Laie, HI
Population 5,568 · Hawaii
About Laie, HI
Laie is a small town located in Hawaii with a population of 5,568 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $119,219 per year, which is 59% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 23.2 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Laie features a median home value of $942,700, which is 285% above the national median of $244,900. This places Laie in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,375, 104% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,272 total housing units, 41% are owner-occupied (403 units) and 59% are renter-occupied (576 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Laie shows an unemployment rate of 7.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 10.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Laie have an average one-way commute time of 16.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
39.6% of Laie 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 0.3% White, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 3.4% Asian residents, with 23.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Laie Ranks in Hawaii
Cost of Living in Laie, HI
Compared to national averages, Laie has a median household income of $119,219 (59% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $942,700, which is 285% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,375 is 104% above the US average of $1,163. Within Hawaii, Laie's income is 26% above the state average of $94,535, and home values are 23% above the state median of $766,495.
Why Live in Laie, HI?
Laie offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $119,219, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 39.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 10.4%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 16.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $942,700. However, Laie’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Laie has a population of 5,568 with a median age of 23.2 years. Compare Laie with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Hawaii.
Similar Cities Near Laie
Cities in Hawaii with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iroquois Point | 5,506 | $107,449 | $0 | Compare |
| Waimanalo | 5,634 | $114,896 | $711,800 | Compare |
| Kahaluu | 5,282 | $128,661 | $1,162,000 | Compare |
| Waipio Acres | 5,146 | $95,781 | $602,600 | Compare |
| Heeia | 5,099 | $160,294 | $1,186,500 | Compare |
| East Kapolei | 6,200 | $116,339 | $743,600 | Compare |
| Pupukea | 4,853 | $98,771 | $1,331,800 | Compare |
| West Loch Estate | 6,441 | $124,009 | $833,500 | 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 Laie With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Laie
What is the population of Laie, HI?
The population of Laie, HI is 5,568 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 Laie?
The median household income in Laie, HI is $119,219 per year, which is 59% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Laie?
The median home value in Laie, HI is $942,700, which is 285% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Laie?
The median monthly rent in Laie, HI is $2,375, which is 104% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Laie?
The unemployment rate in Laie, HI is 7.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Laie, HI a good place to live?
Laie offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,568 and a median age of 23.2, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Laie, HI?
39.6% of residents in Laie 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 Laie?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Laie, HI: median home value is $942,700 (285% above national), median rent is $2,375/month, and median household income is $119,219. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.9x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Laie?
The poverty rate in Laie, HI is 10.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Laie, HI?
Laie's population is 0.3% White, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 3.4% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 23.3% of residents are foreign-born.