Hawaii vs Montana
Property‑Tax Comparison: Hawaii vs. Montana
Introduction
Both Hawaii and Montana levy property taxes that fund local services such as schools, roads, and public safety. The two states differ markedly in tax rates, home values, and household incomes. The following sections present the latest available data, a side‑by‑side metric table, and a concise analysis of which state imposes a lower property‑tax burden.
Side‑by‑Side Comparison (2023 ACS 5‑year estimates)
| Metric | Hawaii | Montana |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.27 % | 0.75 % |
| Median home value | $808,200 | $338,100 |
| Median annual property tax | $2,183 | $2,535 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $675 | $1,875 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $1,351 | $3,749 |
| Median household income | $98,317 | $69,922 |
All figures are from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Who Wins the Property‑Tax Metric?
Winner (lower effective tax rate): Hawaii
- Rate difference: 0.48 % (Hawaii’s 0.27 % vs. Montana’s 0.75 %).
- Percentage difference: 63.98 % lower rate in Hawaii.
- Annual tax on a $250k home: $675 in Hawaii vs. $1,875 in Montana → $1,200 less in Hawaii.
- Annual tax on a $500k home: $1,351 in Hawaii vs. $3,749 in Montana → $2,398 less in Hawaii.
Why Hawaii wins: The effective property‑tax rate is less than one‑third of Montana’s rate. Even though Hawaii’s median home values are more than double those in Montana, the lower rate produces a smaller tax liability for comparable home prices.
Which Audiences Might Find This Comparison Most Relevant?
| Audience | Relevance of the Data |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | The table shows how much property tax would be due on typical home values in each state. |
| Retirees considering relocation | Property‑tax burden directly affects fixed‑income budgets; Hawaii’s lower rate may be advantageous despite higher home prices. |
| Real‑estate investors | Effective tax rates influence cash‑flow projections; the lower rate in Hawaii reduces annual expenses per dollar of property value. |
| Policy analysts | The contrast illustrates how different tax structures interact with median income and home‑value levels. |
The comparison is purely quantitative; it does not account for other cost‑of‑living factors (e.g., utilities, insurance, or state income taxes).
Sources
- According to the U.S. Census Bureau data, the effective property‑tax rates and median values are taken from the 2023 American Community Survey 5‑year estimates.
- Further details on state‑specific tax rules can be found at the internal pages: Hawaii property tax and Montana property tax.
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, Hawaii imposes a lower property‑tax rate than Montana, resulting in lower annual taxes for comparable home values.
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.