Delaware vs Nebraska
Property‑Tax Comparison: Delaware vs. Nebraska
Introduction
Both Delaware and Nebraska collect 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 considerably lower than Nebraska’s. The following sections present the key metrics side‑by‑side, identify which state has the lower rate, and outline the types of taxpayers for whom each state’s tax environment may be more relevant.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric (2023 ACS) | Delaware | Nebraska |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.53 % | 1.50 % |
| Median home value | $326,800 | $223,800 |
| Median annual property tax | $1,731 | $3,350 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $1,324 | $3,742 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $2,649 | $7,485 |
| Median household income | $82,855 | $74,985 |
| Internal link (state‑specific) | Delaware property tax | Nebraska property tax |
All figures are taken 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
- Rate difference: 1.50 % – 0.53 % = 0.97 percentage points, which represents a 64.61 % lower effective rate in Delaware relative to Nebraska.
- Annual tax difference on a $250k home: $3,742 – $1,324 = $2,418 less in Delaware.
- Annual tax difference on a $500k home: $7,485 – $2,649 = $4,836 less in Delaware.
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, Delaware’s lower effective tax rate translates into substantially lower annual property‑tax bills for homeowners at common price points.
Who Is Likely to Benefit More From This Comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of Delaware’s Lower Rate | Relevance of Nebraska’s Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Lower ongoing tax payments can reduce total cost of ownership, especially for higher‑valued homes. | Higher tax bills may affect cash flow; useful for budgeting if purchasing in Nebraska. |
| Prospective homebuyers | A lower tax rate may increase affordability of homes with similar market prices. | Must factor higher property taxes into overall affordability calculations. |
| Retirees on fixed incomes | Reduced tax burden can help preserve limited income, making Delaware potentially more attractive. | Higher property taxes could represent a larger share of fixed‑income resources. |
| Investors | Lower taxes can improve net rental yields or resale margins in Delaware. | Higher taxes may be offset by other factors (e.g., lower home prices); investors need a full cost‑benefit analysis. |
| Policy analysts / researchers | Provides a clear example of a state with a comparatively low effective property‑tax rate. | Serves as a contrasting case with a higher rate and lower median home values. |
The comparison is most pertinent for individuals and entities that consider property‑tax expenses a significant component of housing cost, such as homeowners, home‑buyers, retirees, and real‑estate investors. It is less relevant for renters, whose tax burden is indirect.
Summary
- Effective tax rate: Delaware 0.53 % vs. Nebraska 1.50 % (Delaware lower).
- Median annual tax: Delaware $1,731 vs. Nebraska $3,350.
- Tax on typical home values: Delaware’s taxes on $250k and $500k homes are roughly $2,418 and $4,836 less per year, respectively, than Nebraska’s.
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, Delaware’s property‑tax structure yields a markedly lower fiscal burden for property owners compared with Nebraska. Stakeholders who prioritize lower property‑tax expenses—such as homeowners, retirees, and real‑estate investors—are likely to view Delaware’s tax environment as more favorable, while those evaluating Nebraska should incorporate its higher rates into overall affordability assessments.
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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.