Pearl City, HI
Population 45,079 · Hawaii
About Pearl City, HI
Pearl City is a mid-sized city located in Hawaii with a population of 45,079 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $114,682 per year, which is 53% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45 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 Pearl City features a median home value of $872,200, which is 256% above the national median of $244,900. This places Pearl City in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,338, 101% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 15,521 total housing units, 71% are owner-occupied (10,573 units) and 29% are renter-occupied (4,372 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Pearl City shows an unemployment rate of 3.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Pearl City have an average one-way commute time of 27 minutes.
Education & Demographics
37.0% of Pearl City 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 3.1% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 2.5% Black or African American, and 2.4% Asian residents, with 15.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Pearl City Ranks in Hawaii
Cost of Living in Pearl City, HI
Compared to national averages, Pearl City has a median household income of $114,682 (53% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $872,200, which is 256% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,338 is 101% above the US average of $1,163. Within Hawaii, Pearl City's income is 21% above the state average of $94,535, and home values are 14% above the state median of $766,495.
Why Live in Pearl City, HI?
Pearl City offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $114,682, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.2%, and a well-educated community where 37.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 6.2%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $872,200. However, Pearl City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Pearl City has a population of 45,079 with a median age of 45 years. Compare Pearl City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Hawaii.
Similar Cities Near Pearl City
Cities in Hawaii with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hilo | 48,223 | $78,713 | $455,100 | Compare |
| Waipahu | 39,871 | $98,633 | $835,400 | Compare |
| Kailua CDP (Honolulu County), Hawaii | 39,762 | $146,615 | $1,239,000 | Compare |
| East Honolulu | 50,961 | $158,398 | $1,172,300 | Compare |
| Kaneohe | 35,945 | $124,632 | $990,100 | Compare |
| Mililani Town | 27,495 | $124,123 | $884,800 | Compare |
| Kahului | 27,068 | $92,062 | $833,200 | Compare |
| Ewa Gentry | 26,738 | $131,755 | $768,200 | 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 Pearl City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Pearl City
What is the population of Pearl City, HI?
The population of Pearl City, HI is 45,079 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Hawaii.
What is the median household income in Pearl City?
The median household income in Pearl City, HI is $114,682 per year, which is 53% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Pearl City?
The median home value in Pearl City, HI is $872,200, which is 256% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Pearl City?
The median monthly rent in Pearl City, HI is $2,338, which is 101% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Pearl City?
The unemployment rate in Pearl City, HI is 3.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Pearl City, HI a good place to live?
Pearl City offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 45,079 and a median age of 45, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Pearl City, HI?
37.0% of residents in Pearl City 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 Pearl City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Pearl City, HI: median home value is $872,200 (256% above national), median rent is $2,338/month, and median household income is $114,682. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.6x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Pearl City?
The poverty rate in Pearl City, HI is 6.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Pearl City, HI?
Pearl City's population is 3.1% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 2.5% Black or African American, 2.4% Asian, and 1.7% two or more races. 15.9% of residents are foreign-born.