District Of Columbia vs Idaho
District of Columbia
Property‑Tax Comparison: District of Columbia vs. Idaho
Intro
Both the District of Columbia (DC) and the state of Idaho levy property taxes on real‑estate owners, but the rates and resulting tax bills differ. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), Idaho’s effective property‑tax rate is slightly lower than DC’s, which translates into modestly lower annual taxes for comparable home values.
Side‑by‑side metrics
| Metric | District of Columbia | Idaho |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.58 % | 0.53 % |
| Median home value | $724,600 | $376,000 |
| Median annual property tax | $4,180 | $2,006 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $1,442 | $1,334 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $2,885 | $2,667 |
| Median household income | $106,287 | $74,636 |
Sources: District of Columbia property tax and Idaho property tax. Data are from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 ACS (5‑year).
Who “wins” on property tax?
- Winner (lower tax rate): Idaho – Idaho’s effective property‑tax rate of 0.53 % is 0.04 percentage points lower than DC’s 0.58 %.
- Rate difference: 0.04 % (≈ 7.5 % lower in relative terms).
- Annual tax difference on a $250 k home: $108 (Idaho $1,334 vs. DC $1,442).
- Annual tax difference on a $500 k home: $218 (Idaho $2,667 vs. DC $2,885).
Why Idaho is lower – The lower effective rate directly reduces the tax levied per dollar of assessed value. Even though Idaho’s median home values are roughly half those in DC, the rate alone makes Idaho’s property‑tax burden lighter for identical home values.
Which audiences benefit most from this comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the comparison |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Understanding how much annual property tax will add to housing costs in each jurisdiction. |
| Retirees | Property‑tax burden can affect fixed‑income budgeting; lower rates may be preferable. |
| Real‑estate investors | Rate differentials influence after‑tax returns on comparable properties. |
| Policy analysts / researchers | The data provide a concise example of how effective tax rates vary across jurisdictions. |
The comparison is factual and based on the most recent ACS estimates; it does not include local exemptions, assessment practices, or other fees that could affect an individual’s final tax bill.
Summary
Based on U.S. Census Bureau data, Idaho imposes a slightly lower effective property‑tax rate than the District of Columbia, resulting in modest savings of $108–$218 per year for homes valued at $250 k–$500 k. The information is most pertinent to homeowners, retirees, and investors evaluating the relative cost of property ownership in these two jurisdictions.
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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.