Keaau, HI
Population 1,210 · Hawaii
About Keaau, HI
Keaau is a small town located in Hawaii with a population of 1,210 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $64,688 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.9 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 Keaau features a median home value of $320,000, which is 31% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Keaau in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $763, 34% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 508 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (280 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (171 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Keaau shows an unemployment rate of 2.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 13.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Keaau have an average one-way commute time of 30 minutes.
Education & Demographics
15.9% of Keaau residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.9% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.9% Black or African American, and 2.6% Asian residents, with 24.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Keaau Ranks in Hawaii
Cost of Living in Keaau, HI
Compared to national averages, Keaau has a median household income of $64,688 (14% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $320,000, which is 31% above the national median. Monthly rent at $763 is 34% below the US average of $1,163. Within Hawaii, Keaau's income is 32% below the state average of $94,535, and home values are 58% below the state median of $766,495.
Why Live in Keaau, HI?
Keaau offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $763/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.2%.
Potential considerations include median household income ($64,688) that falls below the national average. However, Keaau’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Keaau has a population of 1,210 with a median age of 43.9 years. Compare Keaau with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Hawaii.
Similar Cities Near Keaau
Cities in Hawaii with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kaanapali | 1,216 | $134,375 | $1,767,400 | Compare |
| Discovery Harbour | 1,198 | $64,286 | $431,700 | Compare |
| Kaaawa | 1,259 | $132,188 | $966,500 | Compare |
| Haliimaile | 1,096 | $81,250 | $830,500 | Compare |
| Papaikou | 1,325 | $80,972 | $431,100 | Compare |
| Wainaku | 1,082 | $72,188 | $532,400 | Compare |
| Kaumakani | 1,361 | $89,637 | $0 | Compare |
| Honalo | 1,057 | $65,000 | $578,800 | 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 Keaau With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Keaau
What is the population of Keaau, HI?
The population of Keaau, HI is 1,210 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Hawaii.
What is the median household income in Keaau?
The median household income in Keaau, HI is $64,688 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Keaau?
The median home value in Keaau, HI is $320,000, which is 31% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Keaau?
The median monthly rent in Keaau, HI is $763, which is 34% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Keaau?
The unemployment rate in Keaau, HI is 2.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Keaau, HI a good place to live?
Keaau offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,210 and a median age of 43.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Keaau, HI?
15.9% of residents in Keaau aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Keaau?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Keaau, HI: median home value is $320,000 (31% above national), median rent is $763/month, and median household income is $64,688. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Keaau?
The poverty rate in Keaau, HI is 13.5%, 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 Keaau, HI?
Keaau's population is 0.9% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.9% Black or African American, 2.6% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 24.7% of residents are foreign-born.