

Hawaii vs Wisconsin
Property‑Tax Comparison: Hawaii vs. Wisconsin
Intro
Both Hawaii and Wisconsin 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, home values, and the resulting tax payments. This article presents the key figures side‑by‑side and highlights which state imposes a lower property‑tax burden.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric (2023 ACS) | Hawaii | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.27 % | 1.51 % |
| Median home value | $808,200 | $247,400 |
| Median annual property tax | $2,183 | $3,746 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $675 | $3,785 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $1,351 | $7,571 |
| Median household income | $98,317 | $75,670 |
| Reference link | Hawaii property tax | Wisconsin property tax |
Which State Wins on Property‑Tax Burden?
Winner (lower tax rate): Hawaii
- Rate difference: 1.24 percentage points, representing an 82.16 % lower effective rate in Hawaii.
- Annual tax difference on a $250 k home: $3,110 less in Hawaii.
- Annual tax difference on a $500 k home: $6,220 less in Hawaii.
Based on the lower effective property‑tax rate, Hawaii imposes a smaller tax burden for homeowners at any given property value.
Who Might Find This Comparison Most Relevant?
| Audience | Relevance of the Comparison |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Understanding the ongoing tax cost of owning a home in each state helps in budgeting and long‑term financial planning. |
| Retirees | Property‑tax levels affect disposable income in retirement; a lower tax rate (Hawaii) may preserve more of a fixed income, though overall cost of living should also be considered. |
| Real‑estate investors | The effective tax rate influences cash‑flow projections for rental or resale properties. |
| Policy analysts | The data illustrate how tax policy and home‑price levels interact across states. |
The comparison is strictly factual and does not account for other variables such as state income taxes, sales taxes, or cost‑of‑living differences, which may also influence a household’s overall tax burden.
Sources
- According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), the figures above represent the most recent ACS estimates for effective property‑tax rates, median home values, and related metrics for Hawaii and Wisconsin.
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.