Wailea, HI
Population 6,571 · Hawaii
About Wailea, HI
Wailea is a small town located in Hawaii with a population of 6,571 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $89,375 per year, which is 19% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 55.8 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Wailea features a median home value of $1,363,700, which is 457% above the national median of $244,900. This places Wailea in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,485, 114% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,125 total housing units, 68% are owner-occupied (2,037 units) and 32% are renter-occupied (961 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Wailea shows an unemployment rate of 6.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 12.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Wailea have an average one-way commute time of 17.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
44.9% of Wailea residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 3.7% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, and 3.1% Asian residents, with 15.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Wailea Ranks in Hawaii
Cost of Living in Wailea, HI
Compared to national averages, Wailea has a median household income of $89,375 (19% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,363,700, which is 457% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,485 is 114% above the US average of $1,163. Within Hawaii, Wailea's income is 5% below the state average of $94,535, and home values are 78% above the state median of $766,495.
Why Live in Wailea, HI?
Wailea offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $89,375, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 44.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 17.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,363,700. However, Wailea’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Wailea has a population of 6,571 with a median age of 55.8 years. Compare Wailea with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Hawaii.
Similar Cities Near Wailea
Cities in Hawaii with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kula | 6,557 | $91,476 | $1,117,300 | Compare |
| Kahaluu-Keauhou | 6,670 | $93,594 | $830,600 | Compare |
| West Loch Estate | 6,441 | $124,009 | $833,500 | Compare |
| Napili-Honokowai | 6,897 | $102,337 | $775,500 | Compare |
| Ewa Villages | 6,918 | $85,043 | $819,400 | Compare |
| East Kapolei | 6,200 | $116,339 | $743,600 | Compare |
| Waikoloa Village | 7,028 | $92,713 | $674,100 | Compare |
| Wailua Homesteads | 7,136 | $94,900 | $898,300 | 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 Wailea With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Wailea
What is the population of Wailea, HI?
The population of Wailea, HI is 6,571 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 Wailea?
The median household income in Wailea, HI is $89,375 per year, which is 19% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wailea?
The median home value in Wailea, HI is $1,363,700, which is 457% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Wailea?
The median monthly rent in Wailea, HI is $2,485, which is 114% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wailea?
The unemployment rate in Wailea, HI is 6.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Wailea, HI a good place to live?
Wailea offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 6,571 and a median age of 55.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Wailea, HI?
44.9% of residents in Wailea 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 Wailea?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wailea, HI: median home value is $1,363,700 (457% above national), median rent is $2,485/month, and median household income is $89,375. The home-value-to-income ratio is 15.3x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Wailea?
The poverty rate in Wailea, HI is 12.7%, 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 Wailea, HI?
Wailea's population is 3.7% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, 3.1% Asian, and 1.0% two or more races. 15.1% of residents are foreign-born.