Hawaii vs Pennsylvania
Property‑Tax Comparison: Hawaii vs. Pennsylvania
Introduction
Both Hawaii and Pennsylvania 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 amount of tax paid on typical residential properties. This article presents the key figures side‑by‑side, identifies which state imposes the lower property‑tax burden, and outlines the types of homeowners for whom the comparison may be most relevant.
Side‑by‑Side Comparison of Key Metrics
| Metric | Hawaii | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.27 % | 1.35 % |
| Median home value | $808,200 | $240,500 |
| Median annual property tax | $2,183 | $3,241 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $675 | $3,369 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $1,351 | $6,738 |
| Median household income | $98,317 | $76,081 |
| Internal link | Hawaii property tax | Pennsylvania property tax |
All figures are derived from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 ACS 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 1.08 percentage points lower than Pennsylvania’s 1.35 %. In relative terms, Hawaii’s rate is approximately 79.96 % lower.
- Annual tax difference on a $250k home: $3,369 (PA) – $675 (HI) = $2,694 less in Hawaii.
- Annual tax difference on a $500k home: $6,738 (PA) – $1,351 (HI) = $5,387 less in Hawaii.
The lower effective rate translates into a substantially smaller tax bill for comparable property values, despite Hawaii’s higher median home price.
Who May Find This Comparison Most Relevant?
| Audience | Why the comparison matters |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Understanding the ongoing tax cost of a purchase helps in budgeting and evaluating total housing affordability. |
| Retirees and fixed‑income households | Property‑tax levels directly affect discretionary cash flow; a lower rate may be preferable for those on limited incomes. |
| Real‑estate investors | Tax burden influences net return on rental or resale properties, especially when comparing markets with different home‑value levels. |
| Policy analysts & local‑government officials | The data illustrate how tax structures differ across states, useful for comparative fiscal studies. |
All audiences should consider the interaction between tax rates, home values, and household income. For example, although Hawaii’s tax rate is lower, its median home value is more than three times that of Pennsylvania, which can offset the tax‑rate advantage for higher‑priced properties.
Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Data extracted for effective property‑tax rates, median home values, median household incomes, and calculated tax amounts.
All calculations are based on the most recent ACS estimates and the definitions of “effective property‑tax rate” (annual tax divided by home value).
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.