East Honolulu, HI
Population 50,961 · Hawaii
About East Honolulu, HI
East Honolulu is a mid-sized city located in Hawaii with a population of 50,961 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $158,398 per year, which is 111% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 49.3 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in East Honolulu features a median home value of $1,172,300, which is 379% above the national median of $244,900. This places East Honolulu in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $3,249, 179% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 19,432 total housing units, 83% are owner-occupied (15,007 units) and 17% are renter-occupied (2,970 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in East Honolulu shows an unemployment rate of 4.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 4.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in East Honolulu have an average one-way commute time of 31.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
60.6% of East Honolulu residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 2.3% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 2.1% Asian residents, with 15.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How East Honolulu Ranks in Hawaii
Cost of Living in East Honolulu, HI
Compared to national averages, East Honolulu has a median household income of $158,398 (111% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,172,300, which is 379% above the national median. Monthly rent at $3,249 is 179% above the US average of $1,163. Within Hawaii, East Honolulu's income is 68% above the state average of $94,535, and home values are 53% above the state median of $766,495.
Why Live in East Honolulu, HI?
East Honolulu offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $158,398, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 60.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 4.1%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,172,300. However, as a mid-sized city, East Honolulu provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
East Honolulu has a population of 50,961 with a median age of 49.3 years. Compare East Honolulu with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Hawaii.
Similar Cities Near East Honolulu
Cities in Hawaii with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hilo | 48,223 | $78,713 | $455,100 | Compare |
| Pearl City | 45,079 | $114,682 | $872,200 | Compare |
| Waipahu | 39,871 | $98,633 | $835,400 | Compare |
| Kailua CDP (Honolulu County), Hawaii | 39,762 | $146,615 | $1,239,000 | Compare |
| Kaneohe | 35,945 | $124,632 | $990,100 | Compare |
| Mililani Town | 27,495 | $124,123 | $884,800 | Compare |
| Kahului | 27,068 | $92,062 | $833,200 | Compare |
| Ewa Gentry | 26,738 | $131,755 | $768,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Hawaii
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare East Honolulu With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about East Honolulu
What is the population of East Honolulu, HI?
The population of East Honolulu, HI is 50,961 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Hawaii.
What is the median household income in East Honolulu?
The median household income in East Honolulu, HI is $158,398 per year, which is 111% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in East Honolulu?
The median home value in East Honolulu, HI is $1,172,300, which is 379% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in East Honolulu?
The median monthly rent in East Honolulu, HI is $3,249, which is 179% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in East Honolulu?
The unemployment rate in East Honolulu, HI is 4.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is East Honolulu, HI a good place to live?
East Honolulu offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 50,961 and a median age of 49.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is East Honolulu, HI?
60.6% of residents in East Honolulu aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in East Honolulu?
Key cost-of-living indicators for East Honolulu, HI: median home value is $1,172,300 (379% above national), median rent is $3,249/month, and median household income is $158,398. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.4x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in East Honolulu?
The poverty rate in East Honolulu, HI is 4.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is East Honolulu, HI?
East Honolulu's population is 2.3% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 2.1% Asian, and 0.6% two or more races. 15.3% of residents are foreign-born.