Wailuku, HI
Population 15,754 · Hawaii
About Wailuku, HI
Wailuku is a mid-sized city located in Hawaii with a population of 15,754 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $93,958 per year, which is 25% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.8 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 Wailuku features a median home value of $781,700, which is 219% above the national median of $244,900. This places Wailuku in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,747, 50% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,720 total housing units, 70% are owner-occupied (4,182 units) and 30% are renter-occupied (1,825 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Wailuku shows an unemployment rate of 3.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 5.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Wailuku have an average one-way commute time of 20.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
35.8% of Wailuku 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 2.0% White, 3.0% Hispanic or Latino, 3.7% Black or African American, and 1.6% Asian residents, with 12.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Wailuku Ranks in Hawaii
Cost of Living in Wailuku, HI
Compared to national averages, Wailuku has a median household income of $93,958 (25% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $781,700, which is 219% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,747 is 50% above the US average of $1,163. Within Hawaii, Wailuku's income is 1% below the state average of $94,535, and home values are 2% above the state median of $766,495.
Why Live in Wailuku, HI?
Wailuku offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $93,958, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.3%, and a well-educated community where 35.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 5.4%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 20.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $781,700. However, Wailuku’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Wailuku has a population of 15,754 with a median age of 44.8 years. Compare Wailuku with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Hawaii.
Similar Cities Near Wailuku
Cities in Hawaii with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ewa Beach | 15,388 | $124,958 | $698,200 | Compare |
| Ocean Pointe | 16,276 | $143,394 | $877,600 | Compare |
| Schofield Barracks | 16,755 | $74,695 | $0 | Compare |
| Waimalu | 14,176 | $89,016 | $597,700 | Compare |
| Wahiawa | 17,515 | $86,883 | $716,800 | Compare |
| Halawa | 13,809 | $102,987 | $1,005,400 | Compare |
| Royal Kunia | 13,687 | $133,579 | $833,000 | Compare |
| Hawaiian Paradise Park | 13,273 | $81,892 | $413,800 | 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 Wailuku With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Wailuku
What is the population of Wailuku, HI?
The population of Wailuku, HI is 15,754 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 Wailuku?
The median household income in Wailuku, HI is $93,958 per year, which is 25% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wailuku?
The median home value in Wailuku, HI is $781,700, which is 219% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Wailuku?
The median monthly rent in Wailuku, HI is $1,747, which is 50% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wailuku?
The unemployment rate in Wailuku, HI is 3.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Wailuku, HI a good place to live?
Wailuku offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 15,754 and a median age of 44.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Wailuku, HI?
35.8% of residents in Wailuku 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 Wailuku?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wailuku, HI: median home value is $781,700 (219% above national), median rent is $1,747/month, and median household income is $93,958. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.3x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Wailuku?
The poverty rate in Wailuku, HI is 5.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Wailuku, HI?
Wailuku's population is 2.0% White, 3.0% Hispanic or Latino, 3.7% Black or African American, 1.6% Asian, and 1.0% two or more races. 12.6% of residents are foreign-born.