Washington, DC town hall & government
Washington spent $22 billion in the year to September 30, 2024, about $32,704 per resident.
Where the money goes, where it comes from, property taxes, and how to reach Washington's government.
Where Washington's money goes
Washington runs its own schools, so school spending is part of its budget. Comparisons are with other District of Columbia cities.
Where the money comes from
- From the federal government 33%
- Income taxes 20%
- Property taxes 14%
- Sales taxes 12%
- Interest, fines & other 7%
- Fees & charges 5%
- From other local governments 3%
- Other taxes & licenses 3%
- From the state 2%
- Utility sales 1%
Who works for Washington
Staff on the town's payroll in March 2025. Pay is March payroll times twelve, so it's approximate.
District of Columbia Public Schools
Washington's K–12 school district. The schools are run by Washington, so this money is part of the budget above.
Where the district's money comes from District of Columbia districts overall: 86% local, 0% state, 14% federal
- Local 86%
- State 0%
- Federal 14%
Of the $31,529 per pupil, $15,764 goes to classroom instruction (teachers, aides, supplies); the rest to support services such as buses, buildings, counselors and administration. Building projects and debt payments aren't in the per-pupil figure.
Which schools Washington kids attend, test scores and graduation rate →
What homeowners in Washington pay
The median yearly bill homeowners report, covering every local property tax on the home (town, schools, county). The effective rate is that bill divided by the median home value, so it's a rough guide, not the official tax rate.
Contact Washington's government
Who represents Washington
Washington is represented in Congress by Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton. Muriel Bowser is mayor.
Budget: U.S. Census Bureau, 2022 Census of Governments: Finance (every city and town government's revenue, spending and debt, grouped into plain categories). Property tax: Census American Community Survey, 5-year estimates.