Kualapuu, HI
Population 2,357 · Hawaii
About Kualapuu, HI
Kualapuu is a small town located in Hawaii with a population of 2,357 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $52,500 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Kualapuu features a median home value of $258,900, which is 6% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Kualapuu in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,500, 29% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 737 total housing units, 79% are owner-occupied (514 units) and 21% are renter-occupied (138 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Kualapuu shows an unemployment rate of 6.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 17.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Kualapuu have an average one-way commute time of 18 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
20.0% of Kualapuu 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 1.2% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, and 4.8% Asian residents, with 2.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Kualapuu Ranks in Hawaii
Cost of Living in Kualapuu, HI
Compared to national averages, Kualapuu has a median household income of $52,500 (30% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $258,900, which is 6% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,500 is 29% above the US average of $1,163. Within Hawaii, Kualapuu's income is 44% below the state average of $94,535, and home values are 66% below the state median of $766,495.
Why Live in Kualapuu, HI?
Kualapuu offers short commute times averaging just 18 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($52,500) that falls below the national average. However, Kualapuu’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Kualapuu has a population of 2,357 with a median age of 38.7 years. Compare Kualapuu with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Hawaii.
Similar Cities Near Kualapuu
Cities in Hawaii with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honokaa | 2,353 | $85,556 | $551,800 | Compare |
| Eleele | 2,339 | $122,308 | $684,900 | Compare |
| Koloa | 2,327 | $76,316 | $873,900 | Compare |
| Kahuku | 2,425 | $73,214 | $769,100 | Compare |
| Hanapepe | 2,288 | $90,319 | $736,000 | Compare |
| Maunawili | 2,288 | $176,528 | $1,404,800 | Compare |
| Wheeler AFB | 2,196 | $88,409 | $0 | Compare |
| Wailua | 2,544 | $68,548 | $697,300 | 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 Kualapuu With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Kualapuu
What is the population of Kualapuu, HI?
The population of Kualapuu, HI is 2,357 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 Kualapuu?
The median household income in Kualapuu, HI is $52,500 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Kualapuu?
The median home value in Kualapuu, HI is $258,900, which is 6% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Kualapuu?
The median monthly rent in Kualapuu, HI is $1,500, which is 29% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Kualapuu?
The unemployment rate in Kualapuu, HI is 6.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Kualapuu, HI a good place to live?
Kualapuu offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,357 and a median age of 38.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Kualapuu, HI?
20.0% of residents in Kualapuu 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 Kualapuu?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Kualapuu, HI: median home value is $258,900 (6% above national), median rent is $1,500/month, and median household income is $52,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Kualapuu?
The poverty rate in Kualapuu, HI is 17.6%, 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 Kualapuu, HI?
Kualapuu's population is 1.2% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, 4.8% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 2.1% of residents are foreign-born.