Lihue, HI
Population 7,847 · Hawaii
About Lihue, HI
Lihue is a small town located in Hawaii with a population of 7,847 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $77,420 per year, which is 3% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.1 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 Lihue features a median home value of $843,900, which is 245% above the national median of $244,900. This places Lihue in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,989, 71% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,875 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (1,682 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (997 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Lihue shows an unemployment rate of 1.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Lihue have an average one-way commute time of 15.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
40.5% of Lihue 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 0.8% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 3.5% Black or African American, and 11.0% Asian residents, with 13.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Lihue Ranks in Hawaii
Cost of Living in Lihue, HI
Compared to national averages, Lihue has a median household income of $77,420 (3% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $843,900, which is 245% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,989 is 71% above the US average of $1,163. Within Hawaii, Lihue's income is 18% below the state average of $94,535, and home values are 10% above the state median of $766,495.
Why Live in Lihue, HI?
Lihue offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $77,420, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.2%, and a well-educated community where 40.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 6.3%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 15.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $843,900. However, Lihue’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Lihue has a population of 7,847 with a median age of 43.1 years. Compare Lihue with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Hawaii.
Similar Cities Near Lihue
Cities in Hawaii with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waikele | 7,950 | $111,971 | $696,400 | Compare |
| Makawao | 7,263 | $96,116 | $819,600 | Compare |
| Pukalani | 8,490 | $120,707 | $926,100 | Compare |
| Ahuimanu | 8,520 | $129,028 | $878,400 | Compare |
| Wailua Homesteads | 7,136 | $94,900 | $898,300 | Compare |
| Waikoloa Village | 7,028 | $92,713 | $674,100 | Compare |
| Ewa Villages | 6,918 | $85,043 | $819,400 | Compare |
| Napili-Honokowai | 6,897 | $102,337 | $775,500 | 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 Lihue With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lihue
What is the population of Lihue, HI?
The population of Lihue, HI is 7,847 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 Lihue?
The median household income in Lihue, HI is $77,420 per year, which is 3% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lihue?
The median home value in Lihue, HI is $843,900, which is 245% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Lihue?
The median monthly rent in Lihue, HI is $1,989, which is 71% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lihue?
The unemployment rate in Lihue, HI is 1.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Lihue, HI a good place to live?
Lihue offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 7,847 and a median age of 43.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Lihue, HI?
40.5% of residents in Lihue 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 Lihue?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lihue, HI: median home value is $843,900 (245% above national), median rent is $1,989/month, and median household income is $77,420. The home-value-to-income ratio is 10.9x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Lihue?
The poverty rate in Lihue, HI is 6.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Lihue, HI?
Lihue's population is 0.8% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 3.5% Black or African American, 11.0% Asian, and 2.4% two or more races. 13.1% of residents are foreign-born.