District Of Columbia vs South Carolina
District of Columbia
South Carolina
Property‑Tax Comparison: District of Columbia vs. South Carolina
Both the District of Columbia (DC) and South Carolina levy property taxes that fund local services such as schools, public safety, and infrastructure. The two jurisdictions differ markedly in home values, tax rates, and median household incomes. The following comparison uses the most recent data available from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Key Metrics (2023 ACS 5‑Year Estimates)
| Metric | District of Columbia | South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property tax rate | 0.58 % | 0.51 % |
| Median home value | $724,600 | $236,700 |
| Median annual property tax | $4,180 | $1,199 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $1,442 | $1,266 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $2,885 | $2,532 |
| Median household income | $106,287 | $66,818 |
Sources: According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which Jurisdiction Has the Lower Tax Burden?
- Winner (lower effective rate): South Carolina
- Rate difference: 0.07 percentage points, which is a 12.20 % lower rate than DC’s 0.58 %
- Annual tax difference on a $250,000 home: $176 (South Carolina $1,266 vs. DC $1,442)
- Annual tax difference on a $500,000 home: $353 (South Carolina $2,532 vs. DC $2,885)
Because South Carolina’s effective property‑tax rate is lower, owners of comparable‑valued homes pay less in absolute dollars each year.
Who May Benefit Most from This Comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of Findings |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Lower effective rates and absolute tax amounts in South Carolina can reduce ongoing housing costs, especially for buyers of mid‑range homes ($250 k–$500 k). |
| Retirees and fixed‑income households | Property‑tax savings are more pronounced in South Carolina, which may help retirees stretch limited income. |
| Real‑estate investors | The lower tax burden in South Carolina can improve cash‑flow projections for rental or investment properties. |
| Policy analysts | The data illustrate how tax‑rate structures interact with median home values and income levels in different jurisdictions. |
Additional Resources
- Detailed information on DC’s tax structure: District of Columbia property tax
- Detailed information on South Carolina’s tax structure: South Carolina property tax
Note: All figures reflect the 2023 American Community Survey 5‑year estimates and are presented without adjustment for local exemptions, abatements, or supplemental assessments that may apply in each jurisdiction.
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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.