Hawaii vs Idaho
Property‑Tax Comparison: Hawaii vs. Idaho
According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), the two states differ markedly in effective property‑tax rates, median home values, and median household incomes. Hawaii’s effective property‑tax rate is less than half of Idaho’s, while Idaho’s median home price is less than half of Hawaii’s. The following tables and analysis present the key metrics side by side.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | Hawaii | Idaho |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.27 % | 0.53 % |
| Median home value | $808,200 | $376,000 |
| Median annual property tax | $2,183 | $2,006 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $675 | $1,334 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $1,351 | $2,667 |
| Median household income | $98,317 | $74,636 |
All figures are taken from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which State Has the Lower Tax Burden?
- Winner (lower tax rate): Hawaii
- Tax‑rate difference: 0.26 percentage points (Hawaii’s 0.27 % vs. Idaho’s 0.53 %). This represents a 49.37 % lower effective rate in Hawaii.
- Annual tax difference on a $250,000 home: $659 less in Hawaii ($675 vs. $1,334).
- Annual tax difference on a $500,000 home: $1,316 less in Hawaii ($1,351 vs. $2,667).
The lower effective property‑tax rate makes Hawaii the “winner” in a pure tax‑rate comparison. However, the absolute tax amounts are similar because Hawaii’s median home values are considerably higher, resulting in a median annual property tax ($2,183) that is only slightly above Idaho’s median ($2,006).
Who Might Benefit Most from This Comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the Comparison |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Understanding the relative tax burden helps when evaluating total housing costs in each state. |
| Retirees considering relocation | Property‑tax rates affect fixed‑income budgeting; a lower rate (Hawaii) may be attractive, but overall cost of living and home price must also be considered. |
| Real‑estate investors | Effective tax rates influence cash‑flow calculations; Idaho’s lower median home price could offset its higher tax rate, depending on investment strategy. |
| Policy analysts | The data provide a clear illustration of how tax policy and home‑value markets interact across states. |
Summary
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, Hawaii has the lower effective property‑tax rate (0.27 % vs. Idaho’s 0.53 %). The rate difference translates to a 49.37 % lower tax burden per dollar of assessed value. While Hawaii’s median annual property tax is slightly higher in absolute dollars because of higher home values, the rate advantage is clear. Stakeholders such as homeowners, retirees, and investors can use this information to assess the relative cost of owning property in each state.
For more detailed information on each state’s property‑tax structure, see the dedicated pages:
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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.