Updated · Property tax data: Census ACS 2024 5-year estimates · Transfer tax verified April 2026 · Methodology · Editorial policy
District of Columbia's 0.58% effective property tax rate falls in the middle 50% of US counties, close to the national median of 0.81%. On the county's median home value of $737,100, the typical homeowner pays $4,312 annually in property tax, $2,683 more than the national median of $1,629. At closing, District of Columbia's 2.20% combined real estate transfer tax adds roughly $16,216 on a median-priced home, split between buyer and seller. FEMA data shows 54.0% of District of Columbia's land area falls within a Special Flood Hazard Area, a very high exposure level. Flood insurance is required for federally-backed mortgages in those zones and commonly adds $800–$3,000 per year.
Enter any purchase price to see the full cost breakdown for District of Columbia.
Very high flood risk. Over 30% of this county lies in a FEMA flood zone. Flood insurance is required for any federally-backed mortgage in the SFHA. Check your property at msc.fema.gov.
All figures are estimates for planning purposes only. Mortgage payment assumes a 30-year fixed rate of 7.28%, the Freddie Mac PMMS average for the week ending October 1, 2026. Your lender will confirm the actual rate. Closing costs vary by lender and transaction. Consult a licensed real estate attorney and lender before making any financial decisions.
Ways buyers in District of Columbia may reduce their annual property tax. These programs apply statewide; verify county specifics with your local assessor.
Reduces the assessed value of a primary residence by $91,950 for tax year 2026 before computing property tax (saving approximately $781/year).
View official source →Reduces property tax by 50% for owners age 65+ or disabled who own at least 50% of the property, with household federal AGI (from 2024) under $163,500 for tax year 2026.
View official source →Limits annual taxable assessment increases on owner-occupied homestead property to 10% per year (2% for homes receiving Senior/Disabled relief).
View official source →Last verified April 2026. Exemption amounts and eligibility change frequently. Always confirm with your county assessor before claiming.
Answers to common questions about buying a home in District of Columbia.
The effective property tax rate in District of Columbia is 0.58%, calculated as the median annual property tax paid ($4,312) divided by the median home value ($737,100), using 2024 US Census ACS 5-year estimates. Your actual bill depends on your purchase price, homestead or senior exemptions, and any special assessments applied in your taxing district.
District of Columbia's combined real estate transfer tax is approximately 2.20% of the purchase price. On the median District of Columbia home value of $737,100, this adds roughly $16,216 at closing. Recordation Tax (buyer) and Transfer Tax (seller) each: 1.1% under $400k, 1.45% at $400k and above (applies to full price, not just portion). Combined 2.2% (under $400k) or 2.9% ($400k+). First-time DC homebuyers: reduced recordation rate of 0.725% on purchases up to $777,000.
Yes, substantially. FEMA National Risk Index data shows 54.0% of District of Columbia's land area falls within a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). Flood insurance is required for any federally-backed mortgage on a property inside an SFHA and commonly adds $800–$3,000 per year. Check your specific property's flood zone at msc.fema.gov before buying.
Closing costs for a buyer in District of Columbia typically run $14,742–$36,855 (2–5% of purchase price) on a median-priced home, including title insurance ($800–$2,000), appraisal ($400–$700), home inspection ($350–$600), recording fees ($100–$300), and loan origination (0.5–1.0% of the loan amount). Use the calculator above for a specific estimate at your purchase price.
Every county-specific figure on this page links to the exact public dataset it comes from. Verify the numbers yourself against the original source.
Source for the $4,312/yr median taxes paid (ACS 2024 5-year estimates, variable B25103_001E).
Source for the $737,100 median home value (variable B25077_001E). The 0.58% effective rate is median taxes paid divided by median home value.
Source for the transfer tax used in the calculator (buyer 1.10%, seller 1.10%). Verified April 2026.
Source for the county's flood hazard exposure (coastal and inland flood exposure area as a share of county area).
The national dataset behind the county report, including its technical documentation and release notes.
Look up a specific property's flood zone and insurance rate map before making an offer on a home in District of Columbia.
Closing cost line items are national ranges, not county data. The methodology lists each range's source and the calculator's assumptions (mortgage rate, insurance, PMI).
District of Columbia property tax exemptions: official sources
Verified April 2026.
What every buyer should read before making an offer.
An HOA capped rentals at 10 of 50 homes and grandfathered the existing landlords. How to find rental restrictions before closing, and what they cost you.
Read the guide →A buyer closed on a house and only then found out about ongoing HOA lawsuits. Six checks you can run yourself before your contingencies expire.
Read the guide →HOA special assessment not on the disclosure? One buyer got a $15,000 bill the day after closing. How to catch it before, and what to do after.
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