Hawaii vs Oklahoma
Property‑Tax Comparison: Hawaii vs. Oklahoma
Introduction
Both Hawaii and Oklahoma 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 comparison uses the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates) to present the key figures side by side.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | Hawaii | Oklahoma |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.27 % | 0.82 % |
| Median home value | $808,200 | $185,900 |
| Median annual property tax | $2,183 | $1,520 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $675 | $2,044 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $1,351 | $4,088 |
| Median household income | $98,317 | $63,603 |
| Link to detailed state page | Hawaii property tax | Oklahoma property tax |
All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 ACS 5‑year estimates.
Which State Has the Lower Property‑Tax Burden?
Winner (lower tax rate): Hawaii
- Effective rate difference: 0.55 percentage points, which is a 66.96 % lower rate in Hawaii compared with Oklahoma.
- Annual tax on a $250k home: Hawaii $675 vs. Oklahoma $2,044 → $1,369 less in Hawaii.
- Annual tax on a $500k home: Hawaii $1,351 vs. Oklahoma $4,088 → $2,737 less in Hawaii.
The lower effective tax rate in Hawaii results from the state's reliance on other revenue sources (e.g., tourism‑related taxes) rather than high property taxes. Oklahoma’s higher rate reflects a greater dependence on property tax revenue to fund local services.
Who Might Benefit From This Comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of Findings |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | The effective tax rate directly affects yearly cash flow. Buyers of lower‑priced homes ($250 k–$500 k) would pay substantially less tax in Hawaii, though the higher median home price may offset the savings. |
| Retirees | Retirees often prioritize stable, predictable expenses. Hawaii’s lower tax rate can reduce ongoing costs, but the higher home values may require a larger initial investment. |
| Real‑estate investors | Investors focusing on cash‑on‑cash returns need to factor the tax burden. Oklahoma’s higher rates increase operating costs, while Hawaii’s lower rates improve net yields on comparable‑priced properties. |
| Policy analysts | The contrast illustrates how differing fiscal structures influence the balance between property tax rates, home values, and household incomes. |
All observations are based on the cited census data and do not incorporate state‑specific exemptions, assessment practices, or local levy variations.
Summary
- Effective property‑tax rate: Hawaii 0.27 % vs. Oklahoma 0.82 % (Hawaii lower).
- Median home values: Hawaii $808,200 vs. Oklahoma $185,900.
- Median annual tax payments: Hawaii $2,183 vs. Oklahoma $1,520 (Hawaii higher in absolute dollars due to higher home values).
- Tax on typical $250k–$500k homes: Hawaii’s payments are roughly one‑third of Oklahoma’s.
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, Hawaii’s property‑tax system imposes a lower rate than Oklahoma’s, though the overall tax amount a homeowner pays also depends on the underlying property value. The comparison is most useful for individuals assessing the fiscal impact of homeownership or retirement in either state.
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.