Puako, HI
Population 302 · Hawaii
About Puako, HI
Puako is a small community located in Hawaii with a population of 302 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $116,250 per year, which is 55% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 63.1 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 Puako features a median home value of $1,781,300, which is 627% above the national median of $244,900. This places Puako in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,964, 69% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 291 total housing units, 73% are owner-occupied (113 units) and 27% are renter-occupied (41 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Puako shows an unemployment rate of 17.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 8.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Puako have an average one-way commute time of 35.2 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
60.8% of Puako residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 2.6% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 6.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Puako Ranks in Hawaii
Cost of Living in Puako, HI
Compared to national averages, Puako has a median household income of $116,250 (55% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,781,300, which is 627% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,964 is 69% above the US average of $1,163. Within Hawaii, Puako's income is 23% above the state average of $94,535, and home values are 132% above the state median of $766,495.
Why Live in Puako, HI?
Puako offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $116,250, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 60.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 8.9%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,781,300. However, Puako’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Puako has a population of 302 with a median age of 63.1 years. Compare Puako with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Hawaii.
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Demographics
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Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Puako
What is the population of Puako, HI?
The population of Puako, HI is 302 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Hawaii.
What is the median household income in Puako?
The median household income in Puako, HI is $116,250 per year, which is 55% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Puako?
The median home value in Puako, HI is $1,781,300, which is 627% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Puako?
The median monthly rent in Puako, HI is $1,964, which is 69% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Puako?
The unemployment rate in Puako, HI is 17.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Puako, HI a good place to live?
Puako offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 302 and a median age of 63.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Puako, HI?
60.8% of residents in Puako 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 Puako?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Puako, HI: median home value is $1,781,300 (627% above national), median rent is $1,964/month, and median household income is $116,250. The home-value-to-income ratio is 15.3x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Puako?
The poverty rate in Puako, HI is 8.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Puako, HI?
Puako's population is 2.6% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 6.0% of residents are foreign-born.