Delaware vs Missouri
Property‑Tax Comparison: Delaware vs. Missouri
Introduction
Both Delaware and Missouri levy property taxes that fund local services such as schools, roads, and public safety. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), Delaware’s effective property‑tax rate is lower than Missouri’s, resulting in smaller annual tax bills for comparable home values. The tables and calculations below present the key figures side by side and identify which state has the lower rate.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric (2023 ACS 5‑year) | Delaware | Missouri |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.53 % | 0.88 % |
| Median home value | $326,800 | $215,600 |
| Median annual property tax | $1,731 | $1,887 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $1,324 | $2,188 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $2,649 | $4,376 |
| Median household income | $82,855 | $68,920 |
Sources: “According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).”
Which State Wins on Property‑Tax Burden?
- Winner (lower tax rate): Delaware
- Rate difference: 0.35 percentage points, which is a 39.48 % lower effective rate than Missouri’s.
- Annual tax difference for a $250k home: $864 less in Delaware ($1,324 vs. $2,188).
- Annual tax difference for a $500k home: $1,727 less in Delaware ($2,649 vs. $4,376).
The lower effective tax rate in Delaware translates into consistently smaller property‑tax bills across the price points shown.
Who Might Benefit More From This Comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of Lower Property Tax |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Existing owners of homes valued around $250k–$500k will see lower yearly payments in Delaware, potentially freeing cash for other expenses or savings. |
| Prospective homebuyers | Buyers comparing affordability should factor in the lower tax burden in Delaware, especially if they plan to purchase homes near the median price range. |
| Retirees | Fixed‑income retirees often prioritize low ongoing costs; Delaware’s lower property taxes can reduce the cost of homeownership in retirement. |
| Investors | Rental‑property investors may benefit from lower tax expenses in Delaware, which can improve net operating income. |
| Low‑income households | The median household income in Delaware is higher than in Missouri; however, the lower tax rate still means a smaller proportion of income is allocated to property taxes for comparable homes. |
The comparison is purely fiscal; other factors such as state income tax, sales tax, cost of living, and local services are not addressed here.
Additional Resources
- Detailed information about Delaware’s property‑tax structure: Delaware property tax
- Detailed information about Missouri’s property‑tax structure: Missouri property tax
Summary
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, Delaware has a 0.53 % effective property‑tax rate—0.35 percentage points lower than Missouri’s 0.88 % rate. This difference yields annual tax savings of $864 on a $250,000 home and $1,727 on a $500,000 home. Homeowners, retirees, and property investors who are sensitive to ongoing tax costs may find Delaware’s lower property‑tax burden more advantageous, while the data presented here remain limited to property‑tax metrics alone.
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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.