Naalehu, HI
Population 837 · Hawaii
About Naalehu, HI
Naalehu is a small community located in Hawaii with a population of 837 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $70,469 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 30.2 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Naalehu features a median home value of $215,600, which is 12% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Naalehu in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,551, 33% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 304 total housing units, 69% are owner-occupied (156 units) and 31% are renter-occupied (71 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Naalehu shows an unemployment rate of 2.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 10.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Naalehu have an average one-way commute time of 43.6 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
11.7% of Naalehu 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 3.9% White, 19.7% Hispanic or Latino, 17.2% Black or African American, and 2.6% Asian residents, with 17.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Naalehu Ranks in Hawaii
Cost of Living in Naalehu, HI
Compared to national averages, Naalehu has a median household income of $70,469 (6% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $215,600, which is 12% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,551 is 33% above the US average of $1,163. Within Hawaii, Naalehu's income is 25% below the state average of $94,535, and home values are 72% below the state median of $766,495.
Why Live in Naalehu, HI?
Naalehu offers affordable housing with a median home value of $215,600, below the US average of $244,900, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.5%, and a low poverty rate of 10.3%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($70,469) that falls below the national average. However, Naalehu’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Naalehu has a population of 837 with a median age of 30.2 years. Compare Naalehu with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Hawaii.
Similar Cities Near Naalehu
Cities in Hawaii with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Punaluu | 855 | $88,611 | $828,700 | Compare |
| Waiahole-Waikane | 879 | $80,556 | $0 | Compare |
| Fern Forest | 880 | $33,173 | $173,800 | Compare |
| Hana | 793 | $52,304 | $610,200 | Compare |
| Royal Hawaiian Estates | 889 | $61,477 | $243,800 | Compare |
| Volcano Golf Course | 909 | $138,726 | $516,700 | Compare |
| Mauna Loa Estates | 931 | $41,509 | $291,600 | Compare |
| Waikoloa Beach Resort | 737 | $83,438 | $1,168,900 | 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 Naalehu With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Naalehu
What is the population of Naalehu, HI?
The population of Naalehu, HI is 837 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 Naalehu?
The median household income in Naalehu, HI is $70,469 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Naalehu?
The median home value in Naalehu, HI is $215,600, which is 12% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Naalehu?
The median monthly rent in Naalehu, HI is $1,551, which is 33% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Naalehu?
The unemployment rate in Naalehu, HI is 2.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Naalehu, HI a good place to live?
Naalehu offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 837 and a median age of 30.2, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Naalehu, HI?
11.7% of residents in Naalehu 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 Naalehu?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Naalehu, HI: median home value is $215,600 (12% below national), median rent is $1,551/month, and median household income is $70,469. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Naalehu?
The poverty rate in Naalehu, HI is 10.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Naalehu, HI?
Naalehu's population is 3.9% White, 19.7% Hispanic or Latino, 17.2% Black or African American, 2.6% Asian, and 0.7% two or more races. 17.9% of residents are foreign-born.