Wailuku, HI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
16,926
7.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$102,942/yr
9.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
7,086
5.5% year-over-year change

Wailuku population

How many people live in Wailuku

Wailuku is home to 16,926 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51% of Wailuku locals are male, and 49% are female.

Total population
16,926
7.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51%
8,630
Female
49%
8,296
Value Percent YoY change
Male 8,630 51% 6.5%
Female 8,296 49% 8.4%
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 Wailuku is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.5% are children under 15, then 8.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.3% of the population, while another 30.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
43.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.5%
15 to 24
8.4%
25 to 44
22.3%
45 to 64
30.7%
Over 65
18.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,472 20.5% 12.7%
15 to 24 1,429 8.4% 1.2%
25 to 44 3,770 22.3% 10.0%
45 to 64 5,193 30.7% 14.2%
Over 65 3,062 18.1% -6.8%
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 Wailuku, 85.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 10.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 21.1% of locals are Caucasian, 1% are African American and 33.6% have Asian roots. Another 0.1% are Indigenous American, 10.4% are Pacific Islanders, while 1.2% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 32.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
85.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
10.3%
Non-citizens
4.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 14,434 85.3% 8.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,745 10.3% 11.9%
Non-citizens 747 4.4% -10.4%
Racial breakdown
White
21.1%
Black or African American
1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
33.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
10.4%
Two or more races
32.5%
Other
1.2%
Value Percent
White 3,578 21.1%
Black or African American 176 1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 18 0.1%
Asian 5,693 33.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 1,767 10.4%
Two or more races 5,499 32.5%
Other 195 1.2%

Households in Wailuku

A peek inside Wailuku households

Wailuku has 6,273 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 65.6% are families, while the remaining 34.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
6,273
4.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
2,159
Family households
4,114
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,159 34.4% -3.5%
Family households 4,114 65.6% 9.1%
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 Wailuku

The housing landscape of Wailuku

Wailuku's housing consists of 7,086 units, with 58.3% 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 1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
7,086
5.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,134 58.3%
1 unit, attached 719 10.2%
2 units 155 2.2%
3 or 4 units 415 5.9%
5 to 9 units 572 8.1%
10 to 19 units 320 4.5%
20 to 49 units 280 4%
50 or more units 409 5.8%
Mobile home 71 1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 11 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
224
330.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Wailuku

In Wailuku, the median construction year is 1987. About 5.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 18.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 10.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 377 5.3% -11.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 492 6.9% 33.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 338 4.8% 7.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 828 11.7% 26.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 916 12.9% -9.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 837 11.8% 2.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,040 14.7% -9.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,302 18.4% 11.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 732 10.3% -2.3%
Built in 2020 or later 224 3.2% 330.8%
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.

Wailuku occupancy rates

Out of the 6,273 occupied housing units in Wailuku, 70.6% are owner-occupied, while 29.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
6,273
4.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,846
Owner occupied
4,427
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,846 29.4% 1.1%
Owner occupied 4,427 70.6% 5.9%
Unoccupied housing units
11.5%
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.

Wailuku housing costs

Housing costs in Wailuku come to a median of $1,907 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,762.

Median housing costs per month
$1,907/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 Wailuku
$1,762/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 Wailuku

Wailuku education at a glance

About 31.8% of the population in Wailuku went to high school, while 22.4% pursued college studies. Another 8.6% earned an associate degree and 22.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 11.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 375 2.9% 2.7%
High school diploma 4,088 31.8% 6.9%
College diploma 2,879 22.4% 3.9%
Associate degree 1,111 8.6% -1.2%
Bachelor's degree 2,944 22.9% 7.8%
Graduate degree 1,455 11.3% 10.1%
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 Wailuku

How much people earn in Wailuku

The average annual household income in Wailuku was $130,436 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $102,942, reflecting a +9.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Wailuku
$130,436/year
4.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Wailuku
$102,942/year
9.6% year-over-year change

Wailuku income by age

In Wailuku, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $110,274. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $117,734 overall. Overall, 95.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $110,274 5.7%
45 - 64 $117,734 4.9%
Over 65 $61,771 5.1%
Above poverty level
15,866
Below poverty level
779
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 15,866 95.3% 8.8%
Below poverty level 779 4.7% -7.0%

Employment in Wailuku

Workforce and job types in Wailuku

The job market in Wailuku is powered by 8,495 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 82.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 17.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 15.7% run their own businesses, 52.1% are employed by private companies, and 21.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
8,495
11.7% year-over-year change
White collar
6,998
Blue collar
1,497
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 6,998 82.4% 11.8%
Blue collar 1,497 17.6% 11.3%
Employer type
Self employees
15.7%
Private companies
52.1%
Governmental workers
21.4%
Not for profit companies
10.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,334 15.7% 14.1%
Private companies 4,424 52.1% 6.5%
Governmental workers 1,817 21.4% 25.5%
Not for profit companies 920 10.8% 10.1%
Unemployment rate
3.1%
5.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Wailuku stands at 3.1%, 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 Wailuku

How people get around in Wailuku

Commuting methods vary: 86.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.9% 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 7,252 86.8% 13.2%
Bus or trolleybus 2 0% -89.5%
Motorcycle 92 1.1% 21.1%
Bicycle 28 0.3% -3.5%
Walk 159 1.9% -32.6%
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 Wailuku by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
96793 32,739 10,383 $107,668 $130,596

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FAQs about Wailuku demographics 

What is the total population of Wailuku?

Wailuku has a total population of 16,926 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 +7.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Wailuku?

The gender ratio in Wailuku is as follows:
  • 51% males (8,630 residents)
  • 49% females (8,296 residents)

What is the median age in Wailuku?

The median age in Wailuku is 43.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Wailuku?

The age distribution in Wailuku is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.5% (3,472 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.4% (1,429 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.3% (3,770 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 30.7% (5,193 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.1% (3,062 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Wailuku?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Wailuku is as follows:
  • White: 21.1% (3,578 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1% (176 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (18 residents)
  • Asian: 33.6% (5,693 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 10.4% (1,767 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 32.5% (5,499 residents)
  • Other: 1.2% (195 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 85.3% of the population in Wailuku.

How many housing units are there in Wailuku?

There are 7,086 housing units in Wailuku, reflecting a +5.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Wailuku has a total of 6,273 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Wailuku?

Wailuku has a median household income of $102,942, representing a +9.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96.9% in Wailuku, with a workforce of 8,495 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 82.4% (6,998 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 17.6% (1,497 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 15.7% (1,334 residents)
  • Private companies: 52.1% (4,424 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 21.4% (1,817 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.8% (920 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