Makawao, HI
Population 7,263 · Hawaii
About Makawao, HI
Makawao is a small town located in Hawaii with a population of 7,263 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $96,116 per year, which is 28% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.5 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 Makawao features a median home value of $819,600, which is 235% above the national median of $244,900. This places Makawao in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,699, 46% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,759 total housing units, 65% are owner-occupied (1,696 units) and 35% are renter-occupied (909 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Makawao shows an unemployment rate of 3.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 10.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Makawao have an average one-way commute time of 26.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
30.0% of Makawao 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 6.2% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 6.2% Black or African American, and 1.8% Asian residents, with 6.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Makawao Ranks in Hawaii
Cost of Living in Makawao, HI
Compared to national averages, Makawao has a median household income of $96,116 (28% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $819,600, which is 235% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,699 is 46% above the US average of $1,163. Within Hawaii, Makawao's income is 2% above the state average of $94,535, and home values are 7% above the state median of $766,495.
Why Live in Makawao, HI?
Makawao offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $96,116, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.3%, and a low poverty rate of 10.5%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $819,600. However, Makawao’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Makawao has a population of 7,263 with a median age of 43.5 years. Compare Makawao with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Hawaii.
Similar Cities Near Makawao
Cities in Hawaii with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Lihue | 7,847 | $77,420 | $843,900 | Compare |
| Kahaluu-Keauhou | 6,670 | $93,594 | $830,600 | Compare |
| Waikele | 7,950 | $111,971 | $696,400 | Compare |
| Wailea | 6,571 | $89,375 | $1,363,700 | 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 Makawao With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Makawao
What is the population of Makawao, HI?
The population of Makawao, HI is 7,263 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 Makawao?
The median household income in Makawao, HI is $96,116 per year, which is 28% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Makawao?
The median home value in Makawao, HI is $819,600, which is 235% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Makawao?
The median monthly rent in Makawao, HI is $1,699, which is 46% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Makawao?
The unemployment rate in Makawao, HI is 3.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Makawao, HI a good place to live?
Makawao offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 7,263 and a median age of 43.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Makawao, HI?
30.0% of residents in Makawao 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 Makawao?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Makawao, HI: median home value is $819,600 (235% above national), median rent is $1,699/month, and median household income is $96,116. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.5x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Makawao?
The poverty rate in Makawao, HI is 10.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Makawao, HI?
Makawao's population is 6.2% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 6.2% Black or African American, 1.8% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 6.3% of residents are foreign-born.