Wahiawa, HI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
17,996
2.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$87,143/yr
0.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
6,736
2.0% year-over-year change

Wahiawa population

How many people live in Wahiawa

Wahiawa is home to 17,996 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.6% of Wahiawa locals are male, and 52.4% are female.

Total population
17,996
2.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.6%
8,570
Female
52.4%
9,426
Value Percent YoY change
Male 8,570 47.6% 1.0%
Female 9,426 52.4% 4.4%
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 Wahiawa is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.9% are children under 15, then 11.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.9% of the population, while another 25.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.9%
15 to 24
11.8%
25 to 44
26.9%
45 to 64
25.1%
Over 65
18.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,226 17.9% 0.5%
15 to 24 2,121 11.8% 6.2%
25 to 44 4,835 26.9% 8.4%
45 to 64 4,523 25.1% 0.8%
Over 65 3,291 18.3% -2.2%
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 Wahiawa, 80% of the population are US-born citizens, while 13% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 7.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 11% of locals are Caucasian, 3% are African American and 40.9% have Asian roots. Another 0.1% are Indigenous American, 11.9% are Pacific Islanders, while 1.1% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 32% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
80%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
13%
Non-citizens
7.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 14,392 80% 4.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2,331 13% 1.6%
Non-citizens 1,273 7.1% -15.2%
Racial breakdown
White
11%
Black or African American
3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
40.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
11.9%
Two or more races
32%
Other
1.1%
Value Percent
White 1,986 11%
Black or African American 534 3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 11 0.1%
Asian 7,357 40.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 2,149 11.9%
Two or more races 5,758 32%
Other 201 1.1%

Households in Wahiawa

A peek inside Wahiawa households

Wahiawa has 6,108 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 70.9% are families, while the remaining 29.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
6,108
2.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
1,780
Family households
4,328
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,780 29.1% -6.1%
Family households 4,328 70.9% 6.1%
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 Wahiawa

The housing landscape of Wahiawa

Wahiawa's housing consists of 6,736 units, with 58.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 10.2% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
6,736
2.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,956 58.7%
1 unit, attached 687 10.2%
2 units 77 1.1%
3 or 4 units 377 5.6%
5 to 9 units 411 6.1%
10 to 19 units 525 7.8%
20 to 49 units 247 3.7%
50 or more units 447 6.6%
Mobile home 9 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
27
200.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Wahiawa

In Wahiawa, the median construction year is 1965. About 7.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 2.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 515 7.6% 10.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 495 7.4% -15.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,623 24.1% 3.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,353 20.1% -8.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,291 19.2% 12.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 504 7.5% 19.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 447 6.6% 5.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 175 2.6% -30.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 306 4.5% 31.9%
Built in 2020 or later 27 0.4% 200.0%
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.

Wahiawa occupancy rates

Out of the 6,108 occupied housing units in Wahiawa, 53.5% are owner-occupied, while 46.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 9.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
6,108
2.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,839
Owner occupied
3,269
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,839 46.5% 1.4%
Owner occupied 3,269 53.5% 3.1%
Unoccupied housing units
9.3%
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.

Wahiawa housing costs

Housing costs in Wahiawa come to a median of $1,684 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,546.

Median housing costs per month
$1,684/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 Wahiawa
$1,546/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 Wahiawa

Wahiawa education at a glance

About 41.1% of the population in Wahiawa went to high school, while 23% pursued college studies. Another 12% earned an associate degree and 16.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 456 3.3% -5.6%
High school diploma 5,720 41.1% 8.3%
College diploma 3,200 23% -0.7%
Associate degree 1,678 12% 10.4%
Bachelor's degree 2,237 16.1% 2.2%
Graduate degree 634 4.6% -24.6%
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 Wahiawa

How much people earn in Wahiawa

The average annual household income in Wahiawa was $108,875 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $87,143, reflecting a +0.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Wahiawa
$108,875/year
-0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Wahiawa
$87,143/year
0.3% year-over-year change

Wahiawa income by age

In Wahiawa, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $76,080. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $93,192 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $37,697, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $91,429 in earnings. Overall, 83.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $37,697 6.2%
25 - 44 $76,080 -11.4%
45 - 64 $93,192 2.4%
Over 65 $91,429 9.7%
Above poverty level
14,856
Below poverty level
2,845
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 14,856 83.9% 3.9%
Below poverty level 2,845 16.1% -3.5%

Employment in Wahiawa

Workforce and job types in Wahiawa

The job market in Wahiawa is powered by 7,889 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 80.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 19.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.4% run their own businesses, 59.7% are employed by private companies, and 25.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
7,889
6.1% year-over-year change
White collar
6,361
Blue collar
1,528
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 6,361 80.6% 6.8%
Blue collar 1,528 19.4% 3.3%
Employer type
Self employees
8.4%
Private companies
59.7%
Governmental workers
25.2%
Not for profit companies
6.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 665 8.4% 54.3%
Private companies 4,709 59.7% 4.0%
Governmental workers 1,989 25.2% -3.6%
Not for profit companies 526 6.7% 27.7%
Unemployment rate
3.8%
3.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Wahiawa stands at 3.8%, 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 Wahiawa

How people get around in Wahiawa

In Wahiawa, the average commute time is 32 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 84.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
32 min
-4.5% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 6,776 84.8% 7.9%
Bus or trolleybus 399 5% -17.4%
Motorcycle 5 0.1% -37.5%
Walk 171 2.1% -34.0%
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 Wahiawa by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
96786 40,658 12,989 $85,554 $104,702

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FAQs about Wahiawa demographics 

What is the total population of Wahiawa?

Wahiawa has a total population of 17,996 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 +2.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Wahiawa?

The gender ratio in Wahiawa is as follows:
  • 47.6% males (8,570 residents)
  • 52.4% females (9,426 residents)

What is the median age in Wahiawa?

The median age in Wahiawa is 38.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Wahiawa?

The age distribution in Wahiawa is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.9% (3,226 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.8% (2,121 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.9% (4,835 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.1% (4,523 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.3% (3,291 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Wahiawa?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Wahiawa is as follows:
  • White: 11% (1,986 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3% (534 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (11 residents)
  • Asian: 40.9% (7,357 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 11.9% (2,149 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 32% (5,758 residents)
  • Other: 1.1% (201 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 80% of the population in Wahiawa.

How many housing units are there in Wahiawa?

There are 6,736 housing units in Wahiawa, reflecting a +2.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Wahiawa has a total of 6,108 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Wahiawa?

Wahiawa has a median household income of $87,143, representing a +0.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96.2% in Wahiawa, with a workforce of 7,889 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 80.6% (6,361 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 19.4% (1,528 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.4% (665 residents)
  • Private companies: 59.7% (4,709 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 25.2% (1,989 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.7% (526 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