Lihue, HI
Population 7,847 · Hawaii
About Lihue, HI
Lihue is a small community in Hawaii with a population of 7,847 residents. The median household income is $77,420 per year, which is above the national average. The median age in Lihue is 43.1 years.
Housing in Lihue has a median home value of $843,900 and median monthly rent of $1,989. Of the 2,875 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 1,682 owner-occupied and 997 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Lihue is 1.2% and the poverty rate is 6.3%. 40.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 15.4 minutes.
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 Census data.
What is the median household income in Lihue?
The median household income in Lihue, HI is $77,420 per year.
What is the median home value in Lihue?
The median home value in Lihue, HI is $843,900.
What is the average rent in Lihue?
The median monthly rent in Lihue, HI is $1,989.
What is the unemployment rate in Lihue?
The unemployment rate in Lihue, HI is 1.2%.