Delaware vs Michigan
Property Tax Comparison: Delaware vs. Michigan
Based on the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Both Delaware and Michigan levy property taxes that fund local services such as schools, roads, and public safety. The two states differ markedly in their effective property‑tax rates, median home values, and the resulting annual tax bills for typical homeowners.
Side‑by‑side key metrics
| Metric | Delaware | Michigan |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.53 % | 1.28 % |
| Median home value | $326,800 | $217,600 |
| Median annual property tax | $1,731 | $2,795 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $1,324 | $3,211 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $2,649 | $6,423 |
| Median household income | $82,855 | $71,149 |
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 property‑tax rate): Delaware
- Rate difference: 0.75 percentage points, which is a 58.76 % lower effective rate than Michigan’s.
- Annual tax difference on a $250 k home: $1,887 less in Delaware.
- Annual tax difference on a $500 k home: $3,774 less in Delaware.
The lower effective rate in Delaware translates into smaller yearly tax bills across a range of home values, even though Delaware’s median home price is higher than Michigan’s. Consequently, homeowners paying the same amount for a property will generally owe less in property tax in Delaware.
Who is this comparison most relevant for?
| Audience | Relevance of the comparison |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Understanding how a change of residence could affect annual property‑tax expenses. |
| Prospective homebuyers | Evaluating total cost of ownership, especially when budgeting for mortgage and taxes. |
| Retirees and fixed‑income households | Lower property taxes can reduce the overall financial burden of maintaining a home. |
| Real‑estate investors | Property‑tax differentials influence cash‑flow projections and net return calculations. |
| Policy analysts | Provides a data‑driven snapshot of how state‑level tax structures differ. |
Summary
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, Delaware’s effective property‑tax rate of 0.53 % is substantially lower than Michigan’s 1.28 %, resulting in lower median annual taxes and lower taxes on specific home price points. The difference is especially pronounced for homeowners of $250 k–$500 k properties, where Delaware’s tax bills are roughly $1,887–$3,774 less per year.
For individuals and families for whom property‑tax costs are a key component of housing affordability—such as homeowners, retirees, and real‑estate investors—Delaware presents a lower tax burden under the current data.
For more detailed state‑specific information, see the pages on Delaware property tax and Michigan 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.