Wailea, HI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
6,352
-3.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$90,000/yr
0.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
5,949
-2.9% year-over-year change

Wailea population

How many people live in Wailea

Wailea is home to 6,352 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 52.2% of Wailea locals are male, and 47.8% are female.

Total population
6,352
-3.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
52.2%
3,317
Female
47.8%
3,035
Value Percent YoY change
Male 3,317 52.2% -2.9%
Female 3,035 47.8% -3.8%
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 Wailea is 58, with the population distributed as follows: about 7.6% are children under 15, then 6.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 17% of the population, while another 29.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 39.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
58.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
7.6%
15 to 24
6.7%
25 to 44
17%
45 to 64
29.1%
Over 65
39.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 485 7.6% -15.2%
15 to 24 427 6.7% -24.2%
25 to 44 1,082 17% -13.8%
45 to 64 1,850 29.1% -0.4%
Over 65 2,508 39.5% 7.9%
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 Wailea, 82.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 11.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 6.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 67.5% of locals are Caucasian, 1% are African American and 10% have Asian roots. Another 0.4% are Indigenous American, 1.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 1.9% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 18.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
82.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
11.6%
Non-citizens
6.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 5,213 82.1% -6.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 739 11.6% 7.4%
Non-citizens 400 6.3% 23.8%
Racial breakdown
White
67.5%
Black or African American
1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
10%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
1.2%
Two or more races
18.1%
Other
1.9%
Value Percent
White 4,285 67.5%
Black or African American 65 1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 22 0.4%
Asian 633 10%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 76 1.2%
Two or more races 1,148 18.1%
Other 123 1.9%

Households in Wailea

A peek inside Wailea households

Wailea has 2,946 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 66.7% are families, while the remaining 33.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,946
-1.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
980
Family households
1,966
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 980 33.3% 0.7%
Family households 1,966 66.7% -2.9%
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 Wailea

The housing landscape of Wailea

Wailea's housing consists of 5,949 units, with 33.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5% 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 0.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
5,949
-2.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,984 33.4%
1 unit, attached 299 5%
2 units 324 5.4%
3 or 4 units 470 7.9%
5 to 9 units 1,060 17.8%
10 to 19 units 558 9.4%
20 to 49 units 766 12.9%
50 or more units 454 7.6%
Mobile home 34 0.6%
Homes built since 2020
23
27.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Wailea

In Wailea, the median construction year is 1988. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 11.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.9% 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 61 1% -19.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 81 1.4% 6.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,315 22.1% -6.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,795 30.2% -7.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,516 25.5% 8.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 689 11.6% -2.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 469 7.9% -3.3%
Built in 2020 or later 23 0.4% 27.8%
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.

Wailea occupancy rates

Out of the 2,946 occupied housing units in Wailea, 69.8% are owner-occupied, while 30.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 50.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,946
-1.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
890
Owner occupied
2,056
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 890 30.2% -7.4%
Owner occupied 2,056 69.8% 0.9%
Unoccupied housing units
50.5%
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.

Wailea housing costs

Housing costs in Wailea come to a median of $2,373 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,554.

Median housing costs per month
$2,373/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 Wailea
$2,554/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 Wailea

Wailea education at a glance

About 21.7% of the population in Wailea went to high school, while 17.6% pursued college studies. Another 10.7% earned an associate degree and 27.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 20.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 86 1.5% 11.7%
High school diploma 1,240 21.7% -9.4%
College diploma 1,002 17.6% -17.6%
Associate degree 611 10.7% -2.1%
Bachelor's degree 1,595 27.9% 16.6%
Graduate degree 1,175 20.6% 3.2%
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 Wailea

How much people earn in Wailea

The average annual household income in Wailea was $144,610 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -11.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $90,000, reflecting a +0.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Wailea
$144,610/year
-11.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Wailea
$90,000/year
0.7% year-over-year change

Wailea income by age

In Wailea, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $75,525. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $82,074 overall. Overall, 86% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $75,525 3.1%
45 - 64 $82,074 -3.2%
Over 65 $112,521 1.9%
Above poverty level
5,423
Below poverty level
885
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 5,423 86% -4.2%
Below poverty level 885 14% 6.9%

Average renter income in Wailea

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Wailea, their median household income was $60,313 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 50.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$60,313
Rent-to-income ratio
50.8%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Wailea

Workforce and job types in Wailea

The job market in Wailea is powered by 2,635 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 83.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 16.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 23.9% run their own businesses, 61.2% are employed by private companies, and 10.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,635
-10.2% year-over-year change
White collar
2,191
Blue collar
444
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,191 83.2% -9.8%
Blue collar 444 16.8% -12.6%
Employer type
Self employees
23.9%
Private companies
61.2%
Governmental workers
10.8%
Not for profit companies
4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 629 23.9% -25.6%
Private companies 1,614 61.2% -7.4%
Governmental workers 286 10.8% 17.7%
Not for profit companies 106 4% 0.9%
Unemployment rate
6.0%
-12.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Wailea stands at 6%, 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 Wailea

How people get around in Wailea

Commuting methods vary: 69.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.2% 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 1,711 69.2% -10.9%
Walk 6 0.2% -85.0%
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.

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FAQs about Wailea demographics 

What is the total population of Wailea?

Wailea has a total population of 6,352 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 -3.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Wailea?

The gender ratio in Wailea is as follows:
  • 52.2% males (3,317 residents)
  • 47.8% females (3,035 residents)

What is the median age in Wailea?

The median age in Wailea is 58.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Wailea?

The age distribution in Wailea is as follows:
  • Under 15: 7.6% (485 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 6.7% (427 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 17% (1,082 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 29.1% (1,850 residents)
  • Over 65: 39.5% (2,508 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Wailea?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Wailea is as follows:
  • White: 67.5% (4,285 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1% (65 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (22 residents)
  • Asian: 10% (633 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 1.2% (76 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 18.1% (1,148 residents)
  • Other: 1.9% (123 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 82.1% of the population in Wailea.

How many housing units are there in Wailea?

There are 5,949 housing units in Wailea, reflecting a -2.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Wailea has a total of 2,946 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Wailea?

Wailea has a median household income of $90,000, representing a +0.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 94% in Wailea, with a workforce of 2,635 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 83.2% (2,191 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 16.8% (444 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 23.9% (629 residents)
  • Private companies: 61.2% (1,614 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.8% (286 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4% (106 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