Arizona vs District Of Columbia
District of Columbia
Property‑Tax Comparison: Arizona vs. District of Columbia
Overview
Both Arizona and the District of Columbia levy property taxes on residential real estate, but the rates and resulting tax bills differ. Using the latest five‑year estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (ACS), Arizona’s effective property‑tax rate is lower than that of the District of Columbia. The difference influences the annual tax burden for typical home values and can be a factor for prospective homeowners, retirees, and other property owners.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | Arizona | District of Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.52 % | 0.58 % |
| Median home value | $358,900 | $724,600 |
| Median annual property tax | $1,858 | $4,180 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $1,294 | $1,442 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $2,589 | $2,885 |
| Median household income | $76,872 | $106,287 |
| Internal link (state‑specific) | Arizona property tax | District of Columbia property tax |
All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which Jurisdiction Has the Lower Tax Burden?
Winner (lower effective rate): Arizona
- Rate difference: 0.06 percentage points, which equals a 10.26 % relative reduction compared with the District of Columbia.
- Annual tax difference for a $250 k home: $148 less in Arizona ($1,294 vs. $1,442).
- Annual tax difference for a $500 k home: $296 less in Arizona ($2,589 vs. $2,885).
Because the effective rate is the primary driver of the tax amount, Arizona’s lower rate translates into consistently smaller property‑tax bills across comparable home values.
Who Is This Comparison Most Relevant For?
| Audience | Relevance of the Comparison |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Understanding the ongoing cost of ownership; lower property taxes can reduce total housing expenses. |
| Retirees on fixed incomes | Property‑tax savings may affect affordability, especially when combined with other cost‑of‑living factors. |
| Real‑estate investors | Tax rate differences influence cash‑flow projections for rental properties or portfolio acquisitions. |
| Relocating families | Combined with median household income data, the comparison helps gauge purchasing power in each market. |
The data are purely fiscal; other considerations such as local services, school quality, or overall cost of living are not addressed in this article.
Summary
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, Arizona’s effective property‑tax rate of 0.52 % is lower than the District of Columbia’s 0.58 %. This 0.06 % (10.26 %) rate gap results in modest but measurable annual savings for homeowners at common price points ($250 k and $500 k). Stakeholders who prioritize lower recurring tax obligations—such as homeowners, retirees, and investors—may find Arizona’s property‑tax environment more favorable, all else being equal.
Explore More Comparisons
Discover how property taxes compare across all states in our comprehensive comparison guide.
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.