Home Values in Washington, District of Columbia — 2026 Market Report
Updated March 2026 | Balanced Market | +2.4% YoY
The median home value in Washington, District of Columbia is $620,000 as of March 2026, which is above the national median of $400,000. Home values in Washington have increased by 2.4% over the past year and 12.6% over the last five years. With a population of 689,545 and a median household income of $90,842, the price-to-income ratio stands at 6.8x, making Washington affordable for the average household.
Washington Housing Market Conditions
| Metric | Washington | National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $620,000 | $400,000 |
| YoY Appreciation | +2.4% | +3.8% |
| 5-Year Appreciation | +12.6% | +22.4% |
| Price per Sq Ft | $427 | $222 |
| Days on Market | 49 days | 45 days |
| Months of Supply | 4.7 | 3.5 |
| List-to-Sale Ratio | 98.3% | 98.5% |
| Monthly Homes Sold | 583 | — |
| Foreclosure Rate | 0.66% | 0.3% |
Home Value Trends in Washington
A homeowner who purchased at the median price of $550,622 five years ago in Washington would have gained approximately $69,378 in equity, representing a 12.6% return on investment. Over the past year alone, the typical homeowner gained $14,531 in home equity.
Affordability in Washington, DC
With a median household income of $90,842 and a median home price of $620,000, the price-to-income ratio in Washington is 6.8x. A ratio below 3x is generally considered affordable, while above 5x indicates significant affordability challenges. The average monthly rent of $3,354 compared to estimated monthly ownership costs of $3,234 gives a rent-vs-buy ratio of 0.96. In Washington, buying is currently competitive with renting when factoring in equity accumulation.
Property Taxes in Washington
The effective property tax rate in District of Columbia is 0.56%. On a home valued at $620,000, the estimated annual property tax bill is $3,472, or approximately $289/month. Property taxes are an important factor in the total cost of homeownership and can significantly impact affordability. The cost of living index in Washington is 152.1 (100 = national average), indicating living costs are above the national average.
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Open Mortgage CalculatorFrequently Asked Questions
What is the median home value in Washington, DC?
The median home value in Washington, District of Columbia is $620,000 as of March 2026. Home values have changed +2.4% over the past year, with a 5-year appreciation of 12.6%.
Is Washington a buyer's or seller's market?
Washington is currently a balanced market with 4.7 months of housing supply. Homes spend an average of 49 days on market, and the list-to-sale price ratio is 98.3%. Supply and demand are relatively balanced.
Are home values going up in Washington?
Yes, home values in Washington have increased by 2.4% over the past year. The 5-year appreciation rate is 12.6%, meaning a home worth $550,622 five years ago is now worth $620,000.
Is it better to rent or buy in Washington?
The average monthly rent in Washington is $3,354, while estimated monthly homeownership costs are approximately $3,234. The price-to-rent ratio is 15.4. Based on current conditions, buying may be more cost-effective than renting in this market.
Related Resources
Disclaimer: Home value data for Washington, District of Columbia is based on publicly available market data and estimates. Actual home values may vary based on property condition, location within the city, and current market conditions. Data is updated regularly but may not reflect the most recent transactions. Last updated: March 2026.