Median Income
$94,900
26% higher than US avg
Home Value
$898,300
219% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
32.9%
2% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$2,052
76% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
25.3%
21% lower than US avg
Unemployment
4.6%
28% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.5%
72% lower than US avg
How Wailua Homesteads Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population7,136
Median Age42.9 yrs
Density976/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 47%
Veterans7.8%
Economy
A+
Median Income$94,900
Per Capita$51,764
Unemployment4.6%
Poverty3.5%
County GDP$5,552M
Commute22 min
Housing
F
Home Value$898,300
Rent$2,052
Ownership78.6%
Zillow$947,141
Housing Units2,514
Rent Burden46.7%
Health
Obesity25.3%
Uninsured5.7%
Smoking11.8%
Depression19.5%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp76°F (25°C)
Rain36.2 in/yr
Elevation410 ft (125 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+32.9%
High School+95.4%
Graduate+8.5%
School Score4.77
Community
2024 VoteR 39% / D 59%
Commute22 min
Broadband95.9%
EV Stations17
Libraries6
Is Wailua Homesteads a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wailua Homesteads receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. Wailua Homesteads offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wailua Homesteads is $94,900, 26% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. Unemployment stands at 4.6%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 3.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Wailua Homesteads is $898,300, making it a premium housing market at 219% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $2,052 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. With a home price-to-income ratio of 9.5x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
Education
32.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Wailua Homesteads 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. Annual precipitation totals 36.2 inches.
Wailua Homesteads has a population of 7,136 with a density of 976 people per square mile, spread across 2.7 square miles. The median age is 42.9 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.2% female and 45.8% male. The city is predominantly White (46.7%), with 10.3% Hispanic, 17.4% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 89.2% of residents, while 7.2% speak Spanish. 7.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 94.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
7,136
Total Population
2023 Census
42.9yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Wailua Homesteads vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
89.2%
14% above US avg
Spanish
7.2%
46% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Wailua Homesteads vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Wailua Homesteads is $94,900, which is 26% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $51,764 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,149, 20% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 3.5% 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 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 16.1% of workers work from home.
Income: Wailua Homesteads vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $94,900 |
| 26% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $51,764 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,149 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $79,299 |
| Gini Index | 0.441 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.6% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.5% |
| 72% 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 | 0.46% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 65.0% |
| Public Transit | 1.0% |
| Work from Home | 16.1% |
The median home value in Wailua Homesteads is $898,300, 219% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $947,141. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $1,437,500 with homes selling in an average of 73 days. Homes sell for 97.9% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $2,052 (76% 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. 78.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,514 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). 46.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 9.5x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.
Home Values
| Census Median | $898,300 |
| 219% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $947,141 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $1,437,500 |
| Median List Price | $1,995,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $1,437,500 |
| Median List Price | $1,995,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $633 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Days on Market | 73 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.9% |
| Price Drops | 11.1% |
| Inventory | 9 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $2,052 |
| 76% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 46.7% |
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 | 78.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.4% |
| Housing Units | 2,514 |
| Median Year Built | 1984 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,172 |
| 19% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.46% |
In Wailua Homesteads, 25.3% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.3% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 26.5% have high blood pressure. 11.8% are current smokers. 21.9% report binge drinking. 17.3% are physically inactive, below the national average. 19.5% report depression. 16.9% 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: Wailua Homesteads vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 25.3% |
| 21% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.3% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.5% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 4.7% |
| Cancer | 6.3% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.8% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 17.3% |
| Depression | 19.5% |
| Mental Distress | 16.9% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 41.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.3% |
| Uninsured | 5.7% |
| 34% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,224 |
| Dentists | 1:1,476 |
| Mental Health | 1:410 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.3% |
| Dental Visits | 72.4% |
| Premature Death | 5,801/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 92.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 213 |
Wailua Homesteads 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. Annual precipitation totals 36.2 inches. The city sits at an elevation of 410 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) |
Geography
| Elevation | 410 ft (125 m) |
| Area | 2.7 sq mi (7.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 976/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 22.0692°N, 159.3814°W |
| Timezone | Pacific/Honolulu |
| County | Kauai County County |
| Nearest Airport | Daniel K Inouye International (HNL)
107 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.2"
5% below US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
5.61"
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 |
107 km |
| Aug 22, 2013 |
17 km W of M?kaha, Hawaii |
M2.6 |
124 km |
| Mar 7, 2012 |
11 km NW of M?kaha, Hawaii |
M2.5 |
126 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 |
69 km |
| 2014 |
Ana |
Category 1 |
161 km |
| 1992 |
Iniki |
Category 4 |
63 km |
| 1982 |
Iwa |
Category 1 |
83 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 |
34 km |
0 |
| Dec 13, 2008 |
EF0 |
32 km |
0 |
| Dec 4, 2005 |
EF0 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jan 9, 2005 |
EF0 |
34 km |
0 |
| Feb 7, 2004 |
EF0 |
90 km |
0 |
| Mar 24, 2002 |
EF0 |
10 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 1971 |
EF0 |
35 km |
0 |
| Dec 18, 1971 |
EF0 |
34 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 |
34 km |
| 2024 |
KEKAHA FIRE |
1,302 |
33 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
72°F (22°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| February |
72°F (22°C) |
3.6 in |
Coldest |
| March |
73°F (23°C) |
5.6 in |
Wettest |
| April |
75°F (24°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| May |
76°F (25°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| June |
78°F (26°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| July |
80°F (26°C) |
1.8 in |
Driest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
2.3 in |
Warmest |
| September |
80°F (27°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| October |
79°F (26°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
76°F (25°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| December |
74°F (23°C) |
4.6 in |
|
Wailua Homesteads has a seasonal temperature swing of 8°F / from 72°F in February to 80°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 36.2 inches, with March being the wettest month (5.6") and July the driest (1.8").
Average costs for common services in Wailua Homesteads. 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 Wailua Homesteads
What is the population of Wailua Homesteads?
Wailua Homesteads has a population of 7,136 residents and is located in Hawaii. The population density is 976 people per square mile, spread across 2.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.2% female and 45.8% male.
Is Wailua Homesteads expensive to live in?
Wailua Homesteads 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 $94,900, 26% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $898,300 (219% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $2,052 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 9.5x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
What is the weather like in Wailua Homesteads?
Wailua Homesteads 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. Annual rainfall totals 36.2 inches.
How is the job market in Wailua Homesteads?
Wailua Homesteads has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.6%, 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 22 minutes, and 16.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Wailua Homesteads?
The median home value in Wailua Homesteads is $898,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $947,141. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $1,437,500, with homes typically selling within 73 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $2,052. Fair market rent is $1,859 for a 1-bedroom and $2,433 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.6%. The average annual property tax is $4,172.
How are the schools in Wailua Homesteads?
Schools in Wailua Homesteads have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 32.9% of adults in Wailua Homesteads hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.4% have completed high school. 8.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wailua Homesteads?
The obesity rate in Wailua Homesteads is 25.3% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 11.8% of adults are smokers. 17.3% are physically inactive. 19.5% 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 Wailua Homesteads?
The average commute in Wailua Homesteads is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 65% of workers drive alone to work, and 16.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Wailua Homesteads?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wailua Homesteads is 46.7% White, 10.3% Hispanic or Latino, 17.4% Asian. 89.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.2% speak Spanish. 7.8% of the population are military veterans. 10.1% of residents have a disability. 94.3% have health insurance coverage.