Hawaii vs Mississippi
Property Tax Comparison: Hawaii vs. Mississippi
Introduction
Both Hawaii and Mississippi levy property taxes that fund local services such as schools, public safety, and infrastructure. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), Hawaii’s effective property tax rate is substantially lower than Mississippi’s, while median home values and household incomes differ markedly. The following side‑by‑side table summarizes the key metrics that affect homeowners and other property owners in the two states.
| Metric | Hawaii | Mississippi |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property tax rate | 0.27 % | 0.74 % |
| Median home value (2026) | $808,200 | $161,400 |
| Median annual property tax | $2,183 | $1,189 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $675 | $1,842 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $1,351 | $3,684 |
| Median household income (2026) | $98,317 | $54,915 |
Sources: Hawaii property tax and Mississippi property tax; data from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 ACS (5‑year).
Who “wins” the property‑tax comparison?
Based on the lower effective property tax rate, Hawaii is the winner. The rate difference is 0.47 percentage points, which translates to a 63.34 % lower tax burden relative to Mississippi. When applied to typical home values:
- On a $250,000 home, Hawaii’s annual tax is $675, while Mississippi’s is $1,842 – a difference of $1,167 per year.
- On a $500,000 home, Hawaii’s tax is $1,351, compared with Mississippi’s $3,684 – a difference of $2,333 per year.
These calculations demonstrate that, for identical property values, homeowners in Hawaii pay roughly one‑third of the property tax that Mississippi homeowners would pay.
Which audiences benefit from this comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the data |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Understanding the tax burden associated with a given purchase price helps in budgeting and evaluating overall affordability. |
| Retirees and fixed‑income households | Property tax levels directly affect net disposable income; lower rates (as in Hawaii) may be advantageous, though they must be weighed against higher home prices and cost‑of‑living factors. |
| Real‑estate investors | Tax rate differentials impact cash‑flow projections and return‑on‑investment calculations for rental or resale properties. |
| Policy analysts and local government officials | The contrast highlights how state‑level tax structures influence revenue generation and homeowner costs. |
Summary
- Effective tax rate: Hawaii 0.27 % vs. Mississippi 0.74 %
- Median annual tax: Hawaii $2,183 vs. Mississippi $1,189 (lower in Mississippi because of lower home values)
- Tax on identical homes: Hawaii consistently lower (≈ $1,167–$2,333 less per year)
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, the primary determinant of the lower tax burden in Hawaii is its significantly reduced effective property tax rate. Stakeholders who prioritize a lower tax rate on a given property value—such as homeowners, retirees, and investors—will find Hawaii’s property‑tax environment comparatively favorable, while those focused on overall housing affordability must also consider the higher median home prices and household incomes in the state.
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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.