Paia, HI
Population 2,629 · Hawaii
About Paia, HI
Paia is a small town located in Hawaii with a population of 2,629 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $120,735 per year, which is 61% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Paia features a median home value of $881,100, which is 260% above the national median of $244,900. This places Paia in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,446, 110% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 973 total housing units, 61% are owner-occupied (510 units) and 39% are renter-occupied (328 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Paia shows an unemployment rate of 11.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 15.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Paia have an average one-way commute time of 33.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
34.0% of Paia 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 5.0% White, 10.2% Hispanic or Latino, 3.2% Black or African American, and 6.2% Asian residents, with 13.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Paia Ranks in Hawaii
Cost of Living in Paia, HI
Compared to national averages, Paia has a median household income of $120,735 (61% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $881,100, which is 260% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,446 is 110% above the US average of $1,163. Within Hawaii, Paia's income is 28% above the state average of $94,535, and home values are 15% above the state median of $766,495.
Why Live in Paia, HI?
Paia offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $120,735, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 34.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $881,100. However, Paia’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Paia has a population of 2,629 with a median age of 37.5 years. Compare Paia with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Hawaii.
Similar Cities Near Paia
Cities in Hawaii with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honaunau-Napoopoo | 2,554 | $75,884 | $724,200 | Compare |
| Wailua | 2,544 | $68,548 | $697,300 | Compare |
| Lawai | 2,775 | $104,826 | $853,700 | Compare |
| Holualoa | 2,825 | $109,444 | $1,056,500 | Compare |
| Kahuku | 2,425 | $73,214 | $769,100 | Compare |
| Kualapuu | 2,357 | $52,500 | $258,900 | Compare |
| Honokaa | 2,353 | $85,556 | $551,800 | Compare |
| Eleele | 2,339 | $122,308 | $684,900 | 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 Paia With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Paia
What is the population of Paia, HI?
The population of Paia, HI is 2,629 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 Paia?
The median household income in Paia, HI is $120,735 per year, which is 61% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Paia?
The median home value in Paia, HI is $881,100, which is 260% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Paia?
The median monthly rent in Paia, HI is $2,446, which is 110% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Paia?
The unemployment rate in Paia, HI is 11.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Paia, HI a good place to live?
Paia offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,629 and a median age of 37.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Paia, HI?
34.0% of residents in Paia aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Paia?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Paia, HI: median home value is $881,100 (260% above national), median rent is $2,446/month, and median household income is $120,735. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.3x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Paia?
The poverty rate in Paia, HI is 15.1%, 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 Paia, HI?
Paia's population is 5.0% White, 10.2% Hispanic or Latino, 3.2% Black or African American, 6.2% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 13.9% of residents are foreign-born.