Lanai City, HI
Population 3,283 · Hawaii
About Lanai City, HI
Lanai City is a small town located in Hawaii with a population of 3,283 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $79,405 per year, which is 6% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Lanai City features a median home value of $547,400, which is 124% above the national median of $244,900. This places Lanai City in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,092, 6% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,498 total housing units, 49% are owner-occupied (585 units) and 51% are renter-occupied (613 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 Lanai City shows an unemployment rate of 2.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 7.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Lanai City have an average one-way commute time of 14.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
25.0% of Lanai City 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 2.7% White, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 3.0% Black or African American, and 1.0% Asian residents, with 25.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Lanai City Ranks in Hawaii
Cost of Living in Lanai City, HI
Compared to national averages, Lanai City has a median household income of $79,405 (6% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $547,400, which is 124% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,092 is 6% below the US average of $1,163. Within Hawaii, Lanai City's income is 16% below the state average of $94,535, and home values are 29% below the state median of $766,495.
Why Live in Lanai City, HI?
Lanai City offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $79,405, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,092/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.3%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 7.4%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 14.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $547,400. However, Lanai City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Lanai City has a population of 3,283 with a median age of 40.3 years. Compare Lanai City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Hawaii.
Similar Cities Near Lanai City
Cities in Hawaii with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kalaeloa | 3,229 | $81,833 | $0 | Compare |
| Helemano | 3,206 | $82,659 | $0 | Compare |
| Orchidlands Estates | 3,180 | $70,996 | $334,500 | Compare |
| Kilauea | 3,104 | $86,382 | $1,011,000 | Compare |
| Anahola | 3,098 | $96,207 | $524,900 | Compare |
| Hauula | 3,473 | $113,571 | $915,800 | Compare |
| Kekaha | 3,482 | $73,011 | $516,800 | Compare |
| Ainaloa | 3,493 | $51,757 | $222,300 | 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 Lanai City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lanai City
What is the population of Lanai City, HI?
The population of Lanai City, HI is 3,283 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 Lanai City?
The median household income in Lanai City, HI is $79,405 per year, which is 6% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lanai City?
The median home value in Lanai City, HI is $547,400, which is 124% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Lanai City?
The median monthly rent in Lanai City, HI is $1,092, which is 6% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lanai City?
The unemployment rate in Lanai City, HI is 2.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Lanai City, HI a good place to live?
Lanai City offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,283 and a median age of 40.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Lanai City, HI?
25.0% of residents in Lanai City 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 Lanai City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lanai City, HI: median home value is $547,400 (124% above national), median rent is $1,092/month, and median household income is $79,405. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.9x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Lanai City?
The poverty rate in Lanai City, HI is 7.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Lanai City, HI?
Lanai City's population is 2.7% White, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 3.0% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 25.9% of residents are foreign-born.