Makaha, HI
Population 9,898 · Hawaii
About Makaha, HI
Makaha is a small town located in Hawaii with a population of 9,898 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $63,291 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Makaha features a median home value of $416,100, which is 70% above the national median of $244,900. This places Makaha in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,871, 61% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,308 total housing units, 41% are owner-occupied (1,341 units) and 59% are renter-occupied (1,927 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 Makaha shows an unemployment rate of 9.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 25.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Makaha have an average one-way commute time of 49.5 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
19.2% of Makaha residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 2.4% White, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 6.4% Black or African American, and 5.6% Asian residents, with 14.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Makaha Ranks in Hawaii
Cost of Living in Makaha, HI
Compared to national averages, Makaha has a median household income of $63,291 (16% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $416,100, which is 70% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,871 is 61% above the US average of $1,163. Within Hawaii, Makaha's income is 33% below the state average of $94,535, and home values are 46% below the state median of $766,495.
Why Live in Makaha, HI?
Potential considerations include median household income ($63,291) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $416,100. However, Makaha’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Makaha has a population of 9,898 with a median age of 37.1 years. Compare Makaha with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Hawaii.
Similar Cities Near Makaha
Cities in Hawaii with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waimea CDP (Hawaii County), Hawaii | 10,242 | $89,268 | $652,900 | Compare |
| Haiku-Pauwela | 9,290 | $99,520 | $1,019,400 | Compare |
| Hickam Housing | 9,195 | $111,667 | $0 | Compare |
| Aiea | 9,155 | $135,286 | $1,053,000 | Compare |
| Kapaa | 10,886 | $89,440 | $821,500 | Compare |
| Kaneohe Base | 10,973 | $70,000 | $390,600 | Compare |
| Waipio | 11,196 | $106,164 | $709,500 | Compare |
| Ahuimanu | 8,520 | $129,028 | $878,400 | 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 Makaha With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Makaha
What is the population of Makaha, HI?
The population of Makaha, HI is 9,898 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 Makaha?
The median household income in Makaha, HI is $63,291 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Makaha?
The median home value in Makaha, HI is $416,100, which is 70% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Makaha?
The median monthly rent in Makaha, HI is $1,871, which is 61% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Makaha?
The unemployment rate in Makaha, HI is 9.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Makaha, HI a good place to live?
Makaha offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 9,898 and a median age of 37.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Makaha, HI?
19.2% of residents in Makaha 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 Makaha?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Makaha, HI: median home value is $416,100 (70% above national), median rent is $1,871/month, and median household income is $63,291. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.6x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Makaha?
The poverty rate in Makaha, HI is 25.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Makaha, HI?
Makaha's population is 2.4% White, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 6.4% Black or African American, 5.6% Asian, and 3.9% two or more races. 14.3% of residents are foreign-born.