Median Income
$73,214
3% lower than US avg
Home Value
$769,100
173% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
232/100K
39% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
29.0%
14% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,366
17% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.9%
1% lower than US avg
Unemployment
8.7%
142% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.8%
13% lower than US avg
How Kahuku Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,425
Median Age25.9 yrs
Density2,526/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 13%
Veterans3.4%
Economy
B
Median Income$73,214
Per Capita$27,131
Unemployment8.7%
Poverty10.8%
County GDP$87,066M
Commute32 min
Housing
F
Home Value$769,100
Rent$1,366
Ownership58.1%
Zillow$1,046,121
Housing Units626
Rent Burden33.5%
Crime
F
Violent232/100K
Property1,045/100K
Health
Obesity31.9%
Uninsured5.6%
Smoking11.6%
Depression17.2%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp75°F (24°C)
AQI24 (Good)
Rain32.6 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation23 ft (7 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+29.0%
High School+95.7%
Graduate+8.7%
School Score5.35
Community
2024 VoteR 38% / D 60%
Commute32 min
Broadband90.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries25
Is Kahuku a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Kahuku receives an overall livability score of 2.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low crime rates, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, above-average unemployment. Kahuku has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Kahuku is $73,214, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. At 8.7%, unemployment is notably high. 10.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Kahuku is $769,100, making it a premium housing market at 173% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,366 per month. With a home price-to-income ratio of 10.5x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Kahuku is below the national average at 232 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,045 per 100,000, 47% below the national average.
Education
29.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Kahuku has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 75°F. Winters average 72°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 32.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 24.
Kahuku has a population of 2,425 with a density of 2,526 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age is 25.9 years, 33% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.1% female and 44.9% male. The city is predominantly White (13.3%), with 1.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 71% of residents, while 29% speak Spanish. 3.4% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 9.5% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 94.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
25.9yrs
Median Age
33% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
71.0%
10% below US avg
Spanish
29.0%
116% above US avg
The median household income in Kahuku is $73,214, which is 3% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,131 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,343. The unemployment rate is 8.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 10.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 31,849 business establishments, including 2,617 restaurants. The cost of living index is 110, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 10.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $73,214 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,131 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,343 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $87,531 |
| Gini Index | 0.439 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 8.7% |
| 142% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.8% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 31,849 |
| County GDP | $87,066M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 2,617 |
| Healthcare | 2,562 |
| Retail | 2,678 |
| Manufacturing | 447 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,790 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 110.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.49% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 32.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 67.0% |
| Public Transit | 3.4% |
| Work from Home | 10.3% |
The median home value in Kahuku is $769,100, 173% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $1,046,121, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,366 (17% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,859 for a one-bedroom to $2,433 for a two-bedroom apartment. 58.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 626 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1980. The average annual property tax is $3,790. 33.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 10.5x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.
Home Values
| Census Median | $769,100 |
| 173% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $1,046,121 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,366 |
| 17% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 33.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,786 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,859 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,433 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,157 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,779 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 58.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 58.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 41.9% |
| Housing Units | 626 |
| Median Year Built | 1980 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,790 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.49% |
In Kahuku, 31.9% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 11.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 29.7% have high blood pressure. 11.6% are current smokers. 20.0% report binge drinking. 23.2% are physically inactive. 17.2% report depression. 17.3% experience frequent mental distress. 5.6% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,074. The dentist ratio is 1:994. 96.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Kahuku vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.9% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.7% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 4.7% |
| Cancer | 5.2% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.6% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.2% |
| Depression | 17.2% |
| Mental Distress | 17.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 51.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.9% |
| Uninsured | 5.6% |
| 35% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,074 |
| Dentists | 1:994 |
| Mental Health | 1:311 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.8% |
| Dental Visits | 68.4% |
| Premature Death | 6,042/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 96.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 2,562 |
Kahuku has a violent crime rate of 232 per 100,000 residents, 39% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,045 per 100,000, 47% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 54 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Kahuku receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Kahuku vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 232.1/100K |
| 39% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,044.6/100K |
| 47% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 54 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Kahuku has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 75°F (24°C). Winters average 72°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 330 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 32.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 24 / among the cleanest air in the country. The city sits at an elevation of 23 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
72°F Jan (22°C)
78°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 75.1°F |
| 39% above US avg |
| January Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 23 ft (7 m) |
| Area | 2.3 sq mi (6.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,526/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 21.6789°N, 157.9432°W |
| Timezone | Pacific/Honolulu |
| County | Honolulu County County |
| Nearest Airport | Daniel K Inouye International (HNL) 25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.6"
14% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jan)
5.59"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 24.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0275 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 6.1 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 1.31 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.11 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 4.1 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 98.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 25.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 62.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively High |
| Wildfire |
Relatively High |
| Flood |
Very High |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
No Rating |
| Winter Weather |
No Rating |
| Lightning |
Very High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
No Rating |
| Landslide |
Relatively High |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Tsunami |
Relatively High |
| Volcano |
No Rating |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
54 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.7. Most recent: M3.0 on Sep 24, 2023.
| Mar 9, 2017 |
70 km NNE of Kualapu‘u, Hawaii |
M4.7 |
112 km |
| Jun 21, 2013 |
49 km N of Kualapu‘u, Hawaii |
M4.5 |
97 km |
| Aug 22, 2014 |
54 km SW of Maunaloa, Hawaii |
M4.2 |
105 km |
| May 20, 2005 |
28 km ENE of Ka‘a‘awa, Hawaii |
M4.1 |
35 km |
| Jun 7, 2014 |
5 km ESE of Maunaloa, Hawaii |
M4.1 |
101 km |
| Jun 1, 2006 |
66 km N of Kualapu‘u, Hawaii |
M4.1 |
99 km |
| Oct 23, 1991 |
29 km NW of Maunaloa, Hawaii |
M4.0 |
68 km |
| Jul 19, 2010 |
37 km S of Honolulu, Hawaii |
M3.9 |
79 km |
| Aug 15, 2002 |
Oahu region, Hawaii |
M3.9 |
47 km |
| Jun 14, 1991 |
24 km NNE of Kualapu‘u, Hawaii |
M3.8 |
111 km |
| May 29, 2014 |
56 km NNW of Kualapu‘u, Hawaii |
M3.8 |
82 km |
| Jul 29, 2013 |
11 km ESE of Waim?nalo Beach, Hawaii |
M3.7 |
57 km |
| Feb 25, 2011 |
27 km SSE of East Honolulu, Hawaii |
M3.7 |
77 km |
| Sep 16, 2017 |
34 km NE of Marine Corps Base Hawaii - MCBH, Hawaii |
M3.7 |
47 km |
| Apr 9, 1993 |
16 km WNW of Lanai City, Hawaii |
M3.6 |
126 km |
| Jun 4, 2018 |
13 km S of East Honolulu, Hawaii |
M3.6 |
62 km |
| Apr 30, 1993 |
31 km N of Kualapu‘u, Hawaii |
M3.5 |
101 km |
| Aug 23, 2017 |
24 km NNE of Waialua, Hawaii |
M3.5 |
141 km |
| Feb 15, 2006 |
73 km N of Waialua, Hawaii |
M3.5 |
126 km |
| May 31, 1994 |
34 km SW of Maunaloa, Hawaii |
M3.4 |
95 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
5 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Douglas (2020, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2020 |
Douglas |
Category 1 |
71 km |
| 2016 |
Lester |
Category 1 |
220 km |
| 2014 |
Ana |
Category 1 |
208 km |
| 1992 |
Iniki |
Category 4 |
193 km |
| 1982 |
Iwa |
Category 1 |
182 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
19 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 2 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 18, 1982 |
EF2 |
22 km |
0 |
| Feb 11, 1982 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| Feb 11, 1982 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 1988 |
EF1 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1971 |
EF1 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jan 28, 1971 |
EF1 |
22 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1963 |
EF1 |
8 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1963 |
EF1 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jan 21, 1957 |
EF1 |
22 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 2015 |
EF0 |
41 km |
0 |
| Mar 9, 2012 |
EF0 |
40 km |
0 |
| Feb 11, 2009 |
EF0 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jan 25, 2004 |
EF0 |
30 km |
0 |
| Feb 11, 1989 |
EF0 |
21 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1986 |
EF0 |
35 km |
0 |
| Sep 26, 1985 |
EF0 |
3 km |
0 |
| Sep 23, 1983 |
EF0 |
37 km |
0 |
| Nov 26, 1975 |
EF0 |
49 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 1965 |
EF0 |
33 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: MILILANI (1,717 ac, 2023).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2023 |
MILILANI |
1,717 |
22 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
72°F (22°C) |
5.6 in |
Wettest |
| February |
71°F (22°C) |
3.2 in |
Coldest |
| March |
72°F (22°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| April |
73°F (23°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| May |
74°F (24°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| June |
76°F (24°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| July |
78°F (25°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
1.4 in |
Warmest |
| September |
78°F (26°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| October |
77°F (25°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
75°F (24°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| December |
73°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
|
Kahuku has a seasonal temperature swing of 7°F / from 71°F in February to 78°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 30.6 inches, with January being the wettest month (5.6") and July the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Kahuku. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$275 ($165–$440) |
| Specialist Visit |
$385 ($220–$605) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$220 ($110–$385) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,420 ($880–$5,500) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$143 ($83–$220) |
| Dental Filling |
$275 ($165–$440) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$50 ($28–$83) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$83 ($55–$132) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$330 ($165–$550) |
| Tire Rotation |
$44 ($22–$83) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$660 ($440–$1,100) |
| Battery Replacement |
$220 ($110–$385) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$110 ($66–$165) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$99 ($55–$154) |
| HVAC Repair |
$440 ($165–$880) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,700 ($4,400–$13,200) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,100 ($440–$2,200) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,900 ($6,050–$16,500) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,650 ($550–$3,850) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,500 ($5,500–$33,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,500 ($2,200–$11,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,650 ($880–$3,300) |
| Will Preparation |
$550 ($220–$1,100) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,750 ($1,100–$5,500) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$28 ($17–$50) |
| Women's Haircut |
$61 ($33–$110) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$165 ($83–$275) |
| Manicure |
$28 ($17–$50) |
| Pedicure |
$44 ($28–$72) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$88 ($55–$143) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.51 ($3.30–$6.05) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.85 ($2.75–$5.50) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.18 ($2.75–$6.05) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.95 ($3.30–$7.15) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$6.05 ($4.40–$8.25) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.10 ($0.66–$1.98) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$154 ($88–$275) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$77 ($33–$165) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$77 ($44–$132) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$77 ($44–$110) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$72 ($33–$110) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$94 ($55–$165) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$220 ($83–$550) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,200 ($1,320–$3,850) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$77 ($33–$143) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$17 ($8.80–$28) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$110 ($33–$275) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$33 ($17–$83) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,320 ($660–$2,750) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,100 ($550–$2,200) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$440 ($220–$770) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$55 ($28–$110) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,100 ($440–$2,750) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,750 ($5,500–$33,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$66 ($33–$110) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$110 ($55–$220) |
| Dog Grooming |
$66 ($33–$110) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$44 ($22–$83) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$330 ($165–$550) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$220 ($110–$440) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,584 |
| Toddler | $1,139 |
| Preschool | $1,139 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $899 |
| Toddler | $899 |
| Preschool | $899 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Kahuku
What is the population of Kahuku?
Kahuku has a population of 2,425 residents and is located in Hawaii. The population density is 2,526 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 25.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.1% female and 44.9% male.
Is Kahuku expensive to live in?
Kahuku is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 110 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median household income is $73,214, 3% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $769,100 (173% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,366 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 10.5x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Kahuku safe?
Kahuku is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 232 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,045 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Kahuku receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Kahuku?
Kahuku has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 75°F (24°C). Winter temperatures average 72°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 32.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 24.
How is the job market in Kahuku?
The job market in Kahuku faces challenges, with unemployment at 8.7% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,343. There are 31,849 business establishments in the area, including 2,617 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and 10.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Kahuku?
The median home value in Kahuku is $769,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $1,046,121. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,366. Fair market rent is $1,859 for a 1-bedroom and $2,433 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 58.1%. The average annual property tax is $3,790.
How are the schools in Kahuku?
Schools in Kahuku score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 29.0% of adults in Kahuku hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.7% have completed high school. 8.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Kahuku?
The obesity rate in Kahuku is 31.9% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 11.6% of adults are smokers. 23.2% are physically inactive. 17.2% of residents report depression. 5.6% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 96.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,074.
What is transportation like in Kahuku?
The average commute in Kahuku is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 67% of workers drive alone to work, 3.4% use public transit, and 10.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Kahuku?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Kahuku is 13.3% White, 0.6% Black or African American, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino. 71% of residents speak only English at home, while 29% speak Spanish. 3.4% of the population are military veterans. 9.5% of residents have a disability. 94.9% have health insurance coverage.