Delaware vs New Hampshire
Property Tax Comparison: Delaware vs. New Hampshire
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), Delaware and New Hampshire have markedly different property‑tax environments. Both states rank near the national median for home values, but their effective property‑tax rates and resulting annual payments diverge significantly.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | Delaware | New Hampshire |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.53 % | 1.77 % |
| Median home value | $326,800 | $367,200 |
| Median annual property tax | $1,731 | $6,505 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $1,324 | $4,429 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $2,649 | $8,858 |
| Median household income | $82,855 | $95,628 |
Sources: Delaware property tax, New Hampshire property tax. Data are from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 ACS 5‑year estimates.
Which State Has the Lower Property‑Tax Burden?
Winner (lower tax rate): Delaware
- Effective rate difference: 1.24 percentage points, which is a 70.10 % lower rate than New Hampshire’s 1.77 %.
- Annual tax gap on a $250k home: $3,105 (Delaware $1,324 vs. New Hampshire $4,429).
- Annual tax gap on a $500k home: $6,209 (Delaware $2,649 vs. New Hampshire $8,858).
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, Delaware’s property‑tax burden is substantially lower because its effective rate is less than one‑third of New Hampshire’s.
Who Might Benefit More From This Comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of Lower Property Tax | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Reduced annual outlays for property taxes, especially for higher‑valued homes. | Must also weigh other cost‑of‑living factors (e.g., income tax, sales tax). |
| Prospective homebuyers | Lower tax liability can improve affordability calculations. | Home‑price differentials and local market conditions still affect total cost. |
| Retirees | Fixed‑income households often prioritize lower recurring expenses; Delaware’s lower taxes can extend purchasing power. | Retirement‑income tax policies (e.g., New Hampshire’s lack of state income tax) may offset property‑tax advantages. |
| Real‑estate investors | Lower property‑tax rates improve net operating income for rental properties. | Investment decisions should also consider vacancy rates, regulatory environment, and appreciation potential. |
The comparison is most directly useful for individuals whose primary concern is the annual property‑tax amount. For those focused on overall tax climate, additional state‑level taxes (income, sales, estate) should be examined alongside these figures.
Bottom Line
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, Delaware’s effective property‑tax rate of 0.53 % is significantly lower than New Hampshire’s 1.77 %. This translates into markedly smaller annual tax bills for comparable home values. Stakeholders—homeowners, retirees, and investors—who prioritize lower recurring property‑tax expenses will generally find Delaware to be the more favorable jurisdiction, assuming other fiscal and lifestyle factors are comparable.
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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.