Delaware vs Kentucky
Property‑Tax Comparison: Delaware vs. Kentucky
Brief overview
Both Delaware and Kentucky levy property taxes that are collected by local governments (counties, municipalities, school districts, etc.). According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), Delaware’s effective property‑tax rate is 0.53 %, while Kentucky’s is 0.77 %. The lower rate in Delaware translates into lower annual taxes for comparable home values, even though Delaware’s median home price is higher than Kentucky’s.
Side‑by‑side key metrics
| Metric | Delaware | Kentucky |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.53 % | 0.77 % |
| Median home value | $326,800 | $192,300 |
| Median annual property tax | $1,731 | $1,472 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $1,324 | $1,914 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $2,649 | $3,827 |
| Median household income | $82,855 | $62,417 |
Sources: “According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).”
Which state “wins” on property tax?
- Winner (lower tax rate): Delaware
- Rate difference: 0.24 % points (Delaware’s rate is 30.80 % lower than Kentucky’s).
- Annual tax difference on a $250 k home: $590 less in Delaware.
- Annual tax difference on a $500 k home: $1,178 less in Delaware.
Because the effective property‑tax rate is the primary driver of annual tax liability, Delaware’s lower rate results in lower taxes for homeowners at any given property value. The calculations above use the effective rates applied to the specified home prices.
Who is this comparison most relevant for?
| Audience | Relevance of the comparison |
|---|---|
| Prospective homebuyers | Understanding the ongoing tax cost of owning a home helps evaluate affordability in each state. |
| Current homeowners considering relocation | The tax differential may affect net‑of‑tax cash flow, especially for owners of higher‑value properties. |
| Retirees and fixed‑income households | Lower property taxes can reduce the overall cost of living; Delaware’s lower rate may be advantageous, though overall cost of living and median home values also matter. |
| Real‑estate investors | Effective tax rates influence the after‑tax return on rental or investment properties; Delaware’s lower rate may improve cash‑flow projections. |
The data presented are purely factual; they do not account for other fiscal factors such as state income taxes, sales taxes, or local service fees, which may also influence overall affordability.
Further reading
- Detailed information on Delaware’s property‑tax system: Delaware property tax
- Detailed information on Kentucky’s property‑tax system: Kentucky property tax
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, these figures reflect the average conditions for the 2023 reporting period.
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.