Pahoa, HI
Population 1,430 · Hawaii
About Pahoa, HI
Pahoa is a small town located in Hawaii with a population of 1,430 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $55,903 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.4 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 Pahoa features a median home value of $312,500, which is 28% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Pahoa in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $819, 30% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 457 total housing units, 82% are owner-occupied (346 units) and 18% are renter-occupied (74 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Pahoa shows an unemployment rate of 6.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 33.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Pahoa have an average one-way commute time of 24 minutes.
Education & Demographics
23.9% of Pahoa 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 1.1% White, 9.3% Hispanic or Latino, 9.8% Black or African American, and 4.8% Asian residents, with 32.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Pahoa Ranks in Hawaii
Cost of Living in Pahoa, HI
Compared to national averages, Pahoa has a median household income of $55,903 (26% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $312,500, which is 28% above the national median. Monthly rent at $819 is 30% below the US average of $1,163. Within Hawaii, Pahoa's income is 41% below the state average of $94,535, and home values are 59% below the state median of $766,495.
Why Live in Pahoa, HI?
Pahoa offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $819/month, and short commute times averaging just 24 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($55,903) that falls below the national average. However, Pahoa’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Pahoa has a population of 1,430 with a median age of 45.4 years. Compare Pahoa with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Hawaii.
Similar Cities Near Pahoa
Cities in Hawaii with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Omao | 1,429 | $87,308 | $946,400 | Compare |
| Nanawale Estates | 1,440 | $24,980 | $222,300 | Compare |
| Poipu | 1,418 | $138,864 | $1,115,300 | Compare |
| Leilani Estates | 1,415 | $23,177 | $237,300 | Compare |
| Kaumakani | 1,361 | $89,637 | $0 | Compare |
| Pepeekeo | 1,505 | $52,276 | $415,600 | Compare |
| Papaikou | 1,325 | $80,972 | $431,100 | Compare |
| Kaloko | 1,555 | $104,167 | $1,143,400 | 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 Pahoa With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Pahoa
What is the population of Pahoa, HI?
The population of Pahoa, HI is 1,430 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 Pahoa?
The median household income in Pahoa, HI is $55,903 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Pahoa?
The median home value in Pahoa, HI is $312,500, which is 28% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Pahoa?
The median monthly rent in Pahoa, HI is $819, which is 30% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Pahoa?
The unemployment rate in Pahoa, HI is 6.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Pahoa, HI a good place to live?
Pahoa offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,430 and a median age of 45.4, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Pahoa, HI?
23.9% of residents in Pahoa 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 Pahoa?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Pahoa, HI: median home value is $312,500 (28% above national), median rent is $819/month, and median household income is $55,903. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Pahoa?
The poverty rate in Pahoa, HI is 33.6%, 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 Pahoa, HI?
Pahoa's population is 1.1% White, 9.3% Hispanic or Latino, 9.8% Black or African American, 4.8% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 32.2% of residents are foreign-born.