Delaware vs South Dakota
Property‑Tax Comparison: Delaware vs. South Dakota
Introduction
Both Delaware and South Dakota rank among the states with relatively low overall tax burdens, but their property‑tax environments differ. Using the latest available data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), the two states can be compared on effective tax rates, median home values, annual tax payments, and median household income.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | Delaware | South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.53 % | 1.09 % |
| Median home value | $326,800 | $236,800 |
| Median annual property tax | $1,731 | $2,590 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $1,324 | $2,735 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $2,649 | $5,469 |
| Median household income | $82,855 | $72,421 |
All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which State “Wins” on Property Tax?
Delaware has the lower effective property‑tax rate (0.53 % vs. 1.09 %).
- Rate difference: 0.56 percentage points, representing a 51.57 % lower rate in Delaware.
- Annual tax on a $250k home: Delaware’s tax ($1,324) is $1,411 less than South Dakota’s ($2,735).
- Annual tax on a $500k home: Delaware’s tax ($2,649) is $2,820 less than South Dakota’s ($5,469).
Because the comparison is based on the effective tax rate, Delaware is the “winner” for taxpayers seeking the lower property‑tax burden.
Who Might Benefit Most from This Comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the Data |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | The effective rate and the dollar amounts for $250k and $500k homes show the ongoing cost of owning property in each state. |
| Retirees on fixed incomes | Lower property taxes can reduce monthly expenses; Delaware’s lower rate may be advantageous, especially when combined with its higher median household income. |
| Real‑estate investors | Understanding the tax differential helps assess after‑tax cash flow for rental or investment properties. |
| Relocating families | Median household income and home‑value data provide context for overall affordability beyond just property tax. |
The analysis is purely quantitative; other factors such as state income tax, sales tax, cost of living, and local services are not addressed here.
Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
- Internal reference links: Delaware property tax | South Dakota property tax
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, Delaware’s effective property‑tax rate is substantially lower than South Dakota’s, resulting in lower annual tax payments for comparable home values.
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.