Hilo, HI
Population 48,223 · Hawaii
About Hilo, HI
Hilo is a mid-sized city in Hawaii with a population of 48,223 residents. The median household income is $78,713 per year, which is above the national average. The median age in Hilo is 42.6 years.
Housing in Hilo has a median home value of $455,100 and median monthly rent of $1,347. Of the 18,905 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 11,214 owner-occupied and 5,912 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Hilo is 7.2% and the poverty rate is 14.1%. 34.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 20.1 minutes.
How Hilo Ranks in Hawaii
Cost of Living in Hilo, HI
Compared to national averages, Hilo has a median household income of $78,713 (5% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $455,100, which is 86% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,347 is 16% above the US average of $1,163. Within Hawaii, Hilo's income is 17% below the state average of $94,535, and home values are 41% below the state median of $766,495.
Why Live in Hilo, HI?
Hilo offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $78,713, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 34.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 20.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $455,100. However, Hilo’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Hilo has a population of 48,223 with a median age of 42.6 years. Compare Hilo with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Hawaii.
Similar Cities Near Hilo
Cities in Hawaii with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Honolulu | 50,961 | $158,398 | $1,172,300 | 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Hilo
What is the population of Hilo, HI?
The population of Hilo, HI is 48,223 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Hilo?
The median household income in Hilo, HI is $78,713 per year.
What is the median home value in Hilo?
The median home value in Hilo, HI is $455,100.
What is the average rent in Hilo?
The median monthly rent in Hilo, HI is $1,347.
What is the unemployment rate in Hilo?
The unemployment rate in Hilo, HI is 7.2%.