Median Income
$77,420
3% higher than US avg
Home Value
$843,900
199% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
232/100K
39% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
40.5%
20% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,989
71% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
22.3%
31% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.7%
81% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.5%
80% lower than US avg
How Lihue Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population7,847
Median Age43.1 yrs
Density1,052/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 18%
Veterans11.1%
Economy
A+
Median Income$77,420
Per Capita$47,053
Unemployment0.7%
Poverty2.5%
County GDP$5,552M
Commute15 min
Housing
F
Home Value$843,900
Rent$1,989
Ownership62.8%
Zillow$858,976
Housing Units2,947
Rent Burden39.9%
Crime
F
Violent232/100K
Property1,045/100K
Health
Obesity22.3%
Uninsured5.7%
Smoking10.9%
Depression16.8%
Heart Disease4.6%
Climate
Avg Temp76°F (25°C)
AQI24 (Good)
Rain36.2 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation157 ft (48 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+40.5%
High School+97.7%
Graduate+12.2%
School Score4.77
Community
2024 VoteR 39% / D 59%
Commute15 min
Broadband92.4%
EV Stations17
Libraries6
Is Lihue a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lihue receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. Lihue has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lihue is $77,420, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.7%. Only 2.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lihue is $843,900, making it a premium housing market at 199% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,989 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. With a home price-to-income ratio of 10.9x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Lihue 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 40.5% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 97.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Lihue has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 76°F. Winters average 72°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 24.
Lihue has a population of 7,847 with a density of 1,052 people per square mile, spread across 7.5 square miles. The median age is 43.1 years, 11% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51% female and 49% male. The city is predominantly White (18.2%), with 2.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 79% of residents, while 21% speak Spanish. 11.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.9% of residents have a disability. 95.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.1yrs
Median Age
11% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
79.0%
1% above US avg
Spanish
21.0%
57% above US avg
The median household income in Lihue is $77,420, which is 3% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $47,053 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,149, 20% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.5% 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 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $77,420 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $47,053 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,149 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $79,299 |
| Gini Index | 0.441 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.7% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.5% |
| 80% 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 | 15.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.8% |
| Public Transit | 1.2% |
| Work from Home | 5.2% |
The median home value in Lihue is $843,900, 199% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $858,976. Homes sell for 98.2% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,989 (71% 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. 62.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,947 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1982. The average annual property tax is $4,172 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 39.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 10.9x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.
Home Values
| Census Median | $843,900 |
| 199% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $858,976 |
| Median List Price | $1,325,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $1,325,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $520 |
| Homes Sold | 6 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.2% |
| Price Drops | 14.3% |
| Inventory | 28 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,989 |
| 71% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 39.9% |
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 | 62.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 62.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 37.2% |
| Housing Units | 2,947 |
| Median Year Built | 1982 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,172 |
| 19% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.49% |
In Lihue, 22.3% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 4.6% of residents, below the national average. 26.4% have high blood pressure. 10.9% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 18.9% report binge drinking. 18.5% are physically inactive, below the national average. 16.8% report depression (below the 20.0% national average). 15.4% experience frequent mental distress. 5.7% 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: Lihue vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 22.3% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 4.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.4% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 4.2% |
| Cancer | 5.3% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 10.9% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.5% |
| Depression | 16.8% |
| Mental Distress | 15.4% |
| Physical Distress | 11.1% |
| Short Sleep | 45.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.2% |
| Uninsured | 5.7% |
| 34% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,224 |
| Dentists | 1:1,476 |
| Mental Health | 1:410 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.0% |
| Dental Visits | 64.9% |
| Premature Death | 5,801/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 92.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 213 |
Lihue 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, Lihue receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lihue 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 |
Lihue has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 76°F (25°C). Winters average 72°F in January while summers reach 80°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 36.2 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 157 feet.
Temperature
72°F Jan (22°C)
80°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 76.3°F |
| 41% above US avg |
| January Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 157 ft (48 m) |
| Area | 7.5 sq mi (19.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,052/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 21.9726°N, 159.3558°W |
| Timezone | Pacific/Honolulu |
| County | Kauai County County |
| Nearest Airport | Daniel K Inouye International (HNL) 103 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.2"
5% below US avg
Wettest Month (Dec)
8.78"
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 |
105 km |
| Jun 15, 2013 |
122 km WSW of Ko Olina, Hawaii |
M3.6 |
140 km |
| Aug 22, 2013 |
17 km W of M?kaha, Hawaii |
M2.6 |
116 km |
| Mar 7, 2012 |
11 km NW of M?kaha, Hawaii |
M2.5 |
119 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 |
75 km |
| 2014 |
Ana |
Category 1 |
152 km |
| 1992 |
Iniki |
Category 4 |
70 km |
| 1982 |
Iwa |
Category 1 |
90 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 |
33 km |
0 |
| Dec 13, 2008 |
EF0 |
31 km |
0 |
| Dec 4, 2005 |
EF0 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jan 9, 2005 |
EF0 |
34 km |
0 |
| Feb 7, 2004 |
EF0 |
80 km |
0 |
| Mar 24, 2002 |
EF0 |
17 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 1971 |
EF0 |
34 km |
0 |
| Dec 18, 1971 |
EF0 |
33 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 |
36 km |
| 2024 |
KEKAHA FIRE |
1,302 |
35 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
72°F (22°C) |
8.4 in |
|
| February |
69°F (21°C) |
6.8 in |
Coldest |
| March |
70°F (21°C) |
7.6 in |
|
| April |
71°F (22°C) |
7.5 in |
|
| May |
73°F (23°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
2.1 in |
Driest |
| July |
80°F (26°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| September |
76°F (25°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| October |
75°F (24°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| November |
74°F (23°C) |
7.8 in |
|
| December |
71°F (22°C) |
8.8 in |
Wettest |
Lihue has a seasonal temperature swing of 10°F / from 69°F in February to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 65.7 inches, with December being the wettest month (8.8") and June the driest (2.1").
Average costs for common services in Lihue. 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 Lihue
What is the population of Lihue?
Lihue has a population of 7,847 residents and is located in Hawaii. The population density is 1,052 people per square mile, spread across 7.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51% female and 49% male.
Is Lihue expensive to live in?
Lihue 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 $77,420, 3% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $843,900 (199% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,989 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 10.9x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Lihue safe?
Lihue 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, Lihue receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lihue?
Lihue 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 80°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 24.
How is the job market in Lihue?
The job market in Lihue is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.7% / 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 15 minutes, and 5.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lihue?
The median home value in Lihue is $843,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $858,976. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,989. Fair market rent is $1,859 for a 1-bedroom and $2,433 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 62.8%. The average annual property tax is $4,172.
How are the schools in Lihue?
Schools in Lihue have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 40.5% of adults in Lihue hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 97.7% have completed high school. 12.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lihue?
The obesity rate in Lihue is 22.3% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 10.9% of adults are smokers. 18.5% are physically inactive. 16.8% of residents report depression. 5.7% 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 Lihue?
The average commute in Lihue is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.8% of workers drive alone to work, 1.2% use public transit, and 5.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lihue?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lihue is 18.2% White, 2.4% Black or African American. 79% of residents speak only English at home, while 21% speak Spanish. 11.1% of the population are military veterans. 12.9% of residents have a disability. 95.2% have health insurance coverage.