Hawaii vs Oregon
Property‑Tax Comparison: Hawaii vs. Oregon
Intro
Both Hawaii and Oregon 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 Oregon’s, while median home values and household incomes differ between the two states. The table below summarizes the key metrics used in this comparison.
Side‑by‑side metrics
| Metric | Hawaii | Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.27 % | 0.83 % |
| Median home value | $808,200 | $454,200 |
| Median annual property tax | $2,183 | $3,767 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $675 | $2,074 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $1,351 | $4,147 |
| Median household income | $98,317 | $80,426 |
Source: According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which state “wins” on property tax?
- Winner (lower tax rate): Hawaii
- Rate difference: 0.56 percentage points (Hawaii’s rate is 67.43 % lower than Oregon’s).
- Annual tax difference on a $250 k home: $1,399 less in Hawaii.
- Annual tax difference on a $500 k home: $2,796 less in Hawaii.
The lower effective tax rate in Hawaii results directly from the state’s lower assessed‑value multiplier and the way local jurisdictions set rates. Consequently, for a given property value, the property‑tax bill in Hawaii is markedly smaller than in Oregon.
Who benefits from this comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the lower tax rate |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Reduced annual cash outflow for property taxes, especially for owners of higher‑valued homes. |
| Prospective homebuyers | Lower tax liability may offset higher home prices in Hawaii; buyers should weigh both price and tax components. |
| Retirees | Fixed‑income retirees often prioritize predictable, low‑cost housing expenses; a lower property‑tax rate can improve affordability, though Hawaii’s higher median home value may offset some gains. |
| Investors | Lower tax rates improve net operating income on rental properties, but market price and rental demand differ between the states. |
| Policy analysts | The contrast illustrates how tax‑rate structures can vary independently of median income and home values. |
Additional resources
- Detailed information on Hawaii’s property‑tax system: Hawaii property tax
- Detailed information on Oregon’s property‑tax system: Oregon property tax
Summary
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, Hawaii’s effective property‑tax rate of 0.27 % is substantially lower than Oregon’s 0.83 %. This translates into lower annual tax bills for comparable home values. The advantage is most pronounced for homeowners and retirees seeking lower ongoing tax expenses, though the higher median home price in Hawaii should also be considered when evaluating overall affordability.
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.