Median Income
$104,826
39% higher than US avg
Home Value
$853,700
203% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
232/100K
39% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
35.5%
5% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,917
65% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
24.6%
23% lower than US avg
Unemployment
6.1%
69% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.2%
34% lower than US avg
How Lawai Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,775
Median Age38.4 yrs
Density684/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 37%
Veterans5.3%
Economy
A
Median Income$104,826
Per Capita$37,611
Unemployment6.1%
Poverty8.2%
County GDP$5,552M
Commute20 min
Housing
C
Home Value$853,700
Rent$1,917
Ownership72.4%
Zillow$1,067,352
Housing Units988
Rent Burden30.7%
Crime
F
Violent232/100K
Property1,045/100K
Health
Obesity24.6%
Uninsured6.5%
Smoking11.7%
Depression18.9%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp76°F (24°C)
AQI24 (Good)
Rain23.4 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation542 ft (165 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+35.5%
High School+97.2%
Graduate+12.0%
School Score4.77
Community
2024 VoteR 39% / D 59%
Commute20 min
Broadband96.4%
EV Stations5
Libraries6
Is Lawai a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lawai receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, above-average unemployment. Lawai has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lawai is $104,826, which is significantly higher than the national average / 39% above $75,149. This places Lawai among higher-income communities. The unemployment rate of 6.1% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 8.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lawai is $853,700, making it a premium housing market at 203% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,917 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. With a home price-to-income ratio of 8.1x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Lawai 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
Educational attainment is solid, with 35.5% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 97.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Lawai 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. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 23.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 24.
Lawai has a population of 2,775 with a density of 684 people per square mile, spread across 4.1 square miles. The median age is 38.4 years, 1% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.4% female and 53.6% male. The city is predominantly White (36.8%), with 8.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92% of residents, while 8% speak Spanish. 5.3% of the population are veterans. 13.2% of residents have a disability. 98.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.4yrs
Median Age
1% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.0%
17% above US avg
Spanish
8.0%
40% below US avg
The median household income in Lawai is $104,826, which is 39% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,611. The average weekly wage is $1,149, 20% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 8.2% 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 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 21.3% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $104,826 |
| 39% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,611 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,149 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $79,299 |
| Gini Index | 0.441 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.1% |
| 69% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.2% |
| 34% 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 | 0.49% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 67.7% |
| Public Transit | 3.8% |
| Work from Home | 21.3% |
The median home value in Lawai is $853,700, 203% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $1,067,352, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,917 (65% 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. 72.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 988 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). 30.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 8.1x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.
Home Values
| Census Median | $853,700 |
| 203% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $1,067,352 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,917 |
| 65% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.7% |
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 | 72.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.6% |
| Housing Units | 988 |
| Median Year Built | 1979 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,172 |
| 19% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.49% |
In Lawai, 24.6% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 26.4% have high blood pressure. 11.7% are current smokers. 21.6% report binge drinking. 17.6% are physically inactive, below the national average. 18.9% report depression. 16.6% experience frequent mental distress. 6.5% 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: Lawai vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 24.6% |
| 23% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.4% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 4.7% |
| Cancer | 6.2% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.7% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 17.6% |
| Depression | 18.9% |
| Mental Distress | 16.6% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 42.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.1% |
| Uninsured | 6.5% |
| 24% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,224 |
| Dentists | 1:1,476 |
| Mental Health | 1:410 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.0% |
| Dental Visits | 70.4% |
| Premature Death | 5,801/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 92.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 213 |
Lawai 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, Lawai receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lawai 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 |
Lawai has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 76°F (24°C). Winters average 72°F in January while summers reach 79°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 23.4 inches (drier 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 542 feet.
Temperature
72°F Jan (22°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 76.0°F |
| 41% above US avg |
| January Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 542 ft (165 m) |
| Area | 4.1 sq mi (10.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 684/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 21.9201°N, 159.5010°W |
| Timezone | Pacific/Honolulu |
| County | Kauai County County |
| Nearest Airport | Daniel K Inouye International (HNL) 110 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
23.4"
38% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jan)
6.57"
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
4 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 |
89 km |
| Jun 15, 2013 |
122 km WSW of Ko Olina, Hawaii |
M3.6 |
137 km |
| Aug 22, 2013 |
17 km W of M?kaha, Hawaii |
M2.6 |
127 km |
| Mar 7, 2012 |
11 km NW of M?kaha, Hawaii |
M2.5 |
131 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 |
89 km |
| 2014 |
Ana |
Category 1 |
142 km |
| 1992 |
Iniki |
Category 4 |
56 km |
| 1982 |
Iwa |
Category 1 |
82 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 |
18 km |
0 |
| Dec 13, 2008 |
EF0 |
16 km |
0 |
| Dec 4, 2005 |
EF0 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jan 9, 2005 |
EF0 |
19 km |
0 |
| Feb 7, 2004 |
EF0 |
85 km |
0 |
| Mar 24, 2002 |
EF0 |
30 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 1971 |
EF0 |
19 km |
0 |
| Dec 18, 1971 |
EF0 |
18 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 |
22 km |
| 2024 |
KEKAHA FIRE |
1,302 |
22 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
72°F (22°C) |
6.6 in |
Wettest |
| February |
68°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
Coldest |
| March |
70°F (21°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| April |
71°F (22°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
72°F (22°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
1.3 in |
Driest |
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
1.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| September |
76°F (25°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| October |
75°F (24°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| November |
73°F (23°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| December |
70°F (21°C) |
5.5 in |
|
Lawai has a seasonal temperature swing of 11°F / from 68°F in February to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.8 inches, with January being the wettest month (6.6") and June the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Lawai. 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 Lawai
What is the population of Lawai?
Lawai has a population of 2,775 residents and is located in Hawaii. The population density is 684 people per square mile, spread across 4.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.4 years. The population is 46.4% female and 53.6% male.
Is Lawai expensive to live in?
Lawai 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 $104,826, 39% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $853,700 (203% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,917 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 8.1x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Lawai safe?
Lawai 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, Lawai receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lawai?
Lawai has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 76°F (24°C). Winter temperatures average 72°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 23.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 24.
How is the job market in Lawai?
The unemployment rate in Lawai is 6.1%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. 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 20 minutes, and 21.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lawai?
The median home value in Lawai is $853,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $1,067,352. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,917. Fair market rent is $1,859 for a 1-bedroom and $2,433 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 72.4%. The average annual property tax is $4,172.
How are the schools in Lawai?
Schools in Lawai have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 35.5% of adults in Lawai hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 97.2% have completed high school. 12.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lawai?
The obesity rate in Lawai is 24.6% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 11.7% of adults are smokers. 17.6% are physically inactive. 18.9% of residents report depression. 6.5% 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 Lawai?
The average commute in Lawai is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 67.7% of workers drive alone to work, 3.8% use public transit, and 21.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lawai?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lawai is 36.8% White, 8.8% Hispanic or Latino. 92% of residents speak only English at home, while 8% speak Spanish. 5.3% of the population are military veterans. 13.2% of residents have a disability. 98.1% have health insurance coverage.