District Of Columbia vs Louisiana
District of Columbia
Property‑Tax Comparison: District of Columbia vs. Louisiana
Brief overview
Both the District of Columbia (DC) and the state of Louisiana levy property taxes that fund local services such as schools, public safety, and infrastructure. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), DC’s effective property‑tax rate is slightly higher than Louisiana’s, while median home values and household incomes differ markedly. The table below presents the key metrics side by side.
Side‑by‑side comparison
| Metric | District of Columbia | Louisiana |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.58 % | 0.55 % |
| Median home value | $724,600 | $208,700 |
| Median annual property tax | $4,180 | $1,146 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $1,442 | $1,373 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $2,885 | $2,746 |
| Median household income | $106,287 | $60,023 |
| Link to detailed tax information | District of Columbia property tax | Louisiana 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 rate): Louisiana
- Effective tax‑rate difference: 0.03 percentage points (Louisiana’s rate is 4.82 % lower than DC’s).
- Annual tax difference on a $250,000 home: $69 less in Louisiana.
- Annual tax difference on a $500,000 home: $139 less in Louisiana.
Because the comparison is based on the effective property‑tax rate, Louisiana imposes a marginally lower percentage of home value in taxes than the District of Columbia. Consequently, for a given property value, the dollar amount of tax owed is slightly lower in Louisiana.
Who is likely to benefit most from this comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the comparison |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | The lower effective rate in Louisiana reduces the ongoing tax expense for owners of homes at any price point. |
| Retirees on fixed incomes | Property‑tax savings can be material for households with limited cash flow; however, the overall cost of living and median home values also influence affordability. |
| Real‑estate investors | Investors comparing cash‑flow projections across markets can use the effective rate to estimate operating expenses. |
| Policy analysts or government officials | The side‑by‑side data illustrate how tax structures differ between a high‑density urban district and a largely rural state. |
It is important to note that the effective tax rate is only one component of total housing cost. Median home values in DC are more than three times those in Louisiana, and median household incomes differ substantially. Users should consider both tax rates and broader cost‑of‑living factors when evaluating where to buy or invest.
Summary
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, Louisiana’s effective property‑tax rate of 0.55 % is lower than the District of Columbia’s 0.58 %. This translates into modest dollar‑amount savings on comparable property values. The comparison is most useful for homeowners, retirees, and investors who need to assess property‑tax obligations alongside local income levels and home‑price markets. All data cited are from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
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.