District Of Columbia vs Oregon
District of Columbia
Property‑Tax Comparison: District of Columbia vs. Oregon
Overview
Both the District of Columbia (DC) and the state of Oregon 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 Oregon’s, resulting in smaller annual tax bills for comparable home values. The tables and calculations below present the key metrics side‑by‑side and identify which jurisdiction has the lower rate.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric (2023 ACS) | District of Columbia | Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.58 % | 0.83 % |
| Median home value | $724,600 | $454,200 |
| Median annual property tax | $4,180 | $3,767 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $1,442 | $2,074 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $2,885 | $4,147 |
| Median household income | $106,287 | $80,426 |
Sources: “According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).”
Which Jurisdiction Wins on Property‑Tax Rate?
- Winner (lower rate): District of Columbia
- Rate difference: 0.25 percentage points (DC 0.58 % vs. Oregon 0.83 %)
- Relative difference: Approximately 30 % lower (0.25 % ÷ 0.83 % ≈ 30 %).
Impact on typical home values
| Home value | Annual tax in DC | Annual tax in Oregon | Difference (Oregon – DC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $1,442 | $2,074 | $632 |
| $500,000 | $2,885 | $4,147 | $1,262 |
Because the effective rate is smaller in DC, property owners paying the same amount for a house would owe less in DC than in Oregon.
Who Benefits Most from This Comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of lower property‑tax rate |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | A lower rate reduces ongoing expenses, especially for owners of higher‑valued properties. |
| Prospective homebuyers | The tax differential can influence total cost of ownership when comparing locations. |
| Retirees on fixed incomes | Lower annual taxes may make DC more affordable, although overall cost of living and other taxes also matter. |
| Real‑estate investors | A lower effective rate improves cash‑flow projections for rental properties. |
| Policy analysts | The data illustrate how jurisdictional tax structures affect household finances relative to median incomes. |
The comparison is most useful for individuals or analysts evaluating the property‑tax component of overall housing affordability in the two jurisdictions. It does not account for other taxes (e.g., income, sales) or cost‑of‑living factors that may also influence decision‑making.
References
- District of Columbia property tax: /district-of-columbia-property-tax
- Oregon property tax: /oregon-property-tax
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, the figures presented are averages and medians; actual tax bills can vary depending on local assessment practices, exemptions, and supplemental levies.
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.