Delaware vs Washington
Property‑Tax Comparison: Delaware vs. Washington
Intro
Both Delaware and Washington levy property taxes on real‑estate owners, but the effective tax rates and resulting dollar amounts differ. Using the latest five‑year estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (ACS), Delaware’s effective property‑tax rate is lower than Washington’s, leading to smaller annual tax bills for comparable home values.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | Delaware | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.53 % | 0.84 % |
| Median home value | $326,800 | $519,800 |
| Median annual property tax | $1,731 | $4,361 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $1,324 | $2,098 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $2,649 | $4,195 |
| Median household income | $82,855 | $94,952 |
| Internal link | Delaware property tax | Washington property tax |
Who Wins on Property‑Tax Burden?
Winner (lower tax rate): Delaware
- Effective tax‑rate difference: 0.31 percentage points (Delaware 0.53 % vs. Washington 0.84 %).
- Relative difference: 36.87 % lower effective rate in Delaware (0.31 % ÷ 0.84 %).
- Dollar‑amount impact:
- On a $250,000 home, the annual tax is $774 lower in Delaware ($1,324 vs. $2,098).
- On a $500,000 home, the annual tax is $1,546 lower in Delaware ($2,649 vs. $4,195).
According to the U.S. Census Bureau data, the lower effective rate directly translates into smaller yearly property‑tax payments for homeowners in Delaware compared with those in Washington.
Which Audiences May Find This Comparison Most Relevant?
| Audience | Relevance of the Comparison |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | The table shows the expected annual tax liability for typical home values, helping buyers assess ongoing costs. |
| Retirees and fixed‑income households | Lower property‑tax payments can reduce the overall cost of living; Delaware’s lower median tax may be advantageous. |
| Real‑estate investors | Effective tax rates affect cash‑flow projections; Delaware’s lower rate improves net operating income on comparable properties. |
| Policy analysts or researchers | The side‑by‑side metrics provide a concise snapshot of how two states differ in property‑tax structures. |
The comparison is purely quantitative and does not incorporate other fiscal factors such as sales taxes, income taxes, or public‑service levels, which may also influence decision‑making.
Source
All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates). The analysis reflects the most recent ACS estimates available at the time of writing.
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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.