Delaware vs Rhode Island
Property‑Tax Comparison: Delaware vs. Rhode Island
Intro
Both Delaware and Rhode Island 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 less than half of Rhode Island’s. The following sections present the key metrics side‑by‑side, identify which state has the lower rate, and indicate which types of residents may find the comparison most relevant.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | Delaware | Rhode Island |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate* | 0.53 % | 1.32 % |
| Median home value | $326,800 | $368,800 |
| Median annual property tax | $1,731 | $4,854 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $1,324 | $3,291 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $2,649 | $6,581 |
| Median household income | $82,855 | $86,372 |
*Effective property‑tax rate = total annual property tax ÷ home value (expressed as a percent).
Data source: According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which State Has the Lower Rate?
- Winner (lower tax rate): Delaware
- Rate difference: 0.79 % (Delaware’s rate is 59.76 % lower than Rhode Island’s).
- Annual tax difference on a $250,000 home: $1,967 (Delaware $1,324 vs. Rhode Island $3,291).
- Annual tax difference on a $500,000 home: $3,932 (Delaware $2,649 vs. Rhode Island $6,581).
Why Delaware wins: The effective property‑tax rate of 0.53 % is substantially lower than Rhode Island’s 1.32 %. Consequently, for comparable home values, property‑tax bills in Delaware are roughly one‑third of those in Rhode Island.
Who Might Find This Comparison Most Useful?
| Audience | Relevance of the Comparison |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Understanding the relative cost of owning a home in each state helps in budgeting for annual property‑tax payments. |
| Retirees considering relocation | Lower property taxes can reduce fixed‑income expenses; Delaware’s lower rate may be advantageous. |
| Real‑estate investors | Tax burden affects cash‑flow projections; the rate differential influences return calculations. |
| Policy analysts / researchers | The data illustrate how state‑level tax structures vary and can serve as a baseline for fiscal studies. |
The comparison is primarily quantitative; other factors such as local services, school quality, and overall cost of living are not addressed here.
References
- U.S. Census Bureau. 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
- Internal pages for additional state‑specific details:
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, Delaware’s property‑tax burden is lower than Rhode Island’s across all listed metrics.
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.