Pahala, HI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,768
-0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$71,518/yr
-0.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
522
0.2% year-over-year change

Pahala population

How many people live in Pahala

Pahala is home to 1,768 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45.7% of Pahala locals are male, and 54.3% are female.

Total population
1,768
-0.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45.7%
808
Female
54.3%
960
Value Percent YoY change
Male 808 45.7% -2.8%
Female 960 54.3% 0.6%
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 Pahala is 32, with the population distributed as follows: about 29% are children under 15, then 12.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 20.1% of the population, while another 20.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
32.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
29%
15 to 24
12.3%
25 to 44
20.1%
45 to 64
20.5%
Over 65
18.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 513 29% -0.2%
15 to 24 217 12.3% -2.7%
25 to 44 355 20.1% -11.7%
45 to 64 362 20.5% 20.7%
Over 65 321 18.2% -7.2%
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 Pahala, 77.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 16.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 5.4% of locals are Caucasian, 3.6% are African American and 34.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 53.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
77.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
16.4%
Non-citizens
5.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,377 77.9% -7.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 289 16.4% 47.5%
Non-citizens 102 5.8% -6.4%
Racial breakdown
White
5.4%
Black or African American
3.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
34.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
2.9%
Two or more races
53.4%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 96 5.4%
Black or African American 64 3.6%
Asian 612 34.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 52 2.9%
Two or more races 944 53.4%

Households in Pahala

A peek inside Pahala households

Pahala has 443 households, with an average of 4 members in each. Of these, 77.2% are families, while the remaining 22.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
443
-0.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
4
Non-family households
101
Family households
342
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 101 22.8% -12.2%
Family households 342 77.2% 3.6%
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 Pahala

The housing landscape of Pahala

Pahala's housing consists of 522 units, with 88.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.1% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
522
0.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 463 88.7%
1 unit, attached 11 2.1%
2 units 8 1.5%
3 or 4 units 40 7.7%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Pahala

In Pahala, the median construction year is 1974. About 5.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 30 5.8% 0.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 25 4.8% 4.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 57 10.9% -23.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 66 12.6% 57.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 204 39.1% 5.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 68 13% -17.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 26 5% -31.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 10 1.9% 0.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 36 6.9% 28.6%
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.

Pahala occupancy rates

Out of the 443 occupied housing units in Pahala, 78.3% are owner-occupied, while 21.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 15.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
443
-0.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
96
Owner occupied
347
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 96 21.7% 23.1%
Owner occupied 347 78.3% -5.5%
Unoccupied housing units
15.1%
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.

Pahala housing costs

Median housing costs per month
$940/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.

Education in Pahala

Pahala education at a glance

About 40.3% of the population in Pahala went to high school, while 28.7% pursued college studies. Another 7.4% earned an associate degree and 14.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 50 4.1% 2.0%
High school diploma 493 40.3% -10.5%
College diploma 351 28.7% 6.0%
Associate degree 90 7.4% 2.3%
Bachelor's degree 173 14.2% 5.5%
Graduate degree 66 5.4% 17.9%
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 Pahala

How much people earn in Pahala

The average annual household income in Pahala was $81,558 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -1.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $71,518, reflecting a -0.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Pahala
$81,558/year
-1.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Pahala
$71,518/year
-0.5% year-over-year change

Pahala income by age

In Pahala, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $61,364. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $74,677 overall. Overall, 88.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $61,364 -1.5%
45 - 64 $74,677 -9.8%
Over 65 $53,750 N/A
Above poverty level
1,410
Below poverty level
191
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,410 88.1% -3.6%
Below poverty level 191 11.9% 21.7%

Employment in Pahala

Workforce and job types in Pahala

The job market in Pahala is powered by 603 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 61.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 38.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 19.4% run their own businesses, 43.8% are employed by private companies, and 35.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
603
-2.6% year-over-year change
White collar
369
Blue collar
234
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 369 61.2% -2.6%
Blue collar 234 38.8% -2.5%
Employer type
Self employees
19.4%
Private companies
43.8%
Governmental workers
35.7%
Not for profit companies
1.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 117 19.4% -9.3%
Private companies 264 43.8% -13.4%
Governmental workers 215 35.7% 21.5%
Not for profit companies 7 1.2% -12.5%
Unemployment rate
12.7%
-4.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Pahala stands at 12.7%, 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 Pahala

How people get around in Pahala

Commuting methods vary: 84.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.4% 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 502 84.2% -2.7%
Bus or trolleybus 9 1.5% N/A
Walk 14 2.4% -12.5%
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 Pahala by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
96777 1,822 492 $64,643 $75,805

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FAQs about Pahala demographics 

What is the total population of Pahala?

Pahala has a total population of 1,768 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 -0.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Pahala?

The gender ratio in Pahala is as follows:
  • 45.7% males (808 residents)
  • 54.3% females (960 residents)

What is the median age in Pahala?

The median age in Pahala is 32.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Pahala?

The age distribution in Pahala is as follows:
  • Under 15: 29% (513 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.3% (217 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 20.1% (355 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 20.5% (362 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.2% (321 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Pahala?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Pahala is as follows:
  • White: 5.4% (96 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.6% (64 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 34.6% (612 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 2.9% (52 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 53.4% (944 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 77.9% of the population in Pahala.

How many housing units are there in Pahala?

There are 522 housing units in Pahala, reflecting a +0.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Pahala has a total of 443 households, with an average of 4 people in each.

What is the median household income in Pahala?

Pahala has a median household income of $71,518, representing a -0.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 87.3% in Pahala, with a workforce of 603 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 61.2% (369 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 38.8% (234 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 19.4% (117 residents)
  • Private companies: 43.8% (264 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 35.7% (215 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 1.2% (7 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