Wahiawa, HI
Population 17,515 · Hawaii
About Wahiawa, HI
Wahiawa is a mid-sized city located in Hawaii with a population of 17,515 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $86,883 per year, which is 16% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Wahiawa features a median home value of $716,800, which is 193% above the national median of $244,900. This places Wahiawa in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,443, 24% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,601 total housing units, 53% are owner-occupied (3,172 units) and 47% are renter-occupied (2,801 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Wahiawa shows an unemployment rate of 3.9%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 17.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Wahiawa have an average one-way commute time of 33.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
23.9% of Wahiawa 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 2.8% White, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 5.9% Black or African American, and 5.2% Asian residents, with 19.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Wahiawa Ranks in Hawaii
Cost of Living in Wahiawa, HI
Compared to national averages, Wahiawa has a median household income of $86,883 (16% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $716,800, which is 193% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,443 is 24% above the US average of $1,163. Within Hawaii, Wahiawa's income is 8% below the state average of $94,535, and home values are 6% below the state median of $766,495.
Why Live in Wahiawa, HI?
Wahiawa offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $86,883, well above the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $716,800. However, Wahiawa’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Wahiawa has a population of 17,515 with a median age of 39.8 years. Compare Wahiawa with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Hawaii.
Similar Cities Near Wahiawa
Cities in Hawaii with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schofield Barracks | 16,755 | $74,695 | $0 | Compare |
| Ocean Pointe | 16,276 | $143,394 | $877,600 | Compare |
| Wailuku | 15,754 | $93,958 | $781,700 | Compare |
| Ewa Beach | 15,388 | $124,958 | $698,200 | Compare |
| Makakilo | 20,372 | $120,489 | $827,900 | Compare |
| Waimalu | 14,176 | $89,016 | $597,700 | Compare |
| Halawa | 13,809 | $102,987 | $1,005,400 | Compare |
| Royal Kunia | 13,687 | $133,579 | $833,000 | 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 Wahiawa With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Wahiawa
What is the population of Wahiawa, HI?
The population of Wahiawa, HI is 17,515 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 Wahiawa?
The median household income in Wahiawa, HI is $86,883 per year, which is 16% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wahiawa?
The median home value in Wahiawa, HI is $716,800, which is 193% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Wahiawa?
The median monthly rent in Wahiawa, HI is $1,443, which is 24% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wahiawa?
The unemployment rate in Wahiawa, HI is 3.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Wahiawa, HI a good place to live?
Wahiawa offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 17,515 and a median age of 39.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Wahiawa, HI?
23.9% of residents in Wahiawa 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 Wahiawa?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wahiawa, HI: median home value is $716,800 (193% above national), median rent is $1,443/month, and median household income is $86,883. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.3x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Wahiawa?
The poverty rate in Wahiawa, HI is 17.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Wahiawa, HI?
Wahiawa's population is 2.8% White, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 5.9% Black or African American, 5.2% Asian, and 2.6% two or more races. 19.8% of residents are foreign-born.