Delaware vs South Carolina
South Carolina
Property‑Tax Comparison: Delaware vs. South Carolina
Intro
Both Delaware and South Carolina levy property taxes that fund local services such as schools, roads, and public safety. Using the most recent five‑year estimates from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS), the two states show slightly different effective tax rates, median home values, and median household incomes. This article presents the key figures side‑by‑side, identifies which state has the lower property‑tax burden, and notes the primary audiences for whom the comparison may be most relevant.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric (2023 ACS) | Delaware | South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.53 % | 0.51 % |
| Median home value | $326,800 | $236,700 |
| Median annual property tax | $1,731 | $1,199 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $1,324 | $1,266 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $2,649 | $2,532 |
| Median household income | $82,855 | $66,818 |
Sources: According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which State “Wins” on Property Tax?
- Winner (lower effective tax rate): South Carolina
- Rate difference: 0.02 percentage points, which represents a 4.38 % lower rate than Delaware’s 0.53 %.
Impact on typical home values
| Home value | Annual tax in Delaware | Annual tax in South Carolina | Difference (Delaware – SC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $1,324 | $1,266 | $58 |
| $500,000 | $2,649 | $2,532 | $117 |
Based on the lower effective tax rate, South Carolina imposes a modestly smaller property‑tax burden across the price points shown.
Who Might Benefit From This Comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the Data |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Understanding the ongoing cost of owning a home in each state helps with budgeting and long‑term financial planning. |
| Retirees considering relocation | Property‑tax rates directly affect fixed‑income budgets; the lower rate in South Carolina may be attractive, though other cost‑of‑living factors also matter. |
| Real‑estate investors | Effective tax rates influence net operating income calculations for rental properties. |
| Policy analysts or local officials | The side‑by‑side figures provide a baseline for comparing fiscal structures across state lines. |
The comparison is strictly fiscal; it does not address other considerations such as sales taxes, income taxes, or public‑service quality.
Further Reading
- Detailed information on Delaware’s property‑tax system: Delaware property tax
- Detailed information on South Carolina’s property‑tax system: South Carolina property tax
All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates) and reflect averages for the respective states.
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.