Lihue, HI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
7,901
0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$92,850/yr
19.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,963
3.1% year-over-year change

Lihue population

How many people live in Lihue

Lihue is home to 7,901 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.3% of Lihue locals are male, and 49.7% are female.

Total population
7,901
0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.3%
3,972
Female
49.7%
3,929
Value Percent YoY change
Male 3,972 50.3% 3.4%
Female 3,929 49.7% -1.9%
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 Lihue is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.6% are children under 15, then 7.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.4% of the population, while another 17.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 30% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.6%
15 to 24
7.2%
25 to 44
25.4%
45 to 64
17.7%
Over 65
30%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,548 19.6% 0.0%
15 to 24 571 7.2% -9.8%
25 to 44 2,008 25.4% 12.3%
45 to 64 1,400 17.7% -23.4%
Over 65 2,374 30% 15.8%
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 Lihue, 84.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 10% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 19% of locals are Caucasian, 2.6% are African American and 40.7% have Asian roots. Another 0.2% are Indigenous American, 9.6% are Pacific Islanders, while 1.3% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 26.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
84.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
10%
Non-citizens
5.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 6,655 84.2% -0.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 794 10% -0.4%
Non-citizens 452 5.7% 27.7%
Racial breakdown
White
19%
Black or African American
2.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
40.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
9.6%
Two or more races
26.6%
Other
1.3%
Value Percent
White 1,504 19%
Black or African American 205 2.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 17 0.2%
Asian 3,214 40.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 758 9.6%
Two or more races 2,101 26.6%
Other 102 1.3%

Households in Lihue

A peek inside Lihue households

Lihue has 2,652 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 63.6% are families, while the remaining 36.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,652
-1.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
966
Family households
1,686
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 966 36.4% -0.1%
Family households 1,686 63.6% -1.5%
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 Lihue

The housing landscape of Lihue

Lihue's housing consists of 2,963 units, with 56.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 8% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
2,963
3.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,677 56.6%
1 unit, attached 238 8%
2 units 26 0.9%
3 or 4 units 116 3.9%
5 to 9 units 444 15%
10 to 19 units 77 2.6%
20 to 49 units 216 7.3%
50 or more units 169 5.7%
Homes built since 2020
23
15.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Lihue

In Lihue, the median construction year is 1983. About 2.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 13.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 71 2.4% 97.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 72 2.4% 26.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 243 8.2% -3.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 211 7.1% -23.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 633 21.4% -1.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 753 25.4% 47.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 295 10% -20.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 404 13.6% -5.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 258 8.7% -9.8%
Built in 2020 or later 23 0.8% 15.0%
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.

Lihue occupancy rates

Out of the 2,652 occupied housing units in Lihue, 63.8% are owner-occupied, while 36.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,652
-1.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
961
Owner occupied
1,691
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 961 36.2% -3.6%
Owner occupied 1,691 63.8% 0.5%
Unoccupied housing units
10.5%
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.

Lihue housing costs

Housing costs in Lihue come to a median of $1,997 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,956.

Median housing costs per month
$1,997/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 Lihue
$1,956/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 Lihue

Lihue education at a glance

About 25.2% of the population in Lihue went to high school, while 20.4% pursued college studies. Another 12.7% earned an associate degree and 25% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 14.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 160 2.6% 58.4%
High school diploma 1,528 25.2% 6.6%
College diploma 1,234 20.4% 9.3%
Associate degree 770 12.7% -27.2%
Bachelor's degree 1,514 25% -7.2%
Graduate degree 857 14.1% 29.3%
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 Lihue

How much people earn in Lihue

The average annual household income in Lihue was $119,870 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -4.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $92,850, reflecting a +19.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Lihue
$119,870/year
-4.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Lihue
$92,850/year
19.9% year-over-year change

Lihue income by age

In Lihue, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $124,315. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $73,493 overall. Overall, 93.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $124,315 28.9%
45 - 64 $73,493 -44.7%
Over 65 $78,085 6.1%
Above poverty level
7,245
Below poverty level
490
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 7,245 93.7% 0.7%
Below poverty level 490 6.3% 0.2%

Employment in Lihue

Workforce and job types in Lihue

The job market in Lihue is powered by 3,646 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 87.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 12.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.3% run their own businesses, 61.6% are employed by private companies, and 20.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
3,646
-0.8% year-over-year change
White collar
3,205
Blue collar
441
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,205 87.9% -2.6%
Blue collar 441 12.1% 15.4%
Employer type
Self employees
9.3%
Private companies
61.6%
Governmental workers
20.6%
Not for profit companies
8.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 338 9.3% 30.5%
Private companies 2,244 61.6% 2.9%
Governmental workers 753 20.6% -15.3%
Not for profit companies 311 8.5% -9.9%
Unemployment rate
0.7%
-43.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Lihue stands at 0.7%, 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 Lihue

How people get around in Lihue

Commuting methods vary: 85.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,992 85.2% -2.5%
Bus or trolleybus 134 3.8% 219.1%
Bicycle 45 1.3% 7.1%
Walk 165 4.7% -17.9%
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 Lihue by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
96766 17,526 5,086 $100,678 $121,584

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FAQs about Lihue demographics 

What is the total population of Lihue?

Lihue has a total population of 7,901 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 +0.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Lihue?

The gender ratio in Lihue is as follows:
  • 50.3% males (3,972 residents)
  • 49.7% females (3,929 residents)

What is the median age in Lihue?

The median age in Lihue is 42.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Lihue?

The age distribution in Lihue is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.6% (1,548 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 7.2% (571 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.4% (2,008 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 17.7% (1,400 residents)
  • Over 65: 30% (2,374 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Lihue?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Lihue is as follows:
  • White: 19% (1,504 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.6% (205 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (17 residents)
  • Asian: 40.7% (3,214 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 9.6% (758 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 26.6% (2,101 residents)
  • Other: 1.3% (102 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 84.2% of the population in Lihue.

How many housing units are there in Lihue?

There are 2,963 housing units in Lihue, reflecting a +3.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Lihue has a total of 2,652 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Lihue?

Lihue has a median household income of $92,850, representing a +19.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 99.3% in Lihue, with a workforce of 3,646 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 87.9% (3,205 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 12.1% (441 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.3% (338 residents)
  • Private companies: 61.6% (2,244 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 20.6% (753 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.5% (311 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