Waipahu, HI
Population 39,871 · Hawaii
About Waipahu, HI
Waipahu is a mid-sized city located in Hawaii with a population of 39,871 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $98,633 per year, which is 31% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Waipahu features a median home value of $835,400, which is 241% above the national median of $244,900. This places Waipahu in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,585, 36% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 9,486 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (5,342 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (3,638 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Waipahu shows an unemployment rate of 4.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 11.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Waipahu have an average one-way commute time of 32.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
18.6% of Waipahu residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 1.7% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 2.9% Black or African American, and 1.7% Asian residents, with 41.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Waipahu Ranks in Hawaii
Cost of Living in Waipahu, HI
Compared to national averages, Waipahu has a median household income of $98,633 (31% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $835,400, which is 241% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,585 is 36% above the US average of $1,163. Within Hawaii, Waipahu's income is 4% above the state average of $94,535, and home values are 9% above the state median of $766,495.
Why Live in Waipahu, HI?
Waipahu offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $98,633, well above the national average, and a low poverty rate of 11.4%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $835,400. However, Waipahu’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Waipahu has a population of 39,871 with a median age of 39.7 years. Compare Waipahu with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Hawaii.
Similar Cities Near Waipahu
Cities in Hawaii with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kailua CDP (Honolulu County), Hawaii | 39,762 | $146,615 | $1,239,000 | Compare |
| Kaneohe | 35,945 | $124,632 | $990,100 | Compare |
| Pearl City | 45,079 | $114,682 | $872,200 | Compare |
| Hilo | 48,223 | $78,713 | $455,100 | Compare |
| East Honolulu | 50,961 | $158,398 | $1,172,300 | Compare |
| Mililani Town | 27,495 | $124,123 | $884,800 | Compare |
| Kahului | 27,068 | $92,062 | $833,200 | Compare |
| Ewa Gentry | 26,738 | $131,755 | $768,200 | 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 Waipahu With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Waipahu
What is the population of Waipahu, HI?
The population of Waipahu, HI is 39,871 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 Waipahu?
The median household income in Waipahu, HI is $98,633 per year, which is 31% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Waipahu?
The median home value in Waipahu, HI is $835,400, which is 241% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Waipahu?
The median monthly rent in Waipahu, HI is $1,585, which is 36% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Waipahu?
The unemployment rate in Waipahu, HI is 4.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Waipahu, HI a good place to live?
Waipahu offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 39,871 and a median age of 39.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Waipahu, HI?
18.6% of residents in Waipahu 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 Waipahu?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Waipahu, HI: median home value is $835,400 (241% above national), median rent is $1,585/month, and median household income is $98,633. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.5x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Waipahu?
The poverty rate in Waipahu, HI is 11.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Waipahu, HI?
Waipahu's population is 1.7% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 2.9% Black or African American, 1.7% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 41.8% of residents are foreign-born.