Delaware vs District Of Columbia
District of Columbia
Property‑Tax Comparison: Delaware vs. District of Columbia
Summary – Both jurisdictions levy property taxes based on the assessed value of residential real estate. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), Delaware’s effective property‑tax rate is slightly lower than that of the District of Columbia. The table below presents the key metrics used for the comparison.
Side‑by‑side metrics
| Metric | Delaware | District of Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.53 % | 0.58 % |
| Median home value | $326,800 | $724,600 |
| Median annual property tax | $1,731 | $4,180 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $1,324 | $1,442 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $2,649 | $2,885 |
| Median household income | $82,855 | $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 rate): Delaware
- Rate difference: 0.05 percentage points, which is an 8.18 % relative difference (0.05 % ÷ 0.58 % × 100).
- Annual tax difference on a $250,000 home: $118 less in Delaware ($1,442 – $1,324).
- Annual tax difference on a $500,000 home: $236 less in Delaware ($2,885 – $2,649).
Because the effective property‑tax rate is the primary factor used to calculate taxes on any home value, Delaware’s lower rate results in lower annual taxes for comparable properties.
Who might find this comparison most relevant?
| Audience | Why the data matters |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Property‑tax cost directly affects monthly housing expenses and overall affordability. |
| Retirees | Fixed‑income households often prioritize lower recurring taxes; a lower effective rate can reduce yearly outlays. |
| Real‑estate investors | Tax liability influences cash‑flow projections and return on investment calculations. |
| Policy analysts | The effective‑rate metric provides a standardized basis for comparing tax burdens across jurisdictions with different home‑price levels. |
The comparison is purely quantitative; it does not address other fiscal considerations such as school funding, municipal services, or state income‑tax structures.
Further reading
- Detailed information on Delaware’s property‑tax system: Delaware property tax
- Detailed information on the District of Columbia’s property‑tax system: District of Columbia property tax
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, the figures above reflect statewide averages and median values. Individual tax bills may vary depending on specific assessments, exemptions, and local levy variations.
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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.