Delaware vs Wisconsin
Property‑Tax Comparison: Delaware vs. Wisconsin
Short introduction
Both Delaware and Wisconsin 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 considerably lower than Wisconsin’s. The difference in rates translates into lower annual taxes for typical home values in Delaware.
Side‑by‑side comparison of key metrics
| Metric (2023 ACS) | Delaware | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.53 % | 1.51 % |
| Median home value | $326,800 | $247,400 |
| Median annual property tax | $1,731 | $3,746 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $1,324 | $3,785 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $2,649 | $7,571 |
| Median household income | $82,855 | $75,670 |
| Source | U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS (5‑yr) | U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS (5‑yr) |
Internal links: Delaware property tax, Wisconsin property tax
Which state “wins” on property taxes?
Winner (lower tax burden): Delaware
- Effective tax‑rate advantage: Delaware’s rate of 0.53 % is 0.98 percentage points lower than Wisconsin’s 1.51 %. This represents a 65.02 % relative reduction.
- Annual tax savings for a $250k home: $3,785 – $1,324 = $2,461 per year.
- Annual tax savings for a $500k home: $7,571 – $2,649 = $4,922 per year.
The lower rate results from Delaware’s smaller reliance on property taxes compared with Wisconsin, where property taxes constitute a larger share of local revenue.
Who benefits most from this comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the comparison |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Homeowners who already own property in either state can gauge how much of their housing cost is attributable to property taxes. The data shows that, for comparable home values, Delaware owners face substantially lower annual tax bills. |
| Prospective homebuyers | Buyers evaluating where to purchase a primary residence can use the effective tax rate and median tax amounts to estimate total housing costs. The lower Delaware rates may make the state more attractive for budget‑conscious buyers. |
| Retirees | Retirees often consider property‑tax burden as part of fixed‑income budgeting. Delaware’s lower rates could reduce yearly expenses, potentially extending retirement savings. |
| Investors | Real‑estate investors comparing cash‑flow projections should factor in the differing tax liabilities; lower taxes in Delaware may improve net operating income for comparable properties. |
| Policymakers & analysts | The contrast highlights how state‑level tax structures influence household expenditures and can inform discussions about fiscal policy and equity. |
Summary
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, Delaware’s effective property‑tax rate of 0.53 % is markedly lower than Wisconsin’s 1.51 %. This 0.98 percentage‑point gap translates into annual savings of $2,461 on a $250,000 home and $4,922 on a $500,000 home. Consequently, Delaware provides a lower property‑tax burden for homeowners, retirees, and investors, while Wisconsin’s higher rates result in larger annual tax obligations. All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
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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.