Waikele, HI
Population 7,950 · Hawaii
About Waikele, HI
Waikele is a small town located in Hawaii with a population of 7,950 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $111,971 per year, which is 49% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Waikele features a median home value of $696,400, which is 184% above the national median of $244,900. This places Waikele in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,739, 136% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,080 total housing units, 70% are owner-occupied (2,093 units) and 30% are renter-occupied (918 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Waikele shows an unemployment rate of 0.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 4.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Waikele have an average one-way commute time of 27.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
34.8% of Waikele 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 1.0% White, 3.0% Hispanic or Latino, 4.7% Black or African American, and 1.0% Asian residents, with 18.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Waikele Ranks in Hawaii
Cost of Living in Waikele, HI
Compared to national averages, Waikele has a median household income of $111,971 (49% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $696,400, which is 184% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,739 is 136% above the US average of $1,163. Within Hawaii, Waikele's income is 18% above the state average of $94,535, and home values are 9% below the state median of $766,495.
Why Live in Waikele, HI?
Waikele offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $111,971, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.6%, and a well-educated community where 34.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 4.4%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $696,400. However, Waikele’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Waikele has a population of 7,950 with a median age of 41 years. Compare Waikele with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Hawaii.
Similar Cities Near Waikele
Cities in Hawaii with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lihue | 7,847 | $77,420 | $843,900 | Compare |
| Pukalani | 8,490 | $120,707 | $926,100 | Compare |
| Ahuimanu | 8,520 | $129,028 | $878,400 | Compare |
| Makawao | 7,263 | $96,116 | $819,600 | Compare |
| Wailua Homesteads | 7,136 | $94,900 | $898,300 | Compare |
| Waikoloa Village | 7,028 | $92,713 | $674,100 | Compare |
| Ewa Villages | 6,918 | $85,043 | $819,400 | Compare |
| Napili-Honokowai | 6,897 | $102,337 | $775,500 | 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 Waikele With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Waikele
What is the population of Waikele, HI?
The population of Waikele, HI is 7,950 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 Waikele?
The median household income in Waikele, HI is $111,971 per year, which is 49% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Waikele?
The median home value in Waikele, HI is $696,400, which is 184% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Waikele?
The median monthly rent in Waikele, HI is $2,739, which is 136% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Waikele?
The unemployment rate in Waikele, HI is 0.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Waikele, HI a good place to live?
Waikele offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 7,950 and a median age of 41, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Waikele, HI?
34.8% of residents in Waikele 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 Waikele?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Waikele, HI: median home value is $696,400 (184% above national), median rent is $2,739/month, and median household income is $111,971. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.2x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Waikele?
The poverty rate in Waikele, HI is 4.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Waikele, HI?
Waikele's population is 1.0% White, 3.0% Hispanic or Latino, 4.7% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, and 2.2% two or more races. 18.2% of residents are foreign-born.