Delaware vs Tennessee
Delaware vs Tennessee Property Tax Comparison
Based on the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates)
Both Delaware and Tennessee have property‑tax rates that sit near the national median, but the two states differ slightly in how those rates translate into dollars for typical homeowners. The following table presents the key metrics side‑by‑side.
Side‑by‑side metrics
| Metric | Delaware | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property tax rate | 0.53 % | 0.55 % |
| Median home value | $326,800 | $256,800 |
| Median annual property tax | $1,731 | $1,400 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $1,324 | $1,363 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $2,649 | $2,726 |
| Median household income | $82,855 | $67,097 |
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 tax rate): Delaware
- Rate difference: 0.02 % (Delaware’s rate is 2.84 % lower than Tennessee’s).
- Dollar impact on a $250,000 home: Delaware homeowners pay $39 less per year.
- Dollar impact on a $500,000 home: Delaware homeowners pay $77 less per year.
The lower effective tax rate in Delaware results in modestly smaller annual tax payments for both the $250 k and $500 k price points, despite Delaware’s higher median home value. Consequently, Delaware’s overall property‑tax burden is slightly less than Tennessee’s when measured by rate and by dollar amount on comparable property values.
Who might find this comparison most relevant?
| Audience | Why the comparison matters |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Understanding the effective tax rate helps estimate yearly housing costs when evaluating a purchase. |
| Retirees | Fixed‑income retirees often consider property‑tax levels as part of overall affordability; a lower rate can reduce cash‑flow pressure. |
| Real‑estate investors | Investors comparing cash‑on‑cash returns across states need accurate tax cost inputs. |
| Policy analysts | The data illustrate how state‑level tax structures differ despite similar national averages. |
The information is factual and derived from the most recent ACS estimates; it does not incorporate local exemptions, abatements, or other jurisdiction‑specific adjustments that could affect an individual’s final tax bill.
Further reading
All figures reflect the 2023 American Community Survey 5‑year estimates and are presented without inflation adjustment.
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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.