District Of Columbia vs Massachusetts
District of Columbia
Property‑Tax Comparison: District of Columbia vs. Massachusetts
Intro
Both the District of Columbia (DC) and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts 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), the two jurisdictions differ noticeably in effective tax rates, median home values, and median annual tax bills. The following tables and analysis present the data side‑by‑side and identify which area imposes the lower property‑tax burden.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric (2023 ACS) | District of Columbia | Massachusetts |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.58 % | 1.11 % |
| Median home value | $724,600 | $525,800 |
| Median annual property tax | $4,180 | $5,813 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $1,442 | $2,764 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $2,885 | $5,528 |
| Median household income | $106,287 | $101,341 |
| Reference | District of Columbia property tax | Massachusetts property tax |
All figures are taken from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Who Wins on Property‑Tax Rate?
- Winner (lower rate): District of Columbia
- Rate difference: 0.53 percentage points, which is a 47.8 % lower effective rate than Massachusetts (0.58 % vs. 1.11 %).
Annual tax impact on typical home values
| Home value | DC tax (2026) | MA tax (2026) | Difference (DC – MA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $1,442 | $2,764 | $‑1,322 |
| $500,000 | $2,885 | $5,528 | $‑2,643 |
Based on the lower effective tax rate, the District of Columbia imposes a smaller annual property‑tax liability for comparable home values.
Who Might Benefit More From This Comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of Lower Property Tax |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Lower annual bills in DC reduce ongoing housing costs relative to Massachusetts. |
| Prospective homebuyers | The tax differential can affect total cost of ownership, especially for buyers of mid‑range homes ($250‑$500 k). |
| Retirees and fixed‑income households | Reduced property‑tax obligations in DC may ease budget constraints compared with Massachusetts. |
| Investors | Lower tax rates can improve cash‑flow projections for rental properties in DC. |
| Policy analysts | The data illustrate how tax structures vary across jurisdictions with similar median incomes. |
The comparison is most useful for individuals or entities evaluating the ongoing cost of homeownership rather than one‑time purchase price, because property taxes are a recurring expense that directly influences household budgets.
Summary
- The District of Columbia’s effective property‑tax rate of 0.58 % is substantially lower than Massachusetts’ 1.11 %.
- For median‑priced homes, the annual tax bill is $4,180 in DC versus $5,813 in Massachusetts, a difference of $1,633.
- The rate gap translates into a $1,322 lower tax on a $250 k home and $2,643 lower tax on a $500 k home in DC.
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, these figures suggest that, from a pure property‑tax standpoint, the District of Columbia is the more tax‑advantageous jurisdiction for homeowners and other stakeholders concerned with recurring property‑tax costs.
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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.