Hilo, HI
Population 48,223 · Hawaii
About Hilo, HI
Hilo is a mid-sized city located in Hawaii with a population of 48,223 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $78,713 per year, which is 5% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.6 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 Hilo features a median home value of $455,100, which is 86% above the national median of $244,900. This places Hilo in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,347, 16% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 18,905 total housing units, 65% are owner-occupied (11,214 units) and 35% are renter-occupied (5,912 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Hilo shows an unemployment rate of 7.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 14.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Hilo have an average one-way commute time of 20.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
34.0% of Hilo residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 2.0% White, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino, 6.3% Black or African American, and 3.1% Asian residents, with 9.9% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Hilo With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Hilo
What is the population of Hilo, HI?
The population of Hilo, HI is 48,223 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 Hilo?
The median household income in Hilo, HI is $78,713 per year, which is 5% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Hilo?
The median home value in Hilo, HI is $455,100, which is 86% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Hilo?
The median monthly rent in Hilo, HI is $1,347, which is 16% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Hilo?
The unemployment rate in Hilo, HI is 7.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Hilo, HI a good place to live?
Hilo offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 48,223 and a median age of 42.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Hilo, HI?
34.0% of residents in Hilo 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 Hilo?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Hilo, HI: median home value is $455,100 (86% above national), median rent is $1,347/month, and median household income is $78,713. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Hilo?
The poverty rate in Hilo, HI is 14.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Hilo, HI?
Hilo's population is 2.0% White, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino, 6.3% Black or African American, 3.1% Asian, and 0.8% two or more races. 9.9% of residents are foreign-born.