District Of Columbia vs Utah
District of Columbia
Property‑Tax Comparison: District of Columbia vs. Utah
Intro
Both the District of Columbia (DC) and the state of Utah levy property taxes that fund local services such as schools, public safety, and infrastructure. Using the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), the two jurisdictions differ in effective tax rates, median home values, and the resulting annual tax bills. The table below places the key metrics side by side for easy reference.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | District of Columbia | Utah |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.58 % | 0.53 % |
| Median home value | $724,600 | $455,000 |
| Median annual property tax | $4,180 | $2,412 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $1,442 | $1,325 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $2,885 | $2,651 |
| Median household income | $106,287 | $91,750 |
| Source | District of Columbia property tax | Utah property tax |
All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Who Wins on Property Taxes?
Utah records the lower effective property‑tax rate at 0.53 %, compared with 0.58 % in the District of Columbia. The rate difference of 0.05 percentage points translates to an 8.11 % lower tax burden in Utah (0.05 ÷ 0.58 ≈ 0.086).
Annual tax impact for typical home values:
| Home value | Tax in DC | Tax in Utah | Difference (Utah‑DC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $1,442 | $1,325 | ‑$117 |
| $500,000 | $2,885 | $2,651 | ‑$234 |
Because the effective rate is smaller, Utah’s property‑tax bill is lower for the same assessed value, making it the “winner” in this comparison.
Which Audiences Might Find This Comparison Most Relevant?
| Audience | Why the data matters |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Understanding the ongoing cost of owning a home helps with budgeting and long‑term financial planning. |
| Prospective homebuyers | Lower property‑tax rates can reduce the total cost of ownership, influencing location decisions. |
| Retirees and fixed‑income households | Property taxes represent a recurring expense; a lower rate may make a jurisdiction more affordable for those on fixed incomes. |
| Real‑estate investors | Property‑tax differentials affect net operating income and overall return on investment. |
| Policy analysts | The metrics illustrate how tax policy varies across jurisdictions, useful for comparative studies. |
The comparison is factual and does not imply that one jurisdiction is universally “better” than the other; rather, it highlights how property‑tax rates differ and what that means for various stakeholder groups.
Summary
- Effective tax rate: Utah (0.53 %) < DC (0.58 %).
- Median annual tax: Utah ($2,412) is about 42 % lower than DC’s median ($4,180).
- Tax on typical home values: Utah’s bill is $117–$234 lower per year for $250k–$500k homes.
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, Utah offers a modestly lower property‑tax burden than the District of Columbia. Stakeholders who prioritize lower recurring housing costs—such as homeowners, retirees, and investors—may find Utah’s tax environment comparatively favorable.
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.