Waianae, HI
Population 12,907 · Hawaii
About Waianae, HI
Waianae is a mid-sized city located in Hawaii with a population of 12,907 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $84,766 per year, which is 13% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Waianae features a median home value of $487,200, which is 99% above the national median of $244,900. This places Waianae in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,307, 12% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,694 total housing units, 65% are owner-occupied (2,251 units) and 35% are renter-occupied (1,188 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Waianae shows an unemployment rate of 9.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 17.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Waianae have an average one-way commute time of 40.9 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
13.6% of Waianae residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 2.3% White, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 5.4% Black or African American, and 4.7% Asian residents, with 6.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Waianae Ranks in Hawaii
Cost of Living in Waianae, HI
Compared to national averages, Waianae has a median household income of $84,766 (13% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $487,200, which is 99% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,307 is 12% above the US average of $1,163. Within Hawaii, Waianae's income is 10% below the state average of $94,535, and home values are 36% below the state median of $766,495.
Why Live in Waianae, HI?
Waianae offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $84,766, well above the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $487,200. However, Waianae’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Waianae has a population of 12,907 with a median age of 36.8 years. Compare Waianae with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Hawaii.
Similar Cities Near Waianae
Cities in Hawaii with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaiian Paradise Park | 13,273 | $81,892 | $413,800 | Compare |
| Nanakuli | 12,282 | $81,493 | $473,000 | Compare |
| Maili | 12,236 | $104,375 | $633,100 | Compare |
| Royal Kunia | 13,687 | $133,579 | $833,000 | Compare |
| Halawa | 13,809 | $102,987 | $1,005,400 | Compare |
| Waimalu | 14,176 | $89,016 | $597,700 | Compare |
| Kaiminani | 11,542 | $101,320 | $761,300 | Compare |
| Lahaina | 11,423 | $85,988 | $841,400 | 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 Waianae With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Waianae
What is the population of Waianae, HI?
The population of Waianae, HI is 12,907 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 Waianae?
The median household income in Waianae, HI is $84,766 per year, which is 13% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Waianae?
The median home value in Waianae, HI is $487,200, which is 99% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Waianae?
The median monthly rent in Waianae, HI is $1,307, which is 12% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Waianae?
The unemployment rate in Waianae, HI is 9.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Waianae, HI a good place to live?
Waianae offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 12,907 and a median age of 36.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Waianae, HI?
13.6% of residents in Waianae 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 Waianae?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Waianae, HI: median home value is $487,200 (99% above national), median rent is $1,307/month, and median household income is $84,766. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Waianae?
The poverty rate in Waianae, HI is 17.0%, 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 Waianae, HI?
Waianae's population is 2.3% White, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 5.4% Black or African American, 4.7% Asian, and 0.9% two or more races. 6.8% of residents are foreign-born.