California vs Delaware
California vs. Delaware Property Taxes (2026)
Intro
Both California and Delaware levy property taxes that fund local services such as schools, public safety, and infrastructure. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), the two states differ noticeably in effective tax rates, median home values, and the amount most homeowners pay each year. The data below provides a side‑by‑side view of the key metrics that affect residential property owners.
Side‑by‑Side Comparison
| Metric | California | Delaware |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property tax rate | 0.71 % | 0.53 % |
| Median home value | $695,400 | $326,800 |
| Median annual property tax | $4,926 | $1,731 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $1,771 | $1,324 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $3,542 | $2,649 |
| Median household income | $96,334 | $82,855 |
| Link to state‑specific page | California property tax | Delaware property tax |
All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 ACS 5‑year estimates.
Who Wins on Property Tax?
- Winner (lower tax rate): Delaware
- Rate difference: 0.18 percentage points (Delaware’s rate is 25.23 % lower than California’s).
Annual tax impact on typical home values
| Home value | Annual tax in California | Annual tax in Delaware | Difference (Delaware lower) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $1,771 | $1,324 | $447 |
| $500,000 | $3,542 | $2,649 | $893 |
Based on the lower effective property tax rate, Delaware imposes less annual tax burden on comparable properties.
Which Audiences May Benefit More From This Comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the Data |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Understanding how their property tax liability compares across states can inform decisions about relocation or refinancing. |
| Prospective homebuyers | The tax component is a significant part of the total cost of ownership; lower rates in Delaware may make it financially attractive, especially for mid‑range homes. |
| Retirees | Fixed‑income households often prioritize lower ongoing expenses; Delaware’s lower median tax bill aligns with that need. |
| Real‑estate investors | Effective tax rates affect cash‑flow calculations; Delaware’s lower rates may improve net operating income on rental properties. |
| Policy analysts | The contrast illustrates how state‑level tax structures influence household finances and can be a basis for comparative policy study. |
All conclusions are drawn directly from the most recent ACS estimates; they do not account for other state‑specific costs (e.g., income tax, sales tax, insurance) that could affect the overall tax burden.
Reference
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), the figures above represent the latest available median values for property taxes and household income in California and Delaware.
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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.