Delaware vs Pennsylvania
Property Tax Comparison: Delaware vs. Pennsylvania
Introduction
Both Delaware and Pennsylvania levy property taxes that fund local services such as schools, road maintenance, and public safety. The two states differ markedly in the amount homeowners pay relative to the value of their homes. Using the latest five‑year estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (ACS), the following comparison highlights key tax metrics, the relative “winner” in terms of lower tax burden, and the types of residents for whom this information is most relevant.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric (2023 ACS) | Delaware | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property tax rate | 0.53 % | 1.35 % |
| Median home value | $326,800 | $240,500 |
| Median annual property tax | $1,731 | $3,241 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $1,324 | $3,369 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $2,649 | $6,738 |
| Median household income | $82,855 | $76,081 |
All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which State Has the Lower Tax Burden?
Winner (lower effective tax rate): Delaware
- Rate difference: Delaware’s effective property tax rate is 0.82 percentage points lower than Pennsylvania’s (0.53 % vs. 1.35 %).
- Relative difference: This represents a ≈ 60.7 % lower rate compared with Pennsylvania.
- Annual tax gap on a $250 k home: $3,369 (PA) − $1,324 (DE) = $2,045.
- Annual tax gap on a $500 k home: $6,738 (PA) − $2,649 (DE) = $4,089.
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, Delaware imposes a substantially lower property‑tax burden per dollar of home value than Pennsylvania.
Who Is This Comparison Most Relevant For?
| Audience | Why the data matters |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Understanding how much of their annual budget is allocated to property taxes and how that compares to neighboring states. |
| Prospective homebuyers | Assessing the total cost of ownership when evaluating homes in either state. |
| Retirees | Property taxes often affect fixed‑income budgeting; lower rates may make one state more financially sustainable. |
| Real‑estate investors | Tax rates influence cash‑flow projections and return‑on‑investment calculations. |
| Policy analysts | Provides a baseline for evaluating the impact of state‑level tax policies on residents and local governments. |
References
- According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
- For detailed state‑specific information, see the internal pages on Delaware property tax and Pennsylvania property tax.
The figures presented are averages and medians; actual tax bills can vary based on local assessment practices, exemptions, and individual property characteristics.
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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.