District Of Columbia vs Maine
District of Columbia
Property‑Tax Comparison: District of Columbia vs. Maine
Overview
Both the District of Columbia (DC) and the state of Maine 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 less than half of Maine’s, while median home values and household incomes differ markedly. The table below summarizes the key metrics that influence a homeowner’s tax burden in each jurisdiction.
Side‑by‑side metrics
| Metric | District of Columbia | Maine |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.58 % | 1.10 % |
| Median home value | $724,600 | $266,400 |
| Median annual property tax | $4,180 | $2,926 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $1,442 | $2,746 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $2,885 | $5,492 |
| Median household income | $106,287 | $71,773 |
| Source | U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS (5‑yr) | U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS (5‑yr) |
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Which jurisdiction has the lower tax burden?
Winner (lower effective rate): District of Columbia
- Rate difference: 0.52 percentage points, which is a 47.47 % lower rate than Maine’s 1.10 %.
- Annual tax difference on a $250,000 home: $2,746 (Maine) − $1,442 (DC) = $1,304.
- Annual tax difference on a $500,000 home: $5,492 (Maine) − $2,885 (DC) = $2,607.
Because the effective tax rate in DC is substantially lower, the dollar amount of property tax owed on homes of any given value is also lower in DC compared with Maine.
Who benefits most from this comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the comparison |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | A lower effective rate means a smaller recurring expense on the same‑valued property. Homebuyers evaluating cost of ownership will see a material difference, especially for mid‑range homes ($250k–$500k). |
| Real‑estate investors | Lower tax rates improve cash‑flow projections. Investors purchasing in DC can expect lower property‑tax outlays per dollar of assessed value. |
| Retirees on fixed incomes | While DC’s overall cost of living (including housing prices) is higher, the lower tax rate reduces the proportion of income required for property taxes relative to Maine, where home values are lower but tax rates are higher. |
| Policy analysts / researchers | The data illustrate how tax‑rate structures vary across jurisdictions, providing a basis for comparing fiscal policy outcomes. |
Key takeaways
- Effective tax rate is the primary driver of the property‑tax burden; DC’s 0.58 % rate is 47 % lower than Maine’s 1.10 %.
- Home value context matters: DC’s median home price is nearly three times that of Maine, which offsets the lower rate when looking at median annual taxes ($4,180 vs. $2,926).
- For identical home values, the dollar tax owed is consistently lower in DC (e.g., $1,304 less on a $250k home).
All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates). The comparison is factual and does not incorporate any subjective assessments of overall affordability, quality of life, or service levels.
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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.