District Of Columbia vs Illinois
District of Columbia
Property‑Tax Comparison: District of Columbia vs. Illinois
Intro
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), the District of Columbia and the state of Illinois differ markedly in effective property‑tax rates, median home values, and the resulting annual tax bills. The data show that the District of Columbia imposes a lower property‑tax rate than Illinois, while Illinois’ median home values are substantially lower. The following tables and analysis present the key figures side by side.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | District of Columbia | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.58 % | 2.07 % |
| Median home value | $724,600 | $250,500 |
| Median annual property tax | $4,180 | $5,189 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $1,442 | $5,179 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $2,885 | $10,357 |
| Median household income | $106,287 | $81,702 |
Sources: District of Columbia property tax, Illinois property tax.
Who Wins on Property‑Tax Rate?
- Winner (lower rate): District of Columbia
- Tax‑rate difference: 1.49 percentage points, which is a 72.15 % lower rate than Illinois.
Because the effective property‑tax rate is the primary driver of the tax bill, the District of Columbia’s rate of 0.58 % produces lower taxes across comparable home values.
Example: Annual Tax Difference
| Home value | Tax in D.C. | Tax in Illinois | Difference (Illinois – D.C.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $1,442 | $5,179 | $3,737 |
| $500,000 | $2,885 | $10,357 | $7,472 |
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, a homeowner in Illinois would pay $3,737 more per year on a $250 k property and $7,472 more per year on a $500 k property than a comparable homeowner in the District of Columbia.
Which Audience Is This Comparison Most Relevant For?
| Audience | Relevance of the Comparison |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Directly shows how the same property value translates into different tax obligations in the two jurisdictions. |
| Retirees or fixed‑income households | Lower tax rates in D.C. may reduce annual cash‑flow pressures, though higher median home values could affect affordability. |
| Real‑estate investors | Highlights the tax cost component of holding property; a lower rate in D.C. could improve net‑return calculations, assuming comparable market conditions. |
| Policy analysts | Provides a concise data point for evaluating state‑ and local‑level tax policy effectiveness. |
Summary
- The District of Columbia has a significantly lower effective property‑tax rate (0.58 %) than Illinois (2.07 %).
- Despite a higher median home value, the median annual property tax in D.C. ($4,180) is lower than in Illinois ($5,189).
- For identical home values, Illinois property taxes are roughly $3,700–$7,500 higher per year than those in D.C.
These figures are drawn directly from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates) and are intended to provide a factual basis for comparing property‑tax burdens in the two jurisdictions.
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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.