Discovery Harbour, Hawaii Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Discovery Harbour, Hawaii had a total population of 1,079, the 121st largest community in Hawaii, with a median household income of $61,042, which is 39% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 12.0%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 39% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 7.3x the median household income.
- Unemployment rate of 10.6% is notably above the national average.
Discovery Harbour Quick Facts
How Discovery Harbour Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,198 | 1,079 | -9.9% |
| Median household income | $64,286 | $61,042 | -5.0% |
| Median home value | $431,700 | $443,500 | +2.7% |
How Discovery Harbour Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 76 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Discovery Harbour Rankings in Hawaii
Explore Hawaii Rankings
Other Cities in Hawaii County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hilo | 50,404 | $81,779 | 14.5% | $483,000 |
| Kailua (Hawaii County) | 21,818 | $88,211 | 14.3% | $667,400 |
| Hawaiian Paradise Park | 13,203 | $88,348 | 10.4% | $457,100 |
| Kaiminani | 11,465 | $110,560 | 9.8% | $772,800 |
| Waimea (Hawaii County) | 9,286 | $100,198 | 12.3% | $677,400 |
| Waikoloa Village | 7,543 | $81,703 | 12.3% | $802,600 |
| Kahaluu-Keauhou | 5,150 | $96,212 | 8.6% | $886,900 |
| Hawaiian Ocean View | 4,431 | $45,043 | 25.4% | $318,200 |
| Ainaloa | 4,094 | $58,918 | 26.7% | $228,300 |
| Hawaiian Beaches | 3,947 | $29,295 | 40.4% | $272,700 |
Cities Similar to Discovery Harbour
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honalo | 1,071 | $63,125 | $590,300 | 17.4% | 14.6% |
| Halaula | 1,033 | N/A | $573,700 | 20.5% | 14.7% |
| Wainaku | 967 | $69,205 | $536,100 | 27.7% | 10.3% |
| Fern Forest | 1,088 | $42,917 | $170,900 | 18.3% | 30.6% |
| Laupahoehoe | 916 | $63,977 | $578,300 | 24.2% | 21.9% |
Population Overview
Discovery Harbour is a small community located in Hawaii, within Hawaii County. The total population is 1,079. It ranks as the 121st most populous out of 163 Census-designated places in Hawaii.
Age Demographics
The median age in Discovery Harbour is 62.5 years. This is 53% higher than the state median of 40.9 years. Only 10.5% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children. 18.7% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Discovery Harbour is $61,042. This is 39% lower than the state median of $100,389. It is also 24% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 12.0%. This is 20% higher than the state poverty rate of 10.0%. The unemployment rate is 10.6%. This is 115% higher than the state rate of 4.9%. The median home value is $443,500. Housing costs are 47% lower than the state median of $839,100. The home-value-to-income ratio of 7.3x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 83.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 32% higher than the state average of 63.0%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Discovery Harbour is White (non-Hispanic), making up 63.7% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 8.8%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (63.7% vs 20.9%). The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (3.1% vs 1.8%). The Asian population (5.2%) is well below the state average of 36.4%.
Education
30.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 16% lower than the state rate of 36.1%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 94.2%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Discovery Harbour, Hawaii is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Hawaii state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 163 Census-designated places in Hawaii. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Discovery Harbour, Hawaii?
Discovery Harbour, Hawaii has a population of 1,079 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Discovery Harbour, HI?
The median household income in Discovery Harbour is $61,042, which is 24% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Discovery Harbour, HI?
The poverty rate in Discovery Harbour is 12.0%. This means approximately 130 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Discovery Harbour, Hawaii?
Discovery Harbour's population is 63.7% White, 3.1% Black, 8.8% Hispanic/Latino, and 5.2% Asian.
What is the median home value in Discovery Harbour, HI?
The median home value in Discovery Harbour is $443,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.3x.
How educated is Discovery Harbour, Hawaii?
30.3% of adults (25+) in Discovery Harbour hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 13.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.