Median Income
$89,440
19% higher than US avg
Home Value
$821,500
191% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
232/100K
39% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
33.0%
2% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,997
72% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
24.1%
25% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.9%
75% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.8%
69% lower than US avg
How Kapaa Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population10,886
Median Age46.3 yrs
Density1,085/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 33%
Veterans5.6%
Economy
A+
Median Income$89,440
Per Capita$40,931
Unemployment0.9%
Poverty3.8%
County GDP$5,552M
Commute25 min
Housing
F
Home Value$821,500
Rent$1,997
Ownership64.5%
Zillow$947,141
Housing Units4,218
Rent Burden30.3%
Crime
F
Violent232/100K
Property1,045/100K
Health
Obesity24.1%
Uninsured6.6%
Smoking11.7%
Depression17.8%
Heart Disease4.7%
Climate
Avg Temp74°F (23°C)
AQI24 (Good)
Rain61.3 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation197 ft (60 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+33.0%
High School+94.4%
Graduate+10.3%
School Score4.77
Community
2024 VoteR 39% / D 59%
Commute25 min
Broadband91.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is Kapaa a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Kapaa receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. Kapaa has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Kapaa is $89,440, 19% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.9%. Only 3.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Kapaa is $821,500, making it a premium housing market at 191% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,997 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. With a home price-to-income ratio of 9.2x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Kapaa 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
33.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Kapaa has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 74°F. Winters average 70°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 61.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 24.
Kapaa has a population of 10,886 with a density of 1,085 people per square mile, spread across 10.4 square miles. The median age is 46.3 years, 19% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.1% female and 49.9% male. The city is predominantly White (33.1%), with 2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 82% of residents, while 18% speak Spanish. 5.6% of the population are veterans. 11.1% of residents have a disability. 94.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.3yrs
Median Age
19% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
82.0%
4% above US avg
Spanish
18.0%
34% above US avg
The median household income in Kapaa is $89,440, which is 19% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $40,931. The average weekly wage is $1,149, 20% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,468 business establishments, including 291 restaurants. The cost of living index is 110, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 4.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $89,440 |
| 19% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $40,931 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,149 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $79,299 |
| Gini Index | 0.441 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.9% |
| 75% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.8% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,468 |
| County GDP | $5,552M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 291 |
| Healthcare | 213 |
| Retail | 350 |
| Manufacturing | 50 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,172 |
| 19% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 110.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.51% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.9% |
| Work from Home | 4.9% |
The median home value in Kapaa is $821,500, 191% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $947,141, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 97.8% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,997 (72% 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. 64.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 4,218 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1984. The average annual property tax is $4,172 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 9.2x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.
Home Values
| Census Median | $821,500 |
| 191% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $947,141 |
| Median List Price | $975,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $975,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $669 |
| Homes Sold | 6 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.8% |
| Price Drops | 11.4% |
| Inventory | 35 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,997 |
| 72% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.3% |
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 | 64.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 64.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 35.5% |
| Housing Units | 4,218 |
| Median Year Built | 1984 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,172 |
| 19% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.51% |
In Kapaa, 24.1% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.7% of residents, below the national average. 26.3% have high blood pressure. 11.7% are current smokers. 20.6% report binge drinking. 18.5% are physically inactive, below the national average. 17.8% report depression. 16.2% experience frequent mental distress. 6.6% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,224. The dentist ratio is 1:1,476. 92.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Kapaa vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 24.1% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 4.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.3% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 4.5% |
| Cancer | 5.7% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.7% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.5% |
| Depression | 17.8% |
| Mental Distress | 16.2% |
| Physical Distress | 11.6% |
| Short Sleep | 43.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.7% |
| Uninsured | 6.6% |
| 23% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,224 |
| Dentists | 1:1,476 |
| Mental Health | 1:410 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.1% |
| Dental Visits | 69.6% |
| Premature Death | 5,801/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 92.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 213 |
Kapaa 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 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Kapaa receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Kapaa 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) | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Kapaa has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 74°F (23°C). Winters average 70°F in January while summers reach 77°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 61.3 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). 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 197 feet.
Temperature
70°F Jan (21°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 73.9°F |
| 37% above US avg |
| January Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 197 ft (60 m) |
| Area | 10.4 sq mi (26.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,085/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 22.0882°N, 159.3519°W |
| Timezone | Pacific/Honolulu |
| County | Kauai County County |
| Nearest Airport | Daniel K Inouye International (HNL) 106 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
61.3"
61% above US avg
Wettest Month (Apr)
13.58"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 24.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 84.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 22.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 85.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
No Rating |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
No Rating |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
No Rating |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Tsunami |
Relatively Moderate |
| Volcano |
No Rating |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M4.0 on May 29, 2022.
| May 29, 2022 |
70 km WSW of Kekaha, Hawaii |
M4.0 |
110 km |
| Aug 22, 2013 |
17 km W of M?kaha, Hawaii |
M2.6 |
123 km |
| Mar 7, 2012 |
11 km NW of M?kaha, Hawaii |
M2.5 |
125 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
4 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 |
65 km |
| 2014 |
Ana |
Category 1 |
165 km |
| 1992 |
Iniki |
Category 4 |
62 km |
| 1982 |
Iwa |
Category 1 |
84 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
8 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF1.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 17, 1967 |
EF1 |
37 km |
0 |
| Dec 13, 2008 |
EF0 |
36 km |
0 |
| Dec 4, 2005 |
EF0 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jan 9, 2005 |
EF0 |
37 km |
0 |
| Feb 7, 2004 |
EF0 |
91 km |
0 |
| Mar 24, 2002 |
EF0 |
6 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 1971 |
EF0 |
38 km |
0 |
| Dec 18, 1971 |
EF0 |
37 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: POKII RIDGE (2,027 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
POKII RIDGE |
2,027 |
37 km |
| 2024 |
KEKAHA FIRE |
1,302 |
37 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
70°F (21°C) |
10.0 in |
|
| February |
66°F (19°C) |
9.5 in |
Coldest |
| March |
67°F (20°C) |
12.2 in |
|
| April |
68°F (20°C) |
13.6 in |
Wettest |
| May |
69°F (21°C) |
8.4 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
5.9 in |
Driest |
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
7.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
7.1 in |
|
| September |
73°F (23°C) |
6.0 in |
|
| October |
73°F (23°C) |
9.1 in |
|
| November |
71°F (21°C) |
12.5 in |
|
| December |
68°F (20°C) |
11.3 in |
|
Kapaa has a seasonal temperature swing of 11°F / from 66°F in February to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 112.5 inches, with April being the wettest month (13.6") and June the driest (5.9").
Average costs for common services in Kapaa. 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
Frequently Asked Questions About Kapaa
What is the population of Kapaa?
Kapaa has a population of 10,886 residents and is located in Hawaii. The population density is 1,085 people per square mile, spread across 10.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.1% female and 49.9% male.
Is Kapaa expensive to live in?
Kapaa 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 $89,440, 19% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $821,500 (191% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,997 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 9.2x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Kapaa safe?
Kapaa 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, Kapaa receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Kapaa?
Kapaa has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 74°F (23°C). Winter temperatures average 70°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 61.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 24.
How is the job market in Kapaa?
The job market in Kapaa is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,149. There are 3,468 business establishments in the area, including 291 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 4.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Kapaa?
The median home value in Kapaa is $821,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $947,141. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,997. Fair market rent is $1,859 for a 1-bedroom and $2,433 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 64.5%. The average annual property tax is $4,172.
How are the schools in Kapaa?
Schools in Kapaa have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 33.0% of adults in Kapaa hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.4% have completed high school. 10.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Kapaa?
The obesity rate in Kapaa is 24.1% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 11.7% of adults are smokers. 18.5% are physically inactive. 17.8% of residents report depression. 6.6% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 92.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,224.
What is transportation like in Kapaa?
The average commute in Kapaa is 25 minutes. 79.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Kapaa?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Kapaa is 33.1% White, 2% Hispanic or Latino. 82% of residents speak only English at home, while 18% speak Spanish. 5.6% of the population are military veterans. 11.1% of residents have a disability. 94.7% have health insurance coverage.