Delaware vs Massachusetts
Property Tax Comparison: Delaware vs. Massachusetts
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), Delaware and Massachusetts differ markedly in effective property‑tax rates, median home values, and median household incomes. The following sections present the key metrics side‑by‑side, identify which state has the lower property‑tax burden, and outline the types of residents for whom this information may be most relevant.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | Delaware | Massachusetts |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.53 % | 1.11 % |
| Median home value | $326,800 | $525,800 |
| Median annual property tax | $1,731 | $5,813 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $1,324 | $2,764 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $2,649 | $5,528 |
| Median household income | $82,855 | $101,341 |
Sources: Data drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which State “Wins” on Property Taxes?
- Winner (lower tax rate): Delaware
- Tax‑rate difference: 0.58 % (Delaware’s rate is 52.09 % lower than Massachusetts).
- Annual tax difference on a $250,000 home: $1,440 less in Delaware.
- Annual tax difference on a $500,000 home: $2,879 less in Delaware.
Why Delaware wins: The effective property‑tax rate of 0.53 % is roughly half of Massachusetts’ 1.11 %, resulting in lower absolute tax amounts for comparable home values. This lower rate holds even though Delaware’s median home value is about $200,000 less than that of Massachusetts.
Who Might Benefit Most from This Comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the Data |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Understanding how property‑tax obligations differ can influence budgeting and location decisions. |
| Retirees or fixed‑income households | Lower ongoing tax costs may affect affordability, especially when combined with median household income figures. |
| Real‑estate investors | The tax burden is a component of total cost of ownership and can affect return‑on‑investment calculations. |
| Policy analysts or planners | The contrast in tax rates and median incomes provides a snapshot of fiscal policy outcomes in the two states. |
The comparison is factual and does not incorporate subjective judgments about quality of life, services, or other non‑tax considerations.
Additional Resources
- Detailed information on Delaware property taxes: Delaware property tax
- Detailed information on Massachusetts property taxes: Massachusetts property tax
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, the figures above reflect statewide averages and median values. Local variations (e.g., municipal tax rates, assessment practices) may lead to different outcomes for specific properties.
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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.