Delaware vs North Carolina
Property Tax Comparison: Delaware vs. North Carolina
Both Delaware and North Carolina levy property taxes that fund local services such as schools, police, and road maintenance. The two states differ in tax rates, home values, and household incomes, which can affect the overall cost of homeownership. The figures below come from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | Delaware | North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property tax rate | 0.53 % | 0.70 % |
| Median home value | $326,800 | $259,400 |
| Median annual property tax | $1,731 | $1,815 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $1,324 | $1,749 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $2,649 | $3,499 |
| Median household income | $82,855 | $69,904 |
Sources: According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which State Has the Lower Property Tax Burden?
- Winner (lower effective rate): Delaware
- Rate difference: 0.17 percentage points (Delaware’s rate is 24.3 % lower than North Carolina’s).
- Annual tax difference on a $250k home: $425 (Delaware $1,324 vs. North Carolina $1,749).
- Annual tax difference on a $500k home: $850 (Delaware $2,649 vs. North Carolina $3,499).
Why Delaware wins: The effective property tax rate of 0.53 % is lower than North Carolina’s 0.70 %. Because the rate is applied to the assessed value of the property, a lower rate translates into smaller tax bills across comparable home price points, even though Delaware’s median home value is higher.
For a deeper look at each state’s tax structure, see the dedicated pages:
Who Might Find This Comparison Most Relevant?
| Audience | Relevance of the Data |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Understanding the ongoing cost of owning a home is essential for budgeting. Lower effective rates in Delaware can reduce yearly expenses, especially for higher‑priced properties. |
| Retirees and fixed‑income households | Property taxes often represent a fixed cost. A lower tax rate (Delaware) may be preferable for those on a fixed income, though overall cost of living and median household income should also be considered. |
| Real‑estate investors | Tax rate differentials affect cash‑flow projections. Investors purchasing higher‑priced homes may see larger absolute savings in Delaware. |
| Relocating families | Median household income provides context on local earning power; Delaware’s higher median income may offset higher home values for families seeking higher wages. |
Summary
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, Delaware’s effective property tax rate of 0.53 % is lower than North Carolina’s 0.70 %, resulting in modest annual savings of $425 on a $250,000 home and $850 on a $500,000 home. While Delaware’s median home values are higher, the lower tax rate can make the overall property tax burden lighter for homeowners, retirees, and investors who prioritize tax costs.
Explore More Comparisons
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.