District of Columbia Property Tax Calculator
District of Columbia effective property tax rate is 0.57% — about $2,280/year on a $400,000 home. This calculator lets you model exemptions, project 10 years out, and compare to other states.
Property tax in District of Columbia
District of Columbia ranks #5 of 51 for property tax burden (one of the lowest-tax states in the country). The state-wide effective rate of 0.57% is a weighted median — individual counties and municipalities can be meaningfully higher or lower.
How property tax is calculated
The basic formula is straightforward:
Annual Tax = (Assessed Value − Exemptions) × Effective Tax Rate
Three numbers determine your bill: the assessed value (set by your county assessor, often lower than market value), any exemptions you qualify for (homestead, senior, veteran, disability), and the combined millage rate applied by your state, county, school district, and any special districts.
Common exemptions in District of Columbia
- Homestead exemption — reduces the taxable value of your primary residence. Most states offer one; some (like Florida and Texas) have generous caps.
- Senior (65+) exemption — additional reduction or rate freeze for older homeowners; check District of Columbia eligibility rules.
- Veteran / disability exemption — partial or full exemption for qualifying veterans and people with disabilities.
- Agricultural / conservation — for qualifying land use; not applicable to most residential calculations.
Use the exemption fields above to model your specific situation. Confirm eligibility and current dollar amounts with your District of Columbia county assessor — exemption amounts change annually.
How District of Columbia compares
Lowest-tax states (effective rates under 0.6%): Hawaii, Alabama, Colorado, Nevada, Louisiana. Highest-tax states (above 2%): New Jersey, Illinois, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Vermont. District of Columbia's 0.57% effective rate puts it in the lower third of US states.
Frequently asked questions about District of Columbia property tax
What is the property tax rate in District of Columbia?+
District of Columbia's effective property tax rate is 0.57% — meaning the average homeowner pays about $5.699999999999999 per $1,000 of home value per year. On a $400,000 home, that's roughly $2,280/year or $190/month. This is a statewide weighted median — individual counties and municipalities can be significantly higher or lower.
How is property tax calculated in District of Columbia?+
Property tax = (Assessed Value − Exemptions) × Effective Tax Rate. The assessed value is set by your county assessor and is often lower than market value. Exemptions (homestead, senior, veteran, disability) reduce the taxable base. The combined millage rate from your state, county, school district, and special districts is applied to the taxable value. District of Columbia's median effective rate is 0.57%, but your specific bill depends on your local jurisdiction.
Does District of Columbia have a homestead exemption?+
Most US states offer some form of homestead exemption that reduces property tax on your primary residence. District of Columbia's specific homestead exemption amount, eligibility rules (typically must be your primary residence as of January 1), and application deadlines are set at the state and county level. Use the homestead exemption field in this calculator to model your specific exemption — and confirm the current dollar amount with your District of Columbia county assessor.
Are there senior or veteran property tax exemptions in District of Columbia?+
Most states offer additional property tax exemptions for seniors (typically 65+), veterans, disabled veterans, and people with disabilities. Some are flat-dollar reductions; others freeze the assessed value or cap annual increases. Eligibility, application process, and dollar amounts vary by county within District of Columbia. Check with your county assessor's office or the District of Columbia Department of Revenue for the specific exemptions you may qualify for.
How often does property tax change in District of Columbia?+
Property tax bills can change annually based on (1) reassessment of your home's value, (2) changes in local millage rates voted by your school district / county / municipality, and (3) addition or removal of exemptions. Reassessment frequency varies — some states reassess annually, others on a multi-year cycle. District of Columbia's effective rate of 0.57% is a state-wide median; your individual bill can move ±10-30% based on local decisions and reassessments.
Can I appeal my District of Columbia property tax assessment?+
Yes. Every state allows property owners to appeal their assessed value if they believe it's too high. The process typically requires filing within a specific window after receiving your assessment notice (often 30-90 days), providing comparable sales evidence or an independent appraisal showing a lower value, and possibly attending a hearing. If you successfully reduce your assessed value, your property tax bill drops proportionally. Check with your District of Columbia county assessor for the specific appeal process and deadlines.
How does District of Columbia property tax compare to other states?+
District of Columbia's effective property tax rate is 0.57%. For context: the lowest-tax states are Hawaii (~0.28%), Alabama (~0.41%), and Colorado (~0.51%). The highest are New Jersey (~2.49%), Illinois (~2.27%), and New Hampshire (~2.18%). The US national average is approximately 1.07%. Note that property tax rate alone doesn't tell the full story — home prices vary 10x across states, so a 0.5% rate on a $1M home is more than a 2% rate on a $200K home.
Property tax in other states
Disclaimer: Estimates only. Property tax rates vary by county, school district, and municipality within District of Columbia. Your actual bill depends on local assessment practices, exemptions you qualify for, and any special district levies. Confirm with your District of Columbia county assessor.