California vs District Of Columbia
District of Columbia
Property Tax Comparison: California vs. District of Columbia
Short introduction
Both California and the District of Columbia 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 jurisdictions differ in effective tax rates, median home values, and the resulting annual tax bills. The following sections present the key figures side‑by‑side, identify which jurisdiction has the lower rate, and discuss the groups for whom the comparison may be most relevant.
Side‑by‑side comparison
| Metric | California | District of Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property tax rate | 0.71 % | 0.58 % |
| Median home value | $695,400 | $724,600 |
| Median annual property tax | $4,926 | $4,180 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $1,771 | $1,442 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $3,542 | $2,885 |
| Median household income | $96,334 | $106,287 |
Sources: “According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).”
Which jurisdiction has the lower tax burden?
- Winner (lower effective tax rate): District of Columbia (0.58 % vs. 0.71 % in California).
- Rate difference: 0.13 percentage points, which is an 18.56 % lower rate relative to California.
- Annual tax difference on a $250,000 home: $329 less in the District of Columbia ($1,771 – $1,442).
- Annual tax difference on a $500,000 home: $657 less in the District of Columbia ($3,542 – $2,885).
The lower effective rate in the District of Columbia translates into smaller yearly property‑tax bills for comparable home values, despite the District’s higher median home price. For a detailed look at each jurisdiction’s tax structure, see the internal articles: California property tax and District of Columbia property tax.
Who might find this comparison useful?
| Audience | Relevance of the comparison |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Understanding the relative tax burden can influence decisions about refinancing, home improvements, or relocating. |
| Prospective homebuyers | Buyers comparing housing costs across markets can incorporate property‑tax differences into total cost of ownership calculations. |
| Retirees | Since retirees often rely on fixed incomes, a lower property‑tax rate (as in the District of Columbia) may affect affordability decisions. |
| Real‑estate investors | Investors assessing cash‑flow projections need accurate tax estimates; the 0.13 % rate difference can affect net returns on comparable properties. |
| Policy analysts | The data illustrate how state‑level tax policies impact household expenses relative to median incomes. |
All figures are based on the most recent ACS estimates and reflect median values; actual taxes will vary with assessed property values, exemptions, and local levy adjustments.
Summary
Based on the 2023 American Community Survey, the District of Columbia imposes a lower effective property‑tax rate (0.58 %) than California (0.71 %). This results in modest annual savings of $329 on a $250 k home and $657 on a $500 k home. The comparison is particularly pertinent to homeowners, prospective buyers, retirees, and investors who need to evaluate the total cost of owning property in each jurisdiction.
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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.