Delaware vs Florida
Property‑Tax Comparison: Delaware vs. Florida
Intro
Both Delaware and Florida are often cited for their relatively moderate property‑tax environments compared with many other states. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), Delaware’s effective property‑tax rate is lower than Florida’s, resulting in smaller annual tax bills for comparable home values.
Side‑by‑side metrics
| Metric | Delaware | Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.53% | 0.79% |
| Median home value | $326,800 | $325,000 |
| Median annual property tax | $1,731 | $2,555 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $1,324 | $1,966 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $2,649 | $3,931 |
| Median household income | $82,855 | $71,711 |
All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which state “wins” on property taxes?
Delaware has the lower effective property‑tax rate at 0.53%, compared with 0.79% in Florida. This represents a rate difference of 0.26 percentage points, or 32.63 % lower relative to Florida’s rate.
-
Annual tax on a $250,000 home:
- Delaware – $1,324
- Florida – $1,966 → $642 less in Delaware
-
Annual tax on a $500,000 home:
- Delaware – $2,649
- Florida – $3,931 → $1,282 less in Delaware
Based on the lower rate and the resulting smaller tax liabilities, Delaware is the winner in this comparison.
Who benefits most from this comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the comparison |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Lower annual tax bills in Delaware can reduce ongoing housing costs, especially for owners of higher‑valued properties. |
| Prospective homebuyers | Buyers evaluating overall affordability will see that, all else equal, property‑tax expenses are lower in Delaware. |
| Retirees | Since retirees often live on fixed incomes, a lower property‑tax rate may help stretch retirement resources, though other state‑level tax factors (e.g., sales tax, income tax) also influence overall cost of living. |
| Investors | Lower tax rates can improve net rental yields or long‑term investment returns for properties located in Delaware. |
| Policy analysts | The data provide a clear illustration of how state‑level tax policy translates into household‑level costs. |
The comparison is most directly useful for individuals whose primary concern is the property‑tax component of housing costs. It does not address other tax categories (e.g., sales tax, income tax) or non‑tax factors such as climate, insurance rates, or public services.
References
- According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), the effective property‑tax rates and related figures are as listed above.
- For additional state‑specific details, see the internal pages on Delaware property tax and Florida property tax.
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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.