Kekaha, HI
Population 3,482 · Hawaii
About Kekaha, HI
Kekaha is a small town located in Hawaii with a population of 3,482 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $73,011 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Kekaha features a median home value of $516,800, which is 111% above the national median of $244,900. This places Kekaha in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,188, 88% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,163 total housing units, 68% are owner-occupied (667 units) and 32% are renter-occupied (320 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Kekaha shows an unemployment rate of 3.1%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 16.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Kekaha have an average one-way commute time of 29.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
11.8% of Kekaha 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 1.3% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 2.8% Black or African American, and 3.2% Asian residents, with 12.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Kekaha Ranks in Hawaii
Cost of Living in Kekaha, HI
Compared to national averages, Kekaha has a median household income of $73,011 (3% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $516,800, which is 111% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,188 is 88% above the US average of $1,163. Within Hawaii, Kekaha's income is 23% below the state average of $94,535, and home values are 33% below the state median of $766,495.
Why Live in Kekaha, HI?
Kekaha offers a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.1%.
Potential considerations include median household income ($73,011) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $516,800. However, Kekaha’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Kekaha has a population of 3,482 with a median age of 40 years. Compare Kekaha with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Hawaii.
Similar Cities Near Kekaha
Cities in Hawaii with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hauula | 3,473 | $113,571 | $915,800 | Compare |
| Ainaloa | 3,493 | $51,757 | $222,300 | Compare |
| Waikapu | 3,645 | $121,618 | $837,700 | Compare |
| Lanai City | 3,283 | $79,405 | $547,400 | Compare |
| Kaunakakai | 3,721 | $76,944 | $335,200 | Compare |
| Kalaeloa | 3,229 | $81,833 | $0 | Compare |
| Captain Cook | 3,751 | $124,551 | $642,500 | Compare |
| Helemano | 3,206 | $82,659 | $0 | 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 Kekaha With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Kekaha
What is the population of Kekaha, HI?
The population of Kekaha, HI is 3,482 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 Kekaha?
The median household income in Kekaha, HI is $73,011 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Kekaha?
The median home value in Kekaha, HI is $516,800, which is 111% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Kekaha?
The median monthly rent in Kekaha, HI is $2,188, which is 88% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Kekaha?
The unemployment rate in Kekaha, HI is 3.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Kekaha, HI a good place to live?
Kekaha offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,482 and a median age of 40, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Kekaha, HI?
11.8% of residents in Kekaha 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 Kekaha?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Kekaha, HI: median home value is $516,800 (111% above national), median rent is $2,188/month, and median household income is $73,011. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.1x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Kekaha?
The poverty rate in Kekaha, HI is 16.0%, 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 Kekaha, HI?
Kekaha's population is 1.3% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 2.8% Black or African American, 3.2% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 12.1% of residents are foreign-born.