Waianae, HI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
12,918
0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$81,733/yr
-3.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,763
1.9% year-over-year change

Waianae population

How many people live in Waianae

Waianae is home to 12,918 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.8% of Waianae locals are male, and 51.2% are female.

Total population
12,918
0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.8%
6,305
Female
51.2%
6,613
Value Percent YoY change
Male 6,305 48.8% -3.0%
Female 6,613 51.2% 3.2%
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 Waianae is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 21.7% are children under 15, then 11.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.2% of the population, while another 23.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
21.7%
15 to 24
11.5%
25 to 44
27.2%
45 to 64
23.2%
Over 65
16.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,809 21.7% -6.6%
15 to 24 1,483 11.5% 2.4%
25 to 44 3,511 27.2% -1.5%
45 to 64 2,991 23.2% -1.3%
Over 65 2,124 16.4% 14.4%
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 Waianae, 91.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 8.5% of locals are Caucasian, 1% are African American and 9% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 38.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
91.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.4%
Non-citizens
3.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 11,873 91.9% 0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 565 4.4% 19.4%
Non-citizens 480 3.7% -16.8%
Racial breakdown
White
8.5%
Black or African American
1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
42.2%
Two or more races
38.8%
Other
0.4%
Value Percent
White 1,102 8.5%
Black or African American 134 1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 5 0%
Asian 1,164 9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 5,453 42.2%
Two or more races 5,011 38.8%
Other 49 0.4%

Households in Waianae

A peek inside Waianae households

Waianae has 3,446 households, with an average of 4 members in each. Of these, 79.1% are families, while the remaining 20.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,446
0.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
4
Non-family households
720
Family households
2,726
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 720 20.9% -3.6%
Family households 2,726 79.1% 1.3%
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 Waianae

The housing landscape of Waianae

Waianae's housing consists of 3,763 units, with 63.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.7% 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 1.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
3,763
1.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,402 63.8%
1 unit, attached 214 5.7%
2 units 129 3.4%
3 or 4 units 255 6.8%
5 to 9 units 306 8.1%
10 to 19 units 66 1.8%
20 to 49 units 108 2.9%
50 or more units 231 6.1%
Mobile home 52 1.4%
Homes built since 2020
20
66.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Waianae

In Waianae, the median construction year is 1979. About 0.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 9.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 21 0.6% 200.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 64 1.7% -36.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 184 4.9% -27.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 432 11.5% 15.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,311 34.8% 1.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 419 11.1% 3.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 585 15.6% -1.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 358 9.5% -2.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 369 9.8% 29.0%
Built in 2020 or later 20 0.5% 66.7%
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.

Waianae occupancy rates

Out of the 3,446 occupied housing units in Waianae, 66.7% are owner-occupied, while 33.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,446
0.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,149
Owner occupied
2,297
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,149 33.3% -3.3%
Owner occupied 2,297 66.7% 2.0%
Unoccupied housing units
8.4%
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.

Waianae housing costs

Housing costs in Waianae come to a median of $1,388 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,277.

Median housing costs per month
$1,388/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 Waianae
$1,277/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 Waianae

Waianae education at a glance

About 56.2% of the population in Waianae went to high school, while 17.4% pursued college studies. Another 10.9% earned an associate degree and 9.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 256 2.7% 23.1%
High school diploma 5,320 56.2% 2.9%
College diploma 1,641 17.4% -1.9%
Associate degree 1,029 10.9% 4.9%
Bachelor's degree 865 9.1% 1.9%
Graduate degree 349 3.7% -0.6%
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 Waianae

How much people earn in Waianae

The average annual household income in Waianae was $108,007 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $81,733, reflecting a -3.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Waianae
$108,007/year
0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Waianae
$81,733/year
-3.6% year-over-year change

Waianae income by age

In Waianae, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $86,750. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $74,150 overall. Overall, 84.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $86,750 9.0%
45 - 64 $74,150 -5.6%
Over 65 $85,490 -8.9%
Above poverty level
10,679
Below poverty level
2,008
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 10,679 84.2% 1.0%
Below poverty level 2,008 15.8% -5.1%

Employment in Waianae

Workforce and job types in Waianae

The job market in Waianae is powered by 5,434 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 70.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 29.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.9% run their own businesses, 53.2% are employed by private companies, and 27.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
5,434
3.0% year-over-year change
White collar
3,815
Blue collar
1,619
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,815 70.2% 5.9%
Blue collar 1,619 29.8% -3.5%
Employer type
Self employees
5.9%
Private companies
53.2%
Governmental workers
27.9%
Not for profit companies
13%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 323 5.9% -3.6%
Private companies 2,891 53.2% -2.8%
Governmental workers 1,515 27.9% 7.5%
Not for profit companies 705 13% 25.9%
Unemployment rate
8.8%
-2.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Waianae stands at 8.8%, 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 Waianae

How people get around in Waianae

In Waianae, the average commute time is 42 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 80.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
42 min
3.2% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 4,220 80.4% 0.0%
Bus or trolleybus 574 10.9% 5.9%
Bicycle 26 0.5% N/A
Walk 150 2.9% 33.9%
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 Waianae by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
96792 49,618 13,488 $87,509 $106,332

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FAQs about Waianae demographics 

What is the total population of Waianae?

Waianae has a total population of 12,918 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 +0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Waianae?

The gender ratio in Waianae is as follows:
  • 48.8% males (6,305 residents)
  • 51.2% females (6,613 residents)

What is the median age in Waianae?

The median age in Waianae is 37.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Waianae?

The age distribution in Waianae is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21.7% (2,809 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.5% (1,483 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.2% (3,511 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.2% (2,991 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.4% (2,124 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Waianae?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Waianae is as follows:
  • White: 8.5% (1,102 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1% (134 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (5 residents)
  • Asian: 9% (1,164 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 42.2% (5,453 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 38.8% (5,011 residents)
  • Other: 0.4% (49 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 91.9% of the population in Waianae.

How many housing units are there in Waianae?

There are 3,763 housing units in Waianae, reflecting a +1.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Waianae has a total of 3,446 households, with an average of 4 people in each.

What is the median household income in Waianae?

Waianae has a median household income of $81,733, representing a -3.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 91.2% in Waianae, with a workforce of 5,434 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 70.2% (3,815 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 29.8% (1,619 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.9% (323 residents)
  • Private companies: 53.2% (2,891 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 27.9% (1,515 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 13% (705 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