Waikapu, HI
Population 3,645 · Hawaii
About Waikapu, HI
Waikapu is a small town located in Hawaii with a population of 3,645 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $121,618 per year, which is 62% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Waikapu features a median home value of $837,700, which is 242% above the national median of $244,900. This places Waikapu in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,696, 132% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,148 total housing units, 83% are owner-occupied (934 units) and 17% are renter-occupied (198 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Waikapu shows an unemployment rate of 2.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 1.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Waikapu have an average one-way commute time of 21.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
39.5% of Waikapu 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 2.7% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 4.4% Black or African American, and 5.7% Asian residents, with 7.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Waikapu Ranks in Hawaii
Cost of Living in Waikapu, HI
Compared to national averages, Waikapu has a median household income of $121,618 (62% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $837,700, which is 242% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,696 is 132% above the US average of $1,163. Within Hawaii, Waikapu's income is 29% above the state average of $94,535, and home values are 9% above the state median of $766,495.
Why Live in Waikapu, HI?
Waikapu offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $121,618, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.3%, and a well-educated community where 39.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 1.9%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 21.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $837,700. However, Waikapu’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Waikapu has a population of 3,645 with a median age of 36.3 years. Compare Waikapu with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Hawaii.
Similar Cities Near Waikapu
Cities in Hawaii with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kaunakakai | 3,721 | $76,944 | $335,200 | Compare |
| Captain Cook | 3,751 | $124,551 | $642,500 | Compare |
| Ainaloa | 3,493 | $51,757 | $222,300 | Compare |
| Kekaha | 3,482 | $73,011 | $516,800 | Compare |
| Hawaiian Ocean View | 3,809 | $45,917 | $239,200 | Compare |
| Hauula | 3,473 | $113,571 | $915,800 | Compare |
| Whitmore Village | 3,821 | $102,155 | $776,200 | Compare |
| Mountain View | 3,833 | $63,882 | $350,400 | 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 Waikapu With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Waikapu
What is the population of Waikapu, HI?
The population of Waikapu, HI is 3,645 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 Waikapu?
The median household income in Waikapu, HI is $121,618 per year, which is 62% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Waikapu?
The median home value in Waikapu, HI is $837,700, which is 242% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Waikapu?
The median monthly rent in Waikapu, HI is $2,696, which is 132% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Waikapu?
The unemployment rate in Waikapu, HI is 2.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Waikapu, HI a good place to live?
Waikapu offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,645 and a median age of 36.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Waikapu, HI?
39.5% of residents in Waikapu 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 Waikapu?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Waikapu, HI: median home value is $837,700 (242% above national), median rent is $2,696/month, and median household income is $121,618. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.9x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Waikapu?
The poverty rate in Waikapu, HI is 1.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Waikapu, HI?
Waikapu's population is 2.7% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 4.4% Black or African American, 5.7% Asian, and 0.6% two or more races. 7.5% of residents are foreign-born.