Kealakekua, HI
Population 1,989 · Hawaii
About Kealakekua, HI
Kealakekua is a small town located in Hawaii with a population of 1,989 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $79,332 per year, which is 6% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.7 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 Kealakekua features a median home value of $574,600, which is 135% above the national median of $244,900. This places Kealakekua in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,052, 10% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 783 total housing units, 67% are owner-occupied (463 units) and 33% are renter-occupied (226 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Kealakekua shows an unemployment rate of 1.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 4.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Kealakekua have an average one-way commute time of 25.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
27.6% of Kealakekua 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 3.8% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 6.9% Asian residents, with 25.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Kealakekua Ranks in Hawaii
Cost of Living in Kealakekua, HI
Compared to national averages, Kealakekua has a median household income of $79,332 (6% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $574,600, which is 135% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,052 is 10% below the US average of $1,163. Within Hawaii, Kealakekua's income is 16% below the state average of $94,535, and home values are 25% below the state median of $766,495.
Why Live in Kealakekua, HI?
Kealakekua offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $79,332, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,052/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.6%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 4.9%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $574,600. However, Kealakekua’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Kealakekua has a population of 1,989 with a median age of 47.7 years. Compare Kealakekua with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Hawaii.
Similar Cities Near Kealakekua
Cities in Hawaii with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kapaau | 2,029 | $74,583 | $577,600 | Compare |
| Waimea CDP (Kauai County), Hawaii | 2,070 | $87,222 | $573,900 | Compare |
| Princeville | 1,794 | $106,938 | $1,215,000 | Compare |
| Pahala | 1,785 | $71,908 | $216,600 | Compare |
| Wheeler AFB | 2,196 | $88,409 | $0 | Compare |
| Hawi | 1,720 | $85,197 | $662,500 | Compare |
| Fern Acres | 1,714 | $49,554 | $267,400 | Compare |
| Hanapepe | 2,288 | $90,319 | $736,000 | 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 Kealakekua With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Kealakekua
What is the population of Kealakekua, HI?
The population of Kealakekua, HI is 1,989 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 Kealakekua?
The median household income in Kealakekua, HI is $79,332 per year, which is 6% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Kealakekua?
The median home value in Kealakekua, HI is $574,600, which is 135% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Kealakekua?
The median monthly rent in Kealakekua, HI is $1,052, which is 10% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Kealakekua?
The unemployment rate in Kealakekua, HI is 1.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Kealakekua, HI a good place to live?
Kealakekua offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,989 and a median age of 47.7, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Kealakekua, HI?
27.6% of residents in Kealakekua 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 Kealakekua?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Kealakekua, HI: median home value is $574,600 (135% above national), median rent is $1,052/month, and median household income is $79,332. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.2x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Kealakekua?
The poverty rate in Kealakekua, HI is 4.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Kealakekua, HI?
Kealakekua's population is 3.8% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 6.9% Asian, and 0.8% two or more races. 25.2% of residents are foreign-born.