Maalaea, HI
Population 242 · Hawaii
About Maalaea, HI
Maalaea is a small community located in Hawaii with a population of 242 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $93,750 per year, which is 25% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 63.2 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 Maalaea features a median home value of $612,500, which is 150% above the national median of $244,900. This places Maalaea in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,163, 86% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 611 total housing units, 67% are owner-occupied (107 units) and 33% are renter-occupied (53 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Maalaea shows an unemployment rate of 13.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 9.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Maalaea have an average one-way commute time of 30 minutes.
Education & Demographics
54.6% of Maalaea residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 2.5% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 9.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Maalaea Ranks in Hawaii
Cost of Living in Maalaea, HI
Compared to national averages, Maalaea has a median household income of $93,750 (25% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $612,500, which is 150% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,163 is 86% above the US average of $1,163. Within Hawaii, Maalaea's income is 1% below the state average of $94,535, and home values are 20% below the state median of $766,495.
Why Live in Maalaea, HI?
Maalaea offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $93,750, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 54.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 9.5%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $612,500. However, Maalaea’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Maalaea has a population of 242 with a median age of 63.2 years. Compare Maalaea with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Hawaii.
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Demographics
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Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Maalaea
What is the population of Maalaea, HI?
The population of Maalaea, HI is 242 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Hawaii.
What is the median household income in Maalaea?
The median household income in Maalaea, HI is $93,750 per year, which is 25% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Maalaea?
The median home value in Maalaea, HI is $612,500, which is 150% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Maalaea?
The median monthly rent in Maalaea, HI is $2,163, which is 86% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Maalaea?
The unemployment rate in Maalaea, HI is 13.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Maalaea, HI a good place to live?
Maalaea offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 242 and a median age of 63.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Maalaea, HI?
54.6% of residents in Maalaea 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 Maalaea?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Maalaea, HI: median home value is $612,500 (150% above national), median rent is $2,163/month, and median household income is $93,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.5x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Maalaea?
The poverty rate in Maalaea, HI is 9.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Maalaea, HI?
Maalaea's population is 2.5% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 1.7% two or more races. 9.1% of residents are foreign-born.