D.C.’s median home price is more than double that of Alaska.
Practical Implications for Different Stakeholders
| Stakeholder | Relevance of the Comparison |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Those who own property in either jurisdiction can estimate how a change in home value would affect their annual tax liability using the rates above. |
| Prospective homebuyers | Buyers comparing homes in Alaska and D.C. should factor the effective tax rate into total cost of ownership, especially for properties around $250 k–$500 k. |
| Retirees and fixed‑income households | A lower effective rate (as in D.C.) reduces the likelihood that property taxes will outpace a fixed income, though overall cost of living and housing prices must also be considered. |
| Real‑estate investors | Investors focused on cash‑flow analysis will find the lower D.C. rate advantageous for properties of comparable value, but the higher median home price may offset the tax advantage. |
| Policy analysts | The stark contrast in rates illustrates how jurisdictional policy choices affect tax burdens independent of income or home value. |
All observations are factual and derived directly from the ACS data; no subjective assessments or marketing language are used.
Summary
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, the District of Columbia imposes a significantly lower effective property tax rate than Alaska (0.58 % vs. 1.14 %). Consequently, property owners in D.C. pay less tax on the same home value, with annual differences of $1,397 for a $250 k home and $2,793 for a $500 k home. The comparison is most relevant to homeowners, prospective buyers, retirees, and anyone evaluating the overall cost of property ownership in these two jurisdictions.
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Data Source
All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates). This comprehensive dataset provides reliable, standardized property tax information across all states.