Pahala, HI
Population 1,785 · Hawaii
About Pahala, HI
Pahala is a small town located in Hawaii with a population of 1,785 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $71,908 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 30.7 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 Pahala features a median home value of $216,600, which is 12% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Pahala in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $650, 44% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 521 total housing units, 82% are owner-occupied (367 units) and 18% are renter-occupied (78 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Pahala shows an unemployment rate of 12.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 9.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Pahala have an average one-way commute time of 39.8 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
21.0% of Pahala 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 0.0% White, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 3.4% Black or African American, and 28.0% Asian residents, with 15.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Pahala Ranks in Hawaii
Cost of Living in Pahala, HI
Compared to national averages, Pahala has a median household income of $71,908 (4% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $216,600, which is 12% below the national median. Monthly rent at $650 is 44% below the US average of $1,163. Within Hawaii, Pahala's income is 24% below the state average of $94,535, and home values are 72% below the state median of $766,495.
Why Live in Pahala, HI?
Pahala offers affordable housing with a median home value of $216,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $650/month, and a low poverty rate of 9.2%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($71,908) that falls below the national average. However, Pahala’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Pahala has a population of 1,785 with a median age of 30.7 years. Compare Pahala with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Hawaii.
Similar Cities Near Pahala
Cities in Hawaii with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Princeville | 1,794 | $106,938 | $1,215,000 | Compare |
| Hawi | 1,720 | $85,197 | $662,500 | Compare |
| Fern Acres | 1,714 | $49,554 | $267,400 | Compare |
| Mokuleia | 1,684 | $83,571 | $989,100 | Compare |
| Ko Olina | 1,677 | $125,577 | $885,500 | Compare |
| Kealakekua | 1,989 | $79,332 | $574,600 | Compare |
| Kaloko | 1,555 | $104,167 | $1,143,400 | Compare |
| Kapaau | 2,029 | $74,583 | $577,600 | 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 Pahala With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Pahala
What is the population of Pahala, HI?
The population of Pahala, HI is 1,785 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 Pahala?
The median household income in Pahala, HI is $71,908 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Pahala?
The median home value in Pahala, HI is $216,600, which is 12% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Pahala?
The median monthly rent in Pahala, HI is $650, which is 44% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Pahala?
The unemployment rate in Pahala, HI is 12.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Pahala, HI a good place to live?
Pahala offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,785 and a median age of 30.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Pahala, HI?
21.0% of residents in Pahala 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 Pahala?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Pahala, HI: median home value is $216,600 (12% below national), median rent is $650/month, and median household income is $71,908. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Pahala?
The poverty rate in Pahala, HI is 9.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Pahala, HI?
Pahala's population is 0.0% White, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 3.4% Black or African American, 28.0% Asian, and 2.6% two or more races. 15.8% of residents are foreign-born.