Wainaku, HI
Population 1,082 · Hawaii
About Wainaku, HI
Wainaku is a small town located in Hawaii with a population of 1,082 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $72,188 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.4 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 Wainaku features a median home value of $532,400, which is 117% above the national median of $244,900. This places Wainaku in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,100, 5% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 426 total housing units, 74% are owner-occupied (270 units) and 26% are renter-occupied (97 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Wainaku shows an unemployment rate of 4.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 7.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Wainaku have an average one-way commute time of 17.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
29.0% of Wainaku 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 1.4% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, and 3.7% Asian residents, with 15.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Wainaku Ranks in Hawaii
Cost of Living in Wainaku, HI
Compared to national averages, Wainaku has a median household income of $72,188 (4% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $532,400, which is 117% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,100 is 5% below the US average of $1,163. Within Hawaii, Wainaku's income is 24% below the state average of $94,535, and home values are 31% below the state median of $766,495.
Why Live in Wainaku, HI?
Wainaku offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,100/month, and a low poverty rate of 7.1%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 17.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($72,188) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $532,400. However, Wainaku’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Wainaku has a population of 1,082 with a median age of 43.4 years. Compare Wainaku with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Hawaii.
Similar Cities Near Wainaku
Cities in Hawaii with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haliimaile | 1,096 | $81,250 | $830,500 | Compare |
| Honalo | 1,057 | $65,000 | $578,800 | Compare |
| Mahinahina | 1,051 | $161,875 | $1,153,700 | Compare |
| Halaula | 1,049 | $65,694 | $534,300 | Compare |
| Olinda | 996 | $100,096 | $1,114,700 | Compare |
| Laupahoehoe | 995 | $66,071 | $583,300 | Compare |
| Eden Roc | 973 | $31,324 | $183,000 | Compare |
| Discovery Harbour | 1,198 | $64,286 | $431,700 | 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 Wainaku With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Wainaku
What is the population of Wainaku, HI?
The population of Wainaku, HI is 1,082 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 Wainaku?
The median household income in Wainaku, HI is $72,188 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wainaku?
The median home value in Wainaku, HI is $532,400, which is 117% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Wainaku?
The median monthly rent in Wainaku, HI is $1,100, which is 5% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wainaku?
The unemployment rate in Wainaku, HI is 4.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Wainaku, HI a good place to live?
Wainaku offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,082 and a median age of 43.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Wainaku, HI?
29.0% of residents in Wainaku 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 Wainaku?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wainaku, HI: median home value is $532,400 (117% above national), median rent is $1,100/month, and median household income is $72,188. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.4x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Wainaku?
The poverty rate in Wainaku, HI is 7.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Wainaku, HI?
Wainaku's population is 1.4% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, 3.7% Asian, and 1.4% two or more races. 15.7% of residents are foreign-born.