District Of Columbia vs Washington
District of Columbia
Property‑Tax Comparison: District of Columbia vs. Washington
Scope – This article compares the most recent property‑tax metrics for the District of Columbia and the State of Washington using data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Key finding – The District of Columbia has a lower effective property‑tax rate than Washington, resulting in lower annual tax payments for comparable home values.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | District of Columbia | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.58 % | 0.84 % |
| Median home value | $724,600 | $519,800 |
| Median annual property tax | $4,180 | $4,361 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $1,442 | $2,098 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $2,885 | $4,195 |
| Median household income | $106,287 | $94,952 |
| Source | According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates) | According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates) |
Internal links: District of Columbia property tax • Washington property tax
Which jurisdiction “wins” on property tax?
- Effective tax rate – The District of Columbia’s rate of 0.58 % is 0.26 percentage points lower than Washington’s 0.84 % rate. This represents a 31.2 % lower rate.
- Annual tax on a $250k home – DC owners pay $1,442, Washington owners pay $2,098 – a difference of $656 per year.
- Annual tax on a $500k home – DC owners pay $2,885, Washington owners pay $4,195 – a difference of $1,310 per year.
Based on the lower effective property‑tax rate and the resulting lower annual tax amounts, the District of Columbia is the lower‑tax jurisdiction for comparable home values.
Who is most affected by this comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of lower property tax |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Lower ongoing tax payments reduce household expenses, particularly for owners of mid‑range homes ($250k–$500k). |
| Prospective homebuyers | The tax differential influences total cost of ownership; buyers comparing properties in the two areas may favor the lower‑tax jurisdiction when other factors are similar. |
| Retirees and fixed‑income households | Reduced property‑tax burdens can be significant for those on limited incomes, making the District of Columbia comparatively more affordable from a tax‑perspective. |
| Investors | Lower tax rates can improve net operating income on rental properties, though investors must also consider differences in home values and income levels. |
These observations are factual and derived directly from the ACS data; they do not constitute advice or endorsement of any jurisdiction.
Summary
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, the District of Columbia’s effective property‑tax rate of 0.58 % is lower than Washington’s 0.84 %, resulting in annual tax savings of $656 on a $250,000 home and $1,310 on a $500,000 home. The lower rate benefits homeowners, prospective buyers, retirees, and property investors who are sensitive to property‑tax costs.
All figures reflect the 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year) estimates and are presented without interpretation beyond the data.
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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.