District Of Columbia vs Maryland
District of Columbia
Property‑Tax Comparison: District of Columbia vs. Maryland
Intro
Both the District of Columbia (DC) and Maryland 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 lower than Maryland’s, while median home values and household incomes differ between the two jurisdictions. The following sections present the key figures side‑by‑side, identify which area has the lower tax burden, and note the types of residents for whom the comparison may be most relevant.
Side‑by‑side comparison
| Metric (2023 ACS) | District of Columbia | Maryland |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.58 % | 1.00 % |
| Median home value | $724,600 | $397,700 |
| Median annual property tax | $4,180 | $3,989 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $1,442 | $2,507 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $2,885 | $5,015 |
| Median household income | $106,287 | $101,652 |
Sources: “According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).”
Which jurisdiction “wins” on property tax?
- Lower effective tax rate: District of Columbia (0.58 % vs. 1.00 %).
- Rate difference: 0.43 percentage points, which is a 42.48 % lower rate in DC.
- Annual tax difference for a $250,000 home: $1,065 less in DC.
- Annual tax difference for a $500,000 home: $2,130 less in DC.
Because the comparison is based on the effective property‑tax rate, DC is the “winner” in terms of a lower percentage of home value owed each year. The absolute tax paid on median‑priced homes is slightly higher in DC due to its higher median home value, but the rate itself remains lower.
Who is the comparison most relevant for?
| Audience | Relevance of the data |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Understanding the tax rate versus home price helps estimate ongoing housing costs. |
| Homebuyers evaluating affordability | The lower rate in DC may offset higher home prices for some buyers, while Maryland’s lower median home values could make the total tax bill comparable. |
| Retirees or fixed‑income households | Property‑tax rate directly affects yearly cash‑flow needs; a lower rate (DC) reduces the proportional tax burden, though absolute amounts depend on home value. |
| Real‑estate investors | Effective tax rate influences return on investment calculations across jurisdictions. |
| Policy analysts | The data illustrate how tax structures differ despite similar median household incomes. |
The comparison does not consider other fiscal factors such as state income taxes, sales taxes, or local assessment practices. It is limited to the property‑tax metrics provided by the ACS.
Further reading
- Detailed information on DC’s property‑tax system: District of Columbia property tax
- Detailed information on Maryland’s property‑tax system: Maryland property tax
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, the figures above reflect average conditions for the 2023 five‑year period.
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.