Kailua, HI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
61,458
-0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$118,396/yr
1.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
24,677
-0.0% year-over-year change

Kailua population

How many people live in Kailua

Kailua is home to 61,458 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.9% of Kailua locals are male, and 51.1% are female.

Total population
61,458
-0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.9%
30,051
Female
51.1%
31,407
Value Percent YoY change
Male 30,051 48.9% -2.2%
Female 31,407 51.1% 1.7%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Kailua is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.2% are children under 15, then 8.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.5% of the population, while another 25% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
42
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.2%
15 to 24
8.8%
25 to 44
26.5%
45 to 64
25%
Over 65
21.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 11,195 18.2% -1.2%
15 to 24 5,440 8.8% 1.1%
25 to 44 16,308 26.5% 1.6%
45 to 64 15,369 25% -2.2%
Over 65 13,146 21.4% 0.1%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Kailua, 84.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 9.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 6.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 42% of locals are Caucasian, 0.4% are African American and 19.2% have Asian roots. Another 0.2% are Indigenous American, 8.5% are Pacific Islanders, while 2.5% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 27.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
84.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
9.4%
Non-citizens
6.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 51,906 84.5% -0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 5,755 9.4% -4.6%
Non-citizens 3,797 6.2% 5.0%
Racial breakdown
White
42%
Black or African American
0.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
19.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
8.5%
Two or more races
27.3%
Other
2.5%
Value Percent
White 25,798 42%
Black or African American 240 0.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 108 0.2%
Asian 11,790 19.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 5,229 8.5%
Two or more races 16,777 27.3%
Other 1,516 2.5%

Households in Kailua

A peek inside Kailua households

Kailua has 21,239 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 69.4% are families, while the remaining 30.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
21,239
-0.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
6,494
Family households
14,745
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 6,494 30.6% 5.2%
Family households 14,745 69.4% -2.2%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Kailua

The housing landscape of Kailua

Kailua's housing consists of 24,677 units, with 61.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7.3% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
24,677
-0.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 15,139 61.4%
1 unit, attached 1,811 7.3%
2 units 680 2.8%
3 or 4 units 1,023 4.2%
5 to 9 units 1,567 6.4%
10 to 19 units 1,610 6.5%
20 to 49 units 1,172 4.8%
50 or more units 1,626 6.6%
Mobile home 11 0%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 38 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
136
52.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Kailua

In Kailua, the median construction year is 1976. About 1.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 474 1.9% 7.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,006 4.1% -13.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 3,894 15.8% 3.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 4,105 16.6% -7.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 5,553 22.5% 1.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 3,613 14.6% 2.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,135 8.6% -3.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,314 9.4% 2.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,447 5.9% 7.8%
Built in 2020 or later 136 0.6% 52.8%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Kailua occupancy rates

Out of the 21,239 occupied housing units in Kailua, 70.4% are owner-occupied, while 29.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 13.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
21,239
-0.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
6,286
Owner occupied
14,953
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 6,286 29.6% 3.6%
Owner occupied 14,953 70.4% -1.5%
Unoccupied housing units
13.9%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Kailua housing costs

Housing costs in Kailua come to a median of $2,310 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,424.

Median housing costs per month
$2,310/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Kailua
$2,424/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Kailua

Kailua education at a glance

About 25.3% of the population in Kailua went to high school, while 18.6% pursued college studies. Another 9.3% earned an associate degree and 24.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 20.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 689 1.4% -3.8%
High school diploma 12,296 25.3% -4.4%
College diploma 9,014 18.6% 2.8%
Associate degree 4,521 9.3% 0.1%
Bachelor's degree 12,100 24.9% 0.1%
Graduate degree 9,935 20.5% 1.8%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Kailua

How much people earn in Kailua

The average annual household income in Kailua was $151,398 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -1.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $118,396, reflecting a +1.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Kailua
$151,398/year
-1.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Kailua
$118,396/year
1.5% year-over-year change

Kailua income by age

In Kailua, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $132,348. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $130,024 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $81,120, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $97,661 in earnings. Overall, 92.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $81,120 N/A
25 - 44 $132,348 -2.0%
45 - 64 $130,024 3.8%
Over 65 $97,661 -1.2%
Above poverty level
55,865
Below poverty level
4,605
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 55,865 92.4% -0.5%
Below poverty level 4,605 7.6% 3.5%

Employment in Kailua

Workforce and job types in Kailua

The job market in Kailua is powered by 28,518 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 85.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 14.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12.2% run their own businesses, 57.5% are employed by private companies, and 20.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
28,518
-1.6% year-over-year change
White collar
24,320
Blue collar
4,198
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 24,320 85.3% -0.4%
Blue collar 4,198 14.7% -8.0%
Employer type
Self employees
12.2%
Private companies
57.5%
Governmental workers
20.1%
Not for profit companies
10.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 3,466 12.2% -11.9%
Private companies 16,406 57.5% -1.7%
Governmental workers 5,720 20.1% 1.9%
Not for profit companies 2,926 10.3% 6.6%
Unemployment rate
3.9%
4.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Kailua stands at 3.9%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Kailua

How people get around in Kailua

In Kailua, the average commute time is 20 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 94.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
20 min
-9.1% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 24,030 94.2% -2.4%
Taxicab 29 0.1% 81.2%
Bus or trolleybus 390 1.5% -4.4%
Railroad 29 0.1% 3.6%
Motorcycle 132 0.5% -17.5%
Bicycle 255 1% 79.6%
Walk 649 2.5% 6.9%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Kailua by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
96734 50,670 16,842 $132,782 $164,673

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FAQs about Kailua demographics 

What is the total population of Kailua?

Kailua has a total population of 61,458 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Kailua?

The gender ratio in Kailua is as follows:
  • 48.9% males (30,051 residents)
  • 51.1% females (31,407 residents)

What is the median age in Kailua?

The median age in Kailua is 42.

What is the age distribution of the population in Kailua?

The age distribution in Kailua is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.2% (11,195 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.8% (5,440 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.5% (16,308 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25% (15,369 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.4% (13,146 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Kailua?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Kailua is as follows:
  • White: 42% (25,798 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.4% (240 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (108 residents)
  • Asian: 19.2% (11,790 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 8.5% (5,229 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 27.3% (16,777 residents)
  • Other: 2.5% (1,516 residents)

What percentage of the population in Kailua are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 84.5% of the population in Kailua.

How many housing units are there in Kailua?

There are 24,677 housing units in Kailua, reflecting a -0.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Kailua and what is the average household size?

Kailua has a total of 21,239 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Kailua?

Kailua has a median household income of $118,396, representing a +1.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Kailua?

The employment rate is 96.1% in Kailua, with a workforce of 28,518 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 85.3% (24,320 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 14.7% (4,198 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12.2% (3,466 residents)
  • Private companies: 57.5% (16,406 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 20.1% (5,720 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.3% (2,926 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025