Delaware vs Maryland
Property‑Tax Comparison: Delaware vs. Maryland
Summary
Both Delaware and Maryland levy taxes on real‑estate based on the assessed value of the property. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), Delaware’s effective property‑tax rate is lower than Maryland’s, resulting in smaller annual tax payments for comparable home values.
Side‑by‑side metrics (2023 ACS)
| Metric | Delaware | Maryland |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.53 % | 1.00 % |
| Median home value | $326,800 | $397,700 |
| Median annual property tax | $1,731 | $3,989 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $1,324 | $2,507 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $2,649 | $5,015 |
| Median household income | $82,855 | $101,652 |
Sources: “According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).”
Which state has the lower tax burden?
- Winner (lower tax rate): Delaware
- Rate difference: 0.47 percentage points, which is a 47.19 % lower effective rate than Maryland’s 1.00 %.
- Annual tax difference on a $250,000 home: $2,507 – $1,324 = $1,183
- Annual tax difference on a $500,000 home: $5,015 – $2,649 = $2,366
Why Delaware wins
The lower effective tax rate (0.53 % vs. 1.00 %) directly reduces the amount of tax owed on any given property value. Consequently, owners of both modest‑priced and higher‑priced homes pay less in Delaware than they would in Maryland, as demonstrated by the calculated differences above.
Who might find this comparison most relevant?
| Audience | Relevance |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Understanding the recurring cost of owning a home helps in budgeting and evaluating affordability across state lines. |
| Retirees and fixed‑income households | Lower property taxes can lessen the overall financial burden, especially when income is limited. |
| Real‑estate investors | Tax rates affect cash‑flow projections and net‑return calculations for rental or resale properties. |
| Relocation planners | When deciding where to move, property‑tax levels are a tangible component of the overall cost of living. |
The data presented is purely descriptive; individual tax bills can vary based on local millage rates, exemptions, and assessment practices.
Further reading
- Detailed information on Delaware’s property‑tax structure: Delaware property tax
- Detailed information on Maryland’s property‑tax structure: Maryland property tax
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, these figures reflect statewide averages and median values. Local jurisdictions within each state may have tax rates that differ from the state‑wide effective rates shown above.
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.