Pukalani, HI
Population 8,490 · Hawaii
About Pukalani, HI
Pukalani is a small town located in Hawaii with a population of 8,490 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $120,707 per year, which is 61% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 48.1 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 Pukalani features a median home value of $926,100, which is 278% above the national median of $244,900. This places Pukalani in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,816, 56% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,037 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (1,784 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (1,184 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Pukalani shows an unemployment rate of 6.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 12.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Pukalani have an average one-way commute time of 27.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
33.9% of Pukalani 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 1.2% White, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 9.9% Black or African American, and 4.9% Asian residents, with 8.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Pukalani Ranks in Hawaii
Cost of Living in Pukalani, HI
Compared to national averages, Pukalani has a median household income of $120,707 (61% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $926,100, which is 278% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,816 is 56% above the US average of $1,163. Within Hawaii, Pukalani's income is 28% above the state average of $94,535, and home values are 21% above the state median of $766,495.
Why Live in Pukalani, HI?
Pukalani offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $120,707, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 33.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 12.3%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $926,100. However, Pukalani’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Pukalani has a population of 8,490 with a median age of 48.1 years. Compare Pukalani with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Hawaii.
Similar Cities Near Pukalani
Cities in Hawaii with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ahuimanu | 8,520 | $129,028 | $878,400 | Compare |
| Waikele | 7,950 | $111,971 | $696,400 | Compare |
| Lihue | 7,847 | $77,420 | $843,900 | Compare |
| Aiea | 9,155 | $135,286 | $1,053,000 | Compare |
| Hickam Housing | 9,195 | $111,667 | $0 | Compare |
| Haiku-Pauwela | 9,290 | $99,520 | $1,019,400 | Compare |
| Makawao | 7,263 | $96,116 | $819,600 | Compare |
| Wailua Homesteads | 7,136 | $94,900 | $898,300 | 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 Pukalani With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Pukalani
What is the population of Pukalani, HI?
The population of Pukalani, HI is 8,490 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 Pukalani?
The median household income in Pukalani, HI is $120,707 per year, which is 61% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Pukalani?
The median home value in Pukalani, HI is $926,100, which is 278% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Pukalani?
The median monthly rent in Pukalani, HI is $1,816, which is 56% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Pukalani?
The unemployment rate in Pukalani, HI is 6.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Pukalani, HI a good place to live?
Pukalani offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 8,490 and a median age of 48.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Pukalani, HI?
33.9% of residents in Pukalani 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 Pukalani?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Pukalani, HI: median home value is $926,100 (278% above national), median rent is $1,816/month, and median household income is $120,707. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.7x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Pukalani?
The poverty rate in Pukalani, HI is 12.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Pukalani, HI?
Pukalani's population is 1.2% White, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 9.9% Black or African American, 4.9% Asian, and 1.4% two or more races. 8.1% of residents are foreign-born.