

Hawaii vs Ohio
Property Tax Comparison: Hawaii vs. Ohio
Intro
Both Hawaii and Ohio 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), the two states differ markedly in effective tax rates, median home values, and the resulting annual tax bills. This article presents a side‑by‑side factual comparison and identifies which state imposes the lower property tax burden.
Side‑by‑Side Comparison (2023 ACS)
| Metric | Hawaii | Ohio |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property tax rate | 0.27 % | 1.36 % |
| Median home value | $808,200 | $199,200 |
| Median annual property tax | $2,183 | $2,712 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $675 | $3,404 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $1,351 | $6,807 |
| Median household income | $98,317 | $69,680 |
| Internal link (details) | Hawaii property tax | Ohio property tax |
All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Who Wins on Property Tax Burden?
Winner (lower tax rate): Hawaii
- Effective tax‑rate advantage: Hawaii’s rate of 0.27 % is 1.09 percentage points lower than Ohio’s 1.36 %. This represents an 80.16 % lower rate relative to Ohio.
- Annual tax difference on a $250 k home: $3,404 (Ohio) – $675 (Hawaii) = $2,729.
- Annual tax difference on a $500 k home: $6,807 (Ohio) – $1,351 (Hawaii) = $5,456.
Based on the lower effective property tax rate, Hawaii imposes a smaller tax burden on comparable property values.
Which Audiences May Find This Comparison Most Relevant?
| Audience | Relevance of the Comparison |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Understanding how the tax rate translates to annual cash outlays for homes at typical price points ($250k, $500k) helps evaluate affordability. |
| Retirees or fixed‑income households | Property tax levels directly affect disposable income; the lower rate in Hawaii may be advantageous despite higher home prices. |
| Real‑estate investors | Investors can compare tax liabilities against expected rental income or appreciation potential in each market. |
| Policy analysts or researchers | The data illustrate how differing tax structures interact with median home values and household incomes. |
The comparison does not address other cost‑of‑living components (e.g., utilities, groceries, insurance) and should be considered alongside those factors when making location decisions.
Summary
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, Hawaii’s effective property tax rate (0.27 %) is substantially lower than Ohio’s (1.36 %). For identical property values, the annual tax bill in Hawaii is markedly lower—by $2,729 for a $250 k home and $5,456 for a $500 k home. Homeowners, retirees, and investors seeking to minimize property‑tax expenses may find Hawaii’s lower rate beneficial, though the higher median home price and overall cost of living should also be weighed.
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, Hawaii is the clear winner in terms of lower property tax rates.
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.