Lihue, Hawaii Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Lihue, Hawaii had a total population of 7,901, the 41st largest community in Hawaii, with a median household income of $92,850, which is 8% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 6.3%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 9.5x the median household income.
- One of the most racially diverse communities in Hawaii (diversity index: 75/100).
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 0.7%.
Lihue Quick Facts
How Lihue 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 | 7,847 | 7,901 | +0.7% |
| Median household income | $77,420 | $92,850 | +19.9% |
| Median home value | $843,900 | $878,500 | +4.1% |
How Lihue 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+)
Lihue Rankings in Hawaii
Explore Hawaii Rankings
Other Cities in Kauai County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kapaa | 11,094 | $89,477 | 7.5% | $861,300 |
| Wailua Homesteads | 5,431 | $89,717 | 9.9% | $943,400 |
| Hanamaulu | 4,972 | $82,358 | 6.2% | $687,500 |
| Kalaheo | 4,435 | $110,607 | 11.4% | $956,900 |
| Puhi | 4,362 | $137,292 | 8.6% | $701,400 |
| Kekaha | 3,768 | $84,375 | 18.9% | $682,900 |
| Kilauea | 3,146 | $91,984 | 18.5% | $1,087,400 |
| Anahola | 3,067 | $100,688 | 10.3% | $530,100 |
| Koloa | 2,907 | $77,868 | 7.1% | $927,300 |
| Lawai | 2,718 | $104,286 | 9.9% | $849,800 |
Cities Similar to Lihue
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ewa Villages | 7,415 | $88,813 | $867,600 | 19.1% | 15.3% |
| Makawao | 7,353 | $96,444 | $888,000 | 28.3% | 10.2% |
| Waikoloa Village | 7,543 | $81,703 | $802,600 | 31.4% | 12.3% |
| Napili-Honokowai | 7,308 | $105,565 | $878,900 | 26.9% | 8.1% |
| Pukalani | 8,679 | $102,976 | $973,700 | 35.6% | 10.6% |
Population Overview
Lihue is a small city located in Hawaii, within Kauai County. The total population is 7,901. It ranks as the 41st most populous out of 163 Census-designated places in Hawaii.
Age Demographics
The median age in Lihue is 42.3 years. This is 3% higher than the state median of 40.9 years. 14.0% 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 Lihue is $92,850. This is 8% lower than the state median of $100,389. It is also 15% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 6.3%. This is 37% lower than the state poverty rate of 10.0%. The unemployment rate is 0.7%. This is 86% lower than the state rate of 4.9%. The median home value is $878,500. Housing costs are 5% higher than the state median of $839,100. The home-value-to-income ratio of 9.5x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 63.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 1% higher than the state average of 63.0%.
Race & Ethnicity
Lihue is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 18.8%.
Education
41.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 13% higher 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 95.2%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Lihue, 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 Lihue, Hawaii?
Lihue, Hawaii has a population of 7,901 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Lihue, HI?
The median household income in Lihue is $92,850, which is 15% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Lihue, HI?
The poverty rate in Lihue is 6.3%. This means approximately 490 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Lihue, Hawaii?
Lihue's population is 18.8% White, 2.5% Black, 10.3% Hispanic/Latino, and 40.7% Asian.
What is the median home value in Lihue, HI?
The median home value in Lihue is $878,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 9.5x.
How educated is Lihue, Hawaii?
41.0% of adults (25+) in Lihue hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 14.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.