Hawaii vs South Carolina
Property Tax Comparison: Hawaii vs. South Carolina
Based on the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates)
Both Hawaii and South Carolina have relatively low overall tax burdens compared with many U.S. states, but their property‑tax structures differ. The following side‑by‑side comparison highlights the key metrics that affect homeowners and other property owners.
Side‑by‑side metrics
| Metric | Hawaii | South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.27 % | 0.51 % |
| Median home value | $808,200 | $236,700 |
| Median annual property tax | $2,183 | $1,199 |
| Annual tax on a $250,000 home | $675 | $1,266 |
| Annual tax on a $500,000 home | $1,351 | $2,532 |
| Median household income | $98,317 | $66,818 |
| Internal reference | Hawaii property tax | South Carolina property tax |
Which state “wins” on property taxes?
Hawaii has the lower effective property‑tax rate at 0.27 %, compared with 0.51 % in South Carolina.
- The rate difference is 0.24 percentage points, which is a 46.67 % lower rate than South Carolina’s rate.
- For a $250,000 home, the annual tax in Hawaii is $675, versus $1,266 in South Carolina – a difference of $591.
- For a $500,000 home, the annual tax in Hawaii is $1,351, versus $2,532 in South Carolina – a difference of $1,181.
Because the comparison is based on the effective tax rate (taxes divided by assessed value), Hawaii consistently yields lower property‑tax obligations across the price points shown.
Who might find this comparison most relevant?
| Audience | Relevance of the comparison |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Understanding how the tax rate interacts with home price helps estimate ongoing housing costs. |
| Retirees or income‑limited households | Lower effective rates can reduce the fixed‑expense burden, especially when combined with median household income levels. |
| Real‑estate investors | The tax differential influences cash‑flow calculations for rental or resale properties. |
| Relocation planners | Comparing tax obligations alongside income levels (median household income) offers a clearer picture of net affordability. |
Key takeaways
- Effective rate: Hawaii’s 0.27 % rate is substantially lower than South Carolina’s 0.51 % rate.
- Absolute tax amounts: Even though Hawaii’s median home value is more than three times that of South Carolina, the median annual tax ($2,183) is only modestly higher than South Carolina’s median tax ($1,199) because of the lower rate.
- Income context: Hawaii’s median household income ($98,317) exceeds South Carolina’s ($66,818), which may offset the higher nominal tax amounts for some residents.
Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates) – property‑tax rates, home values, and median household incomes.
All figures are presented exactly as reported in the ACS; no adjustments or projections have been applied.
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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.