District Of Columbia vs Vermont
District of Columbia
Property‑Tax Comparison: District of Columbia vs. Vermont
Introduction
Both the District of Columbia (DC) and the state of Vermont levy local property taxes to fund municipal services, schools, and infrastructure. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), DC’s effective property‑tax rate is markedly lower than Vermont’s, while the median home values and household incomes differ substantially. The following side‑by‑side table presents the key metrics that define each jurisdiction’s property‑tax environment.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric (2023 ACS 5‑yr) | District of Columbia | Vermont |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.58 % | 1.71 % |
| Median home value | $724,600 | $290,500 |
| Median annual property tax | $4,180 | $4,956 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $1,442 | $4,265 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $2,885 | $8,530 |
| Median household income | $106,287 | $78,024 |
| Internal link | District of Columbia property tax | Vermont property tax |
Who Wins on Property‑Tax Burden?
- Winner (lower rate): District of Columbia
- Rate difference: 1.13 percentage points, representing a 66.2 % lower effective tax rate in DC compared with Vermont.
- Annual tax difference on a $250,000 home: $2,823 lower in DC.
- Annual tax difference on a $500,000 home: $5,645 lower in DC.
Why DC wins: The effective property‑tax rate of 0.58 % in DC is roughly one‑third of Vermont’s 1.71 %. Because the rate is applied to the assessed value of the property, the lower rate translates into smaller tax bills for comparable home prices, even though DC’s median home values are considerably higher.
Which Audience Benefits Most from This Comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the Comparison |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Understanding the relative tax burden helps in budgeting for home ownership costs. DC’s lower rate may be attractive for buyers of higher‑priced homes, while Vermont’s higher rate can represent a larger share of expenses for lower‑priced homes. |
| Retirees or fixed‑income households | A lower effective tax rate (as in DC) can reduce the proportion of limited income devoted to property taxes, though overall cost of living and housing prices also matter. |
| Real‑estate investors | Effective tax rates directly affect cash‑flow calculations. The 66 % rate advantage in DC could improve net returns on rental properties relative to Vermont. |
| Policy analysts or researchers | The data illustrate how tax‑rate structures differ across jurisdictions, providing a basis for comparative fiscal studies. |
Summary
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, the District of Columbia imposes a substantially lower effective property‑tax rate than Vermont (0.58 % vs. 1.71 %). Consequently, property owners in DC pay less in absolute dollars for homes of the same price, despite higher median home values and household incomes. The comparison is most pertinent to individuals and entities evaluating the ongoing cost of home ownership or investment, particularly those sensitive to property‑tax expenses.
All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
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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.