Punaluu, HI
Population 855 · Hawaii
About Punaluu, HI
Punaluu is a small community located in Hawaii with a population of 855 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $88,611 per year, which is 18% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Punaluu features a median home value of $828,700, which is 238% above the national median of $244,900. This places Punaluu in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,030, 75% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 581 total housing units, 52% are owner-occupied (164 units) and 48% are renter-occupied (154 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Punaluu shows an unemployment rate of 3.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 11.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Punaluu have an average one-way commute time of 36.6 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
28.6% of Punaluu 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 3.6% White, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, and 4.6% Asian residents, with 13.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Punaluu Ranks in Hawaii
Cost of Living in Punaluu, HI
Compared to national averages, Punaluu has a median household income of $88,611 (18% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $828,700, which is 238% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,030 is 75% above the US average of $1,163. Within Hawaii, Punaluu's income is 6% below the state average of $94,535, and home values are 8% above the state median of $766,495.
Why Live in Punaluu, HI?
Punaluu offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $88,611, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.3%, and a low poverty rate of 11.6%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $828,700. However, Punaluu’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Punaluu has a population of 855 with a median age of 40 years. Compare Punaluu with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Hawaii.
Similar Cities Near Punaluu
Cities in Hawaii with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naalehu | 837 | $70,469 | $215,600 | Compare |
| Waiahole-Waikane | 879 | $80,556 | $0 | Compare |
| Fern Forest | 880 | $33,173 | $173,800 | Compare |
| Royal Hawaiian Estates | 889 | $61,477 | $243,800 | Compare |
| Volcano Golf Course | 909 | $138,726 | $516,700 | Compare |
| Hana | 793 | $52,304 | $610,200 | Compare |
| Mauna Loa Estates | 931 | $41,509 | $291,600 | Compare |
| Eden Roc | 973 | $31,324 | $183,000 | 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 Punaluu With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Punaluu
What is the population of Punaluu, HI?
The population of Punaluu, HI is 855 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 Punaluu?
The median household income in Punaluu, HI is $88,611 per year, which is 18% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Punaluu?
The median home value in Punaluu, HI is $828,700, which is 238% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Punaluu?
The median monthly rent in Punaluu, HI is $2,030, which is 75% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Punaluu?
The unemployment rate in Punaluu, HI is 3.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Punaluu, HI a good place to live?
Punaluu offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 855 and a median age of 40, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Punaluu, HI?
28.6% of residents in Punaluu 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 Punaluu?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Punaluu, HI: median home value is $828,700 (238% above national), median rent is $2,030/month, and median household income is $88,611. The home-value-to-income ratio is 9.4x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Punaluu?
The poverty rate in Punaluu, HI is 11.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Punaluu, HI?
Punaluu's population is 3.6% White, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, 4.6% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 13.2% of residents are foreign-born.