District Of Columbia vs Iowa
District of Columbia
Property‑Tax Comparison: District of Columbia vs. Iowa
Summary – Both jurisdictions levy property taxes based on the assessed value of real‑estate, but the effective rates and resulting dollar amounts differ markedly. Using the latest 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5‑year estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, the District of Columbia’s effective property‑tax rate is less than half that of Iowa. Consequently, for comparable home values the annual tax bill in the District is lower.
Side‑by‑side key metrics
| Metric | District of Columbia | Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.58 % | 1.43 % |
| Median home value | $724,600 | $195,900 |
| Median annual property tax | $4,180 | $2,795 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $1,442 | $3,567 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $2,885 | $7,134 |
| Median household income | $106,287 | $73,147 |
All figures are from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which jurisdiction has the lower tax burden?
Winner (lower effective rate): District of Columbia
- Rate difference: 0.85 percentage points (the District’s 0.58 % vs. Iowa’s 1.43 %).
- Relative difference: ≈ 59.5 % lower than Iowa’s rate.
- Dollar impact on a $250k home: District tax $1,442 vs. Iowa tax $3,567 → $2,125 less in the District.
- Dollar impact on a $500k home: District tax $2,885 vs. Iowa tax $7,134 → $4,249 less in the District.
Because the effective tax rate is the primary driver of the annual liability, the District of Columbia consistently yields a smaller property‑tax bill for a given home value.
Who is likely to benefit from this comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the comparison |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Lower effective rates in the District mean a smaller yearly expense for the same property value, which can affect affordability calculations. |
| Retirees or fixed‑income households | A reduced tax burden may help preserve limited income, especially when property values are high. |
| Real‑estate investors | Understanding rate differentials assists in evaluating after‑tax returns across jurisdictions. |
| Policy analysts or researchers | The data illustrate how tax structures vary between a densely populated urban district and a largely rural state. |
The comparison is most useful for individuals and professionals assessing the financial impact of property taxes rather than broader cost‑of‑living considerations such as sales taxes, income taxes, or housing prices.
Sources
- “Effective property tax rate, median home value, and related metrics” – U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
- Internal reference links: District of Columbia property tax | Iowa property tax
All numbers are presented as reported in the ACS; rounding may cause minor discrepancies.
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.