Waimalu, HI
Population 14,176 · Hawaii
About Waimalu, HI
Waimalu is a mid-sized city located in Hawaii with a population of 14,176 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $89,016 per year, which is 18% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Waimalu features a median home value of $597,700, which is 144% above the national median of $244,900. This places Waimalu in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,892, 63% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,301 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (3,646 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (2,240 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Waimalu shows an unemployment rate of 7.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 7.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Waimalu have an average one-way commute time of 25.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
36.3% of Waimalu 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 1.3% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 4.3% Black or African American, and 2.2% Asian residents, with 19.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Waimalu Ranks in Hawaii
Cost of Living in Waimalu, HI
Compared to national averages, Waimalu has a median household income of $89,016 (18% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $597,700, which is 144% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,892 is 63% above the US average of $1,163. Within Hawaii, Waimalu's income is 6% below the state average of $94,535, and home values are 22% below the state median of $766,495.
Why Live in Waimalu, HI?
Waimalu offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $89,016, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 36.3% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 7.7%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $597,700. However, Waimalu’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Waimalu has a population of 14,176 with a median age of 41.3 years. Compare Waimalu with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Hawaii.
Similar Cities Near Waimalu
Cities in Hawaii with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Ewa Beach | 15,388 | $124,958 | $698,200 | Compare |
| Waianae | 12,907 | $84,766 | $487,200 | Compare |
| Wailuku | 15,754 | $93,958 | $781,700 | Compare |
| Nanakuli | 12,282 | $81,493 | $473,000 | Compare |
| Maili | 12,236 | $104,375 | $633,100 | 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 Waimalu With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Waimalu
What is the population of Waimalu, HI?
The population of Waimalu, HI is 14,176 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 Waimalu?
The median household income in Waimalu, HI is $89,016 per year, which is 18% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Waimalu?
The median home value in Waimalu, HI is $597,700, which is 144% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Waimalu?
The median monthly rent in Waimalu, HI is $1,892, which is 63% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Waimalu?
The unemployment rate in Waimalu, HI is 7.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Waimalu, HI a good place to live?
Waimalu offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 14,176 and a median age of 41.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Waimalu, HI?
36.3% of residents in Waimalu 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 Waimalu?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Waimalu, HI: median home value is $597,700 (144% above national), median rent is $1,892/month, and median household income is $89,016. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.7x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Waimalu?
The poverty rate in Waimalu, HI is 7.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Waimalu, HI?
Waimalu's population is 1.3% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 4.3% Black or African American, 2.2% Asian, and 3.5% two or more races. 19.9% of residents are foreign-born.