Median Income
$73,011
3% lower than US avg
Home Value
$516,800
83% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.8%
65% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$2,188
88% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
26.6%
17% lower than US avg
Unemployment
3.1%
14% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
17.6%
42% higher than US avg
How Kekaha Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,482
Median Age40.0 yrs
Density3,627/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 11%
Veterans6.9%
Economy
B+
Median Income$73,011
Per Capita$29,183
Unemployment3.1%
Poverty17.6%
County GDP$5,552M
Commute30 min
Housing
C+
Home Value$516,800
Rent$2,188
Ownership67.6%
Zillow$781,844
Housing Units1,109
Rent Burden27.5%
Health
Obesity26.6%
Uninsured3.4%
Smoking15.3%
Depression18.1%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp76°F (25°C)
Rain17.8 in/yr
Elevation10 ft (3 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.8%
High School+81.5%
Graduate+0.7%
School Score4.77
Community
2024 VoteR 39% / D 59%
Commute30 min
Broadband94.8%
EV Stations5
Libraries6
Is Kekaha a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Kekaha receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, high health insurance coverage, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, an elevated poverty rate. Kekaha has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Kekaha is $73,011, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.1%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 17.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Kekaha is $516,800, making it a premium housing market at 83% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $2,188 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. With a home price-to-income ratio of 7.1x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
Education
11.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Kekaha has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 76°F. Winters average 72°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 17.8 inches.
Kekaha has a population of 3,482 with a density of 3,627 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 40.0 years, 3% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.9% female and 50.1% male. The city is predominantly Asian (20%), with 10.7% White, 7.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 73.6% of residents, while 18.2% speak Spanish. 6.9% of the population are veterans. 6.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 96.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
3,482
Total Population
2023 Census
40.0yrs
Median Age
3% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
73.6%
6% below US avg
Spanish
18.2%
36% above US avg
The median household income in Kekaha is $73,011, which is 3% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,183 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,149, 20% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 17.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher 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 30 minutes. 1.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $73,011 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,183 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,149 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $79,299 |
| Gini Index | 0.441 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.1% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 17.6% |
| 42% above 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 | 0.81% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.3% |
| Public Transit | 1.6% |
| Work from Home | 1.9% |
The median home value in Kekaha is $516,800, 83% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $781,844, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $2,188 (88% 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. 67.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,109 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1979. The average annual property tax is $4,172 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 7.1x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.
Home Values
| Census Median | $516,800 |
| 83% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $781,844 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $2,188 |
| 88% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.5% |
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 | 67.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.4% |
| Housing Units | 1,109 |
| Median Year Built | 1979 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,172 |
| 19% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.81% |
In Kekaha, 26.6% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 11.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 29.3% have high blood pressure. 15.3% are current smokers. 19.0% report binge drinking. 23.5% are physically inactive. 18.1% report depression. 18.2% experience frequent mental distress. 3.4% 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: Kekaha vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 26.6% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.3% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 5.1% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.3% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.5% |
| Depression | 18.1% |
| Mental Distress | 18.2% |
| Physical Distress | 14.0% |
| Short Sleep | 45.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.6% |
| Uninsured | 3.4% |
| 60% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,224 |
| Dentists | 1:1,476 |
| Mental Health | 1:410 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.3% |
| Dental Visits | 65.3% |
| Premature Death | 5,801/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 92.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 213 |
Kekaha has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 76°F (25°C). Winters average 72°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. Annual precipitation totals 17.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 10 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
72°F Jan (22°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 76.1°F |
| 41% above US avg |
| January Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 10 ft (3 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 3,627/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 21.9675°N, 159.7145°W |
| Timezone | Pacific/Honolulu |
| County | Kauai County County |
| Nearest Airport | Daniel K Inouye International (HNL)
124 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
17.8"
53% below US avg
Wettest Month (Dec)
3.45"
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
2 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 |
71 km |
| Aug 22, 2013 |
17 km W of M?kaha, Hawaii |
M2.6 |
149 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 |
82 km |
| 2014 |
Ana |
Category 1 |
142 km |
| 1992 |
Iniki |
Category 4 |
53 km |
| 1982 |
Iwa |
Category 1 |
62 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
6 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF1.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 17, 1967 |
EF1 |
6 km |
0 |
| Dec 13, 2008 |
EF0 |
7 km |
0 |
| Jan 9, 2005 |
EF0 |
4 km |
0 |
| Mar 24, 2002 |
EF0 |
46 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 1971 |
EF0 |
6 km |
0 |
| Dec 18, 1971 |
EF0 |
6 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 |
4 km |
| 2024 |
KEKAHA FIRE |
1,302 |
4 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
72°F (22°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| February |
72°F (22°C) |
2.6 in |
Coldest |
| March |
73°F (23°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
74°F (24°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| May |
76°F (25°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| June |
78°F (26°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
0.3 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| September |
80°F (27°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| October |
79°F (26°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| November |
76°F (25°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
74°F (24°C) |
3.5 in |
Wettest |
Kekaha has a seasonal temperature swing of 8°F / from 72°F in February to 80°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 17.8 inches, with December being the wettest month (3.5") and August the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Kekaha. 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 Kekaha
What is the population of Kekaha?
Kekaha has a population of 3,482 residents and is located in Hawaii. The population density is 3,627 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.0 years. The population is 49.9% female and 50.1% male.
Is Kekaha expensive to live in?
Kekaha 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 $73,011, 3% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $516,800 (83% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $2,188 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 7.1x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
What is the weather like in Kekaha?
Kekaha has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 76°F (25°C). Winter temperatures average 72°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 17.8 inches.
How is the job market in Kekaha?
Kekaha has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.1%, near the national average 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 30 minutes, and 1.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Kekaha?
The median home value in Kekaha is $516,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $781,844. For renters, the median monthly rent is $2,188. Fair market rent is $1,859 for a 1-bedroom and $2,433 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 67.6%. The average annual property tax is $4,172.
How are the schools in Kekaha?
Schools in Kekaha have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 11.8% of adults in Kekaha hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.5% have completed high school. 0.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Kekaha?
The obesity rate in Kekaha is 26.6% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 15.3% of adults are smokers. 23.5% are physically inactive. 18.1% of residents report depression. 3.4% 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 Kekaha?
The average commute in Kekaha is 30 minutes. 77.3% of workers drive alone to work, 1.6% use public transit, and 1.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Kekaha?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Kekaha is 10.7% White, 7.4% Hispanic or Latino, 20% Asian. 73.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 18.2% speak Spanish. 6.9% of the population are military veterans. 6.1% of residents have a disability. 96.6% have health insurance coverage.