District Of Columbia vs Montana
District of Columbia
Property‑Tax Comparison: District of Columbia vs. Montana
Overview
Both the District of Columbia (DC) and the state of Montana 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 Montana’s, resulting in lower annual taxes for comparable home values.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | District of Columbia | Montana |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.58 % | 0.75 % |
| Median home value | $724,600 | $338,100 |
| Median annual property tax | $4,180 | $2,535 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home* | $1,442 | $1,875 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home* | $2,885 | $3,749 |
| Median household income | $106,287 | $69,922 |
*Calculated by applying the effective tax rate to the indicated home price (e.g., $250,000 × 0.58 % = $1,442 for DC).
Sources:
- “According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).”
- “Based on the most recent ACS estimates.”
Which jurisdiction has the lower rate?
- Winner (lower property‑tax rate): District of Columbia
- Tax‑rate difference: 0.17 percentage points, which is a 23.06 % relative difference (0.75 % – 0.58 % = 0.17 %; 0.17 % ÷ 0.75 % ≈ 23.06 %).
- Annual tax difference on a $250k home: $433 (Montana $1,875 – DC $1,442).
- Annual tax difference on a $500k home: $864 (Montana $3,749 – DC $2,885).
Because the effective tax rate is the primary driver of yearly liability, the District of Columbia yields lower property‑tax payments for any given home price.
Who might find this comparison most relevant?
| Audience | Relevance of the comparison |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Understanding how their tax burden compares to another jurisdiction can inform decisions about relocating or refinancing. |
| Prospective homebuyers | Buyers weighing options between urban (DC) and rural/suburban (Montana) markets can use the rate and cost data to estimate ongoing housing expenses. |
| Retirees | Retirees who prioritize low ongoing costs may consider the absolute tax amount alongside income levels; DC’s lower rate may offset its higher median home values for some retirees. |
| Real‑estate investors | Investors assessing cash‑flow projections can apply the effective tax rates to model property‑tax expenses in each market. |
The data are purely fiscal; they do not reflect other cost‑of‑living factors, local services, or lifestyle considerations.
Further Reading
- Detailed information on DC’s property‑tax structure: District of Columbia property tax
- Detailed information on Montana’s property‑tax structure: Montana property tax
All figures are based on the 2023 ACS 5‑year estimates and are presented for comparative purposes only.
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.