District Of Columbia vs North Carolina
District of Columbia
Property‑Tax Comparison: District of Columbia vs. North Carolina
Intro
Both the District of Columbia (DC) and the state of North Carolina 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 markedly in effective tax rates, home‑value levels, and median household incomes. The following sections present a side‑by‑side view of the key metrics, identify which jurisdiction has the lower property‑tax burden, and outline the groups for whom the comparison may be most relevant.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | District of Columbia | North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.58 % | 0.70 % |
| Median home value | $724,600 | $259,400 |
| Median annual property tax | $4,180 | $1,815 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $1,442 | $1,749 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $2,885 | $3,499 |
| Median household income | $106,287 | $69,904 |
| Internal link | District of Columbia property tax | North Carolina property tax |
All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 ACS 5‑year estimates.
Which Jurisdiction “Wins” on Property Tax?
Winner (lower tax rate): District of Columbia
- Effective tax‑rate advantage: DC’s rate of 0.58 % is 0.12 percentage points lower than North Carolina’s 0.70 %. This represents a 17.55 % lower rate relative to the North Carolina rate (0.12 ÷ 0.70 ≈ 0.1755).
- Annual tax difference on a $250 k home: $1,749 (NC) − $1,442 (DC) = $307.
- Annual tax difference on a $500 k home: $3,499 (NC) − $2,885 (DC) = $614.
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, a property owner would pay a smaller percentage of the home’s assessed value in DC than in North Carolina, resulting in lower annual tax bills for comparable property values.
Who May Find This Comparison Most Useful?
| Audience | Relevance of the Comparison |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Understanding the relative tax burden helps assess total cost of ownership when choosing between the two locations. |
| Retirees considering relocation | Property‑tax rates directly affect fixed‑income budgets; a lower effective rate (DC) may be attractive, though other cost‑of‑living factors also apply. |
| Real‑estate investors | Tax‑rate differentials influence cash‑flow calculations, especially for properties near the $250 k–$500 k price range. |
| Policy analysts or local‑government officials | The data provide a benchmark for comparing fiscal policy outcomes across jurisdictions. |
The comparison is strictly quantitative; it does not account for other variables such as state income taxes, sales taxes, or public‑service quality, which may also affect decision‑making.
Summary
- Effective property‑tax rate: DC (0.58 %) < NC (0.70 %).
- Median annual tax payment: DC ($4,180) > NC ($1,815) due to higher home values in DC.
- Tax on identical home values: DC consistently lower, saving $307–$614 per year compared with NC.
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, the District of Columbia offers a lower property‑tax rate than North Carolina, making it the lower‑tax option for owners of similarly valued homes.
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.