Wailua, HI
Population 2,544 · Hawaii
About Wailua, HI
Wailua is a small town located in Hawaii with a population of 2,544 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $68,548 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.8 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 Wailua features a median home value of $697,300, which is 185% above the national median of $244,900. This places Wailua in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,272, 95% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,517 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (560 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (394 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Wailua shows an unemployment rate of 8.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 20.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Wailua have an average one-way commute time of 22.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
26.3% of Wailua 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 8.6% White, 12.3% Hispanic or Latino, 8.9% Black or African American, and 5.4% Asian residents, with 10.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Wailua, HI
Compared to national averages, Wailua has a median household income of $68,548 (9% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $697,300, which is 185% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,272 is 95% above the US average of $1,163. Within Hawaii, Wailua's income is 27% below the state average of $94,535, and home values are 9% below the state median of $766,495.
Why Live in Wailua, HI?
Wailua offers short commute times averaging just 22.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($68,548) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $697,300. However, Wailua’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Wailua has a population of 2,544 with a median age of 45.8 years. Compare Wailua with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Hawaii.
Similar Cities Near Wailua
Cities in Hawaii with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honaunau-Napoopoo | 2,554 | $75,884 | $724,200 | Compare |
| Paia | 2,629 | $120,735 | $881,100 | Compare |
| Kahuku | 2,425 | $73,214 | $769,100 | Compare |
| Kualapuu | 2,357 | $52,500 | $258,900 | Compare |
| Honokaa | 2,353 | $85,556 | $551,800 | Compare |
| Eleele | 2,339 | $122,308 | $684,900 | Compare |
| Koloa | 2,327 | $76,316 | $873,900 | Compare |
| Lawai | 2,775 | $104,826 | $853,700 | 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 Wailua With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Wailua
What is the population of Wailua, HI?
The population of Wailua, HI is 2,544 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 Wailua?
The median household income in Wailua, HI is $68,548 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wailua?
The median home value in Wailua, HI is $697,300, which is 185% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Wailua?
The median monthly rent in Wailua, HI is $2,272, which is 95% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wailua?
The unemployment rate in Wailua, HI is 8.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Wailua, HI a good place to live?
Wailua offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,544 and a median age of 45.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Wailua, HI?
26.3% of residents in Wailua 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 Wailua?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wailua, HI: median home value is $697,300 (185% above national), median rent is $2,272/month, and median household income is $68,548. The home-value-to-income ratio is 10.2x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Wailua?
The poverty rate in Wailua, HI is 20.5%, 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 Wailua, HI?
Wailua's population is 8.6% White, 12.3% Hispanic or Latino, 8.9% Black or African American, 5.4% Asian, and 1.1% two or more races. 10.1% of residents are foreign-born.