District Of Columbia vs Wisconsin
District of Columbia
Property‑Tax Comparison: District of Columbia vs. Wisconsin
Intro
Both the District of Columbia (DC) and the state of Wisconsin levy property taxes that fund local services such as schools, roads, and public safety. The two jurisdictions differ markedly in home values, effective tax rates, and median household incomes. The following sections present the latest Census Bureau data side‑by‑side, identify which jurisdiction has the lower tax burden, and note the types of taxpayers for whom the comparison may be most relevant.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | District of Columbia | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.58 % | 1.51 % |
| Median home value | $724,600 | $247,400 |
| Median annual property tax | $4,180 | $3,746 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $1,442 | $3,785 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $2,885 | $7,571 |
| Median household income | $106,287 | $75,670 |
| Reference | 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) |
| Further reading | District of Columbia property tax | Wisconsin property tax |
Which Jurisdiction “Wins” on Property‑Tax Rate?
Winner (lower rate): District of Columbia
- Effective tax‑rate advantage: DC’s rate of 0.58 % is 0.94 percentage points lower than Wisconsin’s 1.51 % rate.
- Relative difference: The DC rate is about 61.9 % lower than Wisconsin’s rate (0.94 ÷ 1.51 ≈ 0.619).
- Annual tax savings on example homes:
- On a $250,000 home, the DC tax ($1,442) is $2,343 less than the Wisconsin tax ($3,785).
- On a $500,000 home, the DC tax ($2,885) is $4,686 less than the Wisconsin tax ($7,571).
The lower effective rate in DC translates into lower tax bills for properties of the same assessed value, even though DC’s median home price is substantially higher than Wisconsin’s.
Who Might Find This Comparison Most Useful?
| Audience | Relevance of the Data |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Understanding the property‑tax burden relative to home price helps in budgeting for mortgage and ongoing expenses. |
| Retirees considering relocation | Property‑tax levels directly affect fixed‑income budgeting; a lower rate may be attractive, though overall cost of living (including home prices) must also be considered. |
| Real‑estate investors | Tax‑rate differentials affect cash‑flow projections, especially when comparing investment properties of similar value across jurisdictions. |
| Policy analysts | The contrast highlights how tax structures and home‑value markets interact, useful for comparative fiscal studies. |
| Financial planners | Accurate tax estimates are needed for comprehensive net‑worth and cash‑flow planning for clients with property assets in either area. |
The comparison is neutral and based solely on the most recent ACS estimates. It does not account for other fiscal factors such as state income taxes, sales taxes, or local exemptions, which may also influence the overall tax burden for each individual.
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.