Papaikou, HI
Population 1,325 · Hawaii
About Papaikou, HI
Papaikou is a small town located in Hawaii with a population of 1,325 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $80,972 per year, which is 8% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Papaikou features a median home value of $431,100, which is 76% above the national median of $244,900. This places Papaikou in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,489, 28% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 459 total housing units, 70% are owner-occupied (261 units) and 30% are renter-occupied (112 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Papaikou shows an unemployment rate of 4.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 11.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Papaikou have an average one-way commute time of 25.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
21.0% of Papaikou 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 4.2% White, 16.8% Hispanic or Latino, 2.9% Black or African American, and 1.6% Asian residents, with 7.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Papaikou Ranks in Hawaii
Cost of Living in Papaikou, HI
Compared to national averages, Papaikou has a median household income of $80,972 (8% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $431,100, which is 76% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,489 is 28% above the US average of $1,163. Within Hawaii, Papaikou's income is 14% below the state average of $94,535, and home values are 44% below the state median of $766,495.
Why Live in Papaikou, HI?
Papaikou offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $80,972, well above the national average, and a low poverty rate of 11.5%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $431,100. However, Papaikou’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Papaikou has a population of 1,325 with a median age of 36.6 years. Compare Papaikou with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Hawaii.
Similar Cities Near Papaikou
Cities in Hawaii with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kaumakani | 1,361 | $89,637 | $0 | Compare |
| Kaaawa | 1,259 | $132,188 | $966,500 | Compare |
| Leilani Estates | 1,415 | $23,177 | $237,300 | Compare |
| Poipu | 1,418 | $138,864 | $1,115,300 | Compare |
| Omao | 1,429 | $87,308 | $946,400 | Compare |
| Pahoa | 1,430 | $55,903 | $312,500 | Compare |
| Kaanapali | 1,216 | $134,375 | $1,767,400 | Compare |
| Keaau | 1,210 | $64,688 | $320,000 | 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 Papaikou With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Papaikou
What is the population of Papaikou, HI?
The population of Papaikou, HI is 1,325 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 Papaikou?
The median household income in Papaikou, HI is $80,972 per year, which is 8% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Papaikou?
The median home value in Papaikou, HI is $431,100, which is 76% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Papaikou?
The median monthly rent in Papaikou, HI is $1,489, which is 28% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Papaikou?
The unemployment rate in Papaikou, HI is 4.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Papaikou, HI a good place to live?
Papaikou offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,325 and a median age of 36.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Papaikou, HI?
21.0% of residents in Papaikou 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 Papaikou?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Papaikou, HI: median home value is $431,100 (76% above national), median rent is $1,489/month, and median household income is $80,972. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.3x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Papaikou?
The poverty rate in Papaikou, HI is 11.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Papaikou, HI?
Papaikou's population is 4.2% White, 16.8% Hispanic or Latino, 2.9% Black or African American, 1.6% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 7.9% of residents are foreign-born.