District Of Columbia vs Georgia
District of Columbia
Property‑Tax Comparison: District of Columbia vs. Georgia
Overview
Both the District of Columbia (DC) and the state of Georgia levy local property taxes that fund schools, public safety, and other services. Using the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5‑year estimates, the two jurisdictions differ noticeably in effective tax rates, median home values, and the resulting annual tax bills. The comparison below highlights these differences and shows which area imposes a lower property‑tax burden.
Side‑by‑side metrics
| Metric | District of Columbia | Georgia |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.58 % | 0.81 % |
| Median home value | $724,600 | $272,900 |
| Median annual property tax | $4,180 | $2,214 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $1,442 | $2,028 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $2,885 | $4,057 |
| Median household income | $106,287 | $74,664 |
| Reference links | District of Columbia property tax | Georgia property tax |
All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 ACS 5‑year estimates.
Which jurisdiction has the lower tax burden?
Winner (lower effective rate): District of Columbia
- Rate difference: 0.23 % lower in DC, representing a 28.89 % lower effective tax rate compared with Georgia.
- Annual tax on a $250k home: DC residents pay $1,442 versus $2,028 in Georgia—a difference of $586 per year.
- Annual tax on a $500k home: DC residents pay $2,885 versus $4,057 in Georgia—a difference of $1,172 per year.
Because the effective property‑tax rate is the primary driver of the tax bill, DC’s lower rate translates into a smaller percentage of a home’s assessed value being owed each year, even though DC’s median home values are substantially higher.
Who benefits most from this comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the comparison |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | The lower effective rate in DC means a smaller proportion of a home’s value goes to property tax, which can affect affordability calculations, especially for higher‑priced properties. |
| Retirees and fixed‑income households | A lower tax rate reduces the recurring cash‑outflow for property taxes, which may be advantageous for those on fixed incomes. |
| Real‑estate investors | The rate differential influences after‑tax cash flow and long‑term holding costs; investors may prefer the jurisdiction with the lower effective rate, all else equal. |
| Policy analysts and local‑government officials | The data illustrate how tax‑rate structures differ between a city‑level jurisdiction (DC) and a state (Georgia), informing comparative fiscal studies. |
The comparison is purely factual; it does not account for other cost‑of‑living factors, state income taxes, or local services that might affect overall affordability.
Sources
- According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), the effective property‑tax rates, median home values, and median household incomes are as listed above.
- Based on the most recent ACS estimates, the calculated tax amounts for $250,000 and $500,000 homes reflect the respective effective rates applied to those property values.
This article presents a neutral, data‑driven comparison of property‑tax metrics for the District of Columbia and Georgia.
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.