Hawaii vs West Virginia
Property Tax Comparison: Hawaii vs. West Virginia
Scope – This article compares key property‑tax metrics for the states of Hawaii and West Virginia using the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates). The comparison is limited to effective tax rates, median home values, median annual taxes, tax amounts for typical $250 k and $500 k homes, and median household incomes.
Side‑by‑side metrics
| Metric | Hawaii | West Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.27 % | 0.54 % |
| Median home value | $808,200 | $155,600 |
| Median annual property tax | $2,183 | $835 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $675 | $1,341 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $1,351 | $2,683 |
| Median household income | $98,317 | $57,917 |
All figures are taken 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 rate): Hawaii
- Rate difference: 0.27 percentage points, which is a 49.66 % lower rate than West Virginia’s 0.54 %.
- Annual tax difference on a $250 k home: $666 (Hawaii $675 vs. West Virginia $1,341).
- Annual tax difference on a $500 k home: $1,332 (Hawaii $1,351 vs. West Virginia $2,683).
Why Hawaii scores lower: The effective property‑tax rate of 0.27 % in Hawaii is roughly half the rate applied in West Virginia. Consequently, for identical property values, the annual tax liability in Hawaii is lower, even though the median home price in Hawaii is substantially higher.
Who might benefit most from this comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the data |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Understanding how their annual tax bill would change if they moved between the two states. |
| Prospective homebuyers | Evaluating the long‑term cost of owning a home, especially when comparing similar‑priced properties. |
| Retirees | Assessing tax burden relative to fixed‑income budgets; a lower rate may reduce overall living expenses. |
| Investors | Analyzing the relationship between tax rates, home values, and potential cash‑flow from rental properties. |
The comparison is most useful for individuals or entities that factor property‑tax rates into overall housing affordability decisions. It does not address other state‑level taxes, cost‑of‑living components, or public‑service quality.
Sources
- According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), the effective property‑tax rates and related metrics are as listed above.
- For state‑specific details, see the internal pages: Hawaii property tax and West Virginia property tax.
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.