Kealakekua, Hawaii Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Kealakekua, Hawaii had a total population of 1,919, the 102nd largest community in Hawaii, with a median household income of $102,772, which is 2% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 7.2%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- One of the most racially diverse communities in Hawaii (diversity index: 72/100).
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 1.0%.
Kealakekua Quick Facts
How Kealakekua 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 | 1,989 | 1,919 | -3.5% |
| Median household income | $79,332 | $102,772 | +29.5% |
| Median home value | $574,600 | $643,600 | +12.0% |
How Kealakekua 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
This community is exceptionally diverse, with no single racial or ethnic group dominating the population.
State average: 76 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Kealakekua 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 Kealakekua
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Princeville | 2,020 | $102,109 | $1,421,000 | 56.6% | 6.2% |
| Honokaa | 1,963 | $87,019 | $610,600 | 19.4% | 6.3% |
| Waimea (Kauai County) | 1,840 | $89,205 | $769,700 | 27.4% | 8.5% |
| Wheeler AFB | 2,097 | $91,667 | N/A | 33.1% | 1.4% |
| Hawi | 2,070 | $84,457 | $693,600 | 30.3% | 10.1% |
Population Overview
Kealakekua is a small community located in Hawaii, within Hawaii County. The total population is 1,919. It ranks as the 102nd most populous out of 163 Census-designated places in Hawaii.
Age Demographics
The median age in Kealakekua is 40.9 years. This is about the same as the state median of 40.9 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Kealakekua is $102,772. This is 2% higher than the state median of $100,389. It is also 27% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 7.2%. This is 28% lower than the state poverty rate of 10.0%. The unemployment rate is 1.0%. This is 79% lower than the state rate of 4.9%. The median home value is $643,600. Housing costs are 23% lower than the state median of $839,100. The home-value-to-income ratio of 6.3x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 69.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 10% higher than the state average of 63.0%.
Race & Ethnicity
Kealakekua is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 13.9%. The Black or African American population (0.1%) is well below the state average of 1.8%.
Education
32.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 11% 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 86.4%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Kealakekua, 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 Kealakekua, Hawaii?
Kealakekua, Hawaii has a population of 1,919 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Kealakekua, HI?
The median household income in Kealakekua is $102,772, which is 27% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Kealakekua, HI?
The poverty rate in Kealakekua is 7.2%. This means approximately 135 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Kealakekua, Hawaii?
Kealakekua's population is 11.6% White, 0.1% Black, 13.9% Hispanic/Latino, and 43.7% Asian.
What is the median home value in Kealakekua, HI?
The median home value in Kealakekua is $643,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.3x.
How educated is Kealakekua, Hawaii?
32.1% of adults (25+) in Kealakekua hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 9.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.