Hawaii vs Louisiana
Property‑Tax Comparison: Hawaii vs. Louisiana
Both Hawaii and Louisiana levy property taxes that fund local services such as schools, public safety, and infrastructure. The two states differ markedly in tax rates, home values, and median household incomes. The data below are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | Hawaii | Louisiana |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.27 % | 0.55 % |
| Median home value | $808,200 | $208,700 |
| Median annual property tax | $2,183 | $1,146 |
| Property tax on a $250 k home | $675 | $1,373 |
| Property tax on a $500 k home | $1,351 | $2,746 |
| Median household income | $98,317 | $60,023 |
Sources: According to U.S. Census Bureau data, 2023 ACS 5‑year estimates.
Which State “Wins” on Property Tax
- Winner (lower tax rate): Hawaii
- Rate difference: 0.28 percentage points (Hawaii’s rate is 50.81 % lower than Louisiana’s).
- Annual tax difference for a $250 k home: $698 in favor of Hawaii.
- Annual tax difference for a $500 k home: $1,395 in favor of Hawaii.
The lower effective tax rate in Hawaii means that, for a given property value, the annual property‑tax bill is consistently lower than in Louisiana. Even though Hawaii’s median home price is roughly four times higher, the tax‑rate advantage results in a higher median annual tax bill ($2,183 vs. $1,146) because the underlying property values are larger.
Who This Comparison Is Most Relevant For
| Audience | Implication |
|---|---|
| Prospective homeowners | Buyers evaluating total cost of ownership should note that a lower tax rate does not automatically translate into a lower tax dollar amount when home values differ dramatically. |
| Retirees on fixed incomes | In states with lower median household incomes (e.g., Louisiana), a higher tax rate can represent a larger share of disposable income, even though the dollar amount may be modest. |
| Real‑estate investors | Investors comparing cash‑flow projections across states should factor both the effective tax rate and the typical property price level. |
| Policy analysts | The data illustrate how tax‑rate structures interact with market‑price differences, informing discussions on tax equity and revenue adequacy. |
Summary
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, Hawaii has the lower effective property‑tax rate (0.27 % vs. 0.55 %). This rate advantage yields lower tax bills for identical property values, though Hawaii’s higher median home values result in a larger median tax dollar amount. Stakeholders—homebuyers, retirees, investors, and analysts—should weigh both the rate and the typical property price when assessing the overall tax burden.
For more detailed state‑specific information, see the pages on Hawaii property tax and Louisiana property tax.
Explore More Comparisons
Discover how property taxes compare across all states in our comprehensive comparison guide.
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.