Connecticut vs Washington
Washington
Property Tax Comparison: Connecticut vs. Washington
Intro
Both Connecticut and Washington levy property taxes that fund local services such as schools, police, and road maintenance. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), the two states differ markedly in effective tax rates, median home values, and the resulting annual tax bills. Washington’s effective property‑tax rate is less than half of Connecticut’s, while Connecticut’s median home values are substantially lower.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric (2023 ACS) | Connecticut | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 1.92 % | 0.84 % |
| Median home value | $343,200 | $519,800 |
| Median annual property tax | $6,575 | $4,361 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $4,789 | $2,098 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $9,579 | $4,195 |
| Median household income | $93,760 | $94,952 |
| Link to state‑specific article | Connecticut property tax | Washington property tax |
All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Who Wins on Property Taxes?
Washington has the lower effective property‑tax rate at 0.84 %, compared with 1.92 % in Connecticut.
- Difference in rate: 1.08 % (approximately 56 % lower than Connecticut’s rate).
- For a home valued at $250,000, the annual tax in Washington is $2,098, which is $2,691 less than Connecticut’s $4,789.
- For a $500,000 home, Washington’s tax is $4,195, $5,384 lower than Connecticut’s $9,579.
The lower rate translates into a smaller property‑tax burden for Washington homeowners across price points.
Which Audience Benefits Most From This Comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the Data |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Directly see how the same property value would be taxed in each state. |
| Retirees and fixed‑income households | Lower tax rates can affect affordability of housing on limited incomes. |
| Real‑estate investors | Tax differences influence cash‑flow projections and investment decisions. |
| Policy analysts and researchers | Provides a concise, data‑driven snapshot of state‑level property‑tax environments. |
The comparison is most useful for anyone evaluating the cost of owning a home in either state, especially when the property‑tax component is a primary factor in budgeting decisions.
Summary
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, Washington’s effective property‑tax rate (0.84 %) is substantially lower than Connecticut’s (1.92 %). Consequently, property owners in Washington pay less annually on comparable home values. Homebuyers, retirees, and investors who prioritize lower property‑tax obligations should consider Washington’s tax environment as the more favorable of the two states, while still weighing other cost‑of‑living and lifestyle factors.
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.