Delaware vs Maine
Property‑Tax Comparison: Delaware vs. Maine
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), Delaware and Maine have markedly different property‑tax environments. Delaware’s effective property‑tax rate is just over half a percent, while Maine’s rate exceeds one percent. The disparity influences the amount of annual tax paid on homes of the same value and can affect decisions by prospective homeowners, retirees, and investors.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | Delaware | Maine |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.53 % | 1.10 % |
| Median home value | $326,800 | $266,400 |
| Median annual property tax | $1,731 | $2,926 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $1,324 | $2,746 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $2,649 | $5,492 |
| Median household income | $82,855 | $71,773 |
| Reference pages | Delaware property tax | Maine property tax |
All dollar figures are median values from the 2023 ACS 5‑year estimates.
Which State Has the Lower Property‑Tax Burden?
Winner (lower tax rate): Delaware
- Tax‑rate difference: 0.57 percentage points, which is a 51.77 % lower effective rate than Maine’s.
- Annual tax difference on a $250,000 home: $1,422 (Delaware $1,324 vs. Maine $2,746).
- Annual tax difference on a $500,000 home: $2,843 (Delaware $2,649 vs. Maine $5,492).
Why Delaware wins: The effective property‑tax rate of 0.53 % translates into lower yearly payments for identical property values. Even though Delaware’s median home price is higher than Maine’s, the tax burden remains lower because the rate is less than half of Maine’s 1.10 % rate.
Who Benefits Most from This Comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of Lower Property Tax |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Reduced annual outlays can improve housing affordability, especially for buyers of mid‑range homes ($250k–$500k). |
| Retirees on fixed incomes | Lower property taxes help preserve disposable income, making Delaware potentially more attractive for retirement residence. |
| Real‑estate investors | Lower tax rates can increase net operating income on rental properties, influencing investment decisions. |
| Low‑to‑moderate‑income families | Although median household income is higher in Delaware, the lower tax rate may offset income differences for families near the median. |
| New residents evaluating overall cost of living | Property tax is one component; however, it should be weighed alongside income levels, housing prices, and other state taxes. |
The analysis is limited to property‑tax data; other fiscal factors (e.g., state income tax, sales tax) are not addressed.
Summary
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, Delaware’s effective property‑tax rate of 0.53 % is substantially lower than Maine’s 1.10 %. Consequently, homeowners and other property owners in Delaware pay less in annual property taxes for comparable home values. This information can be useful for individuals and entities evaluating housing costs, retirement locations, or investment opportunities in the two states.
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.