Hawaii vs Vermont
Property‑Tax Comparison: Hawaii vs. Vermont
Intro
Both Hawaii and Vermont levy property taxes that fund local services such as schools, roads, and public safety. 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 average tax payments. The data below allows a direct, side‑by‑side look at how property‑tax burdens compare for typical homeowners in each state.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | Hawaii | Vermont |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.27 % | 1.71 % |
| Median home value | $808,200 | $290,500 |
| Median annual property tax | $2,183 | $4,956 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $675 | $4,265 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $1,351 | $8,530 |
| Median household income | $98,317 | $78,024 |
All figures are from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which State Has the Lower Property‑Tax Burden?
Winner (lower effective tax rate): Hawaii
- Rate difference: 1.44 percentage points, which is an 84.17 % lower rate in Hawaii than in Vermont.
- Annual tax difference on a $250k home: $3,590 less in Hawaii.
- Annual tax difference on a $500k home: $7,179 less in Hawaii.
Why Hawaii wins: The effective property‑tax rate of 0.27 % is far below Vermont’s 1.71 %, resulting in substantially smaller tax bills even when the assessed home values are higher. The lower rate outweighs Hawaii’s higher median home price, producing lower absolute tax amounts for the example property values.
Who Is Most Affected by This Comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the Comparison |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | The table shows the amount of annual tax they would owe on typical purchase prices in each state. |
| Retirees on fixed incomes | A lower tax rate (Hawaii) can reduce yearly cash‑flow requirements, though overall cost of living and housing prices must also be considered. |
| Real‑estate investors | Effective tax rate directly influences cash‑on‑cash returns; Vermont’s higher rate may diminish net yields relative to Hawaii. |
| Policy analysts | The stark contrast in rates provides a clear example of how state tax structures differ, useful for comparative fiscal studies. |
The comparison is factual and does not account for other cost‑of‑living factors, such as state income taxes, utility costs, or insurance premiums, which may also influence a household’s total expense profile.
Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates) – property‑tax rates, median home values, and household incomes.
- Internal references: see the detailed pages for each state’s tax system – Hawaii property tax and Vermont property tax.
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, Hawaii’s effective property‑tax rate is considerably lower than Vermont’s, resulting in lower annual tax payments for comparable home values.
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.