Makaha, Hawaii Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Makaha, Hawaii had a total population of 10,066, the 34th largest community in Hawaii, with a median household income of $64,970, which is 35% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 25.0%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 35% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- One of the most racially diverse communities in Hawaii (diversity index: 79/100).
- Unemployment rate of 10.0% is notably above the national average.
Makaha Quick Facts
How Makaha 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 | 9,898 | 10,066 | +1.7% |
| Median household income | $63,291 | $64,970 | +2.7% |
| Median home value | $416,100 | $394,000 | -5.3% |
How Makaha 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+)
Makaha Rankings in Hawaii
Explore Hawaii Rankings
Other Cities in Honolulu County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Honolulu | 345,482 | $86,504 | 11.9% | $843,400 |
| East Honolulu | 51,360 | $159,518 | 5.3% | $1,212,000 |
| Pearl City | 44,547 | $118,112 | 5.8% | $901,500 |
| Waipahu | 40,482 | $103,895 | 12.0% | $868,600 |
| Kailua (Honolulu County) | 39,640 | $148,582 | 4.0% | $1,353,700 |
| Kaneohe | 37,355 | $125,613 | 9.7% | $1,029,700 |
| Mililani Town | 27,668 | $127,363 | 3.2% | $923,900 |
| Ewa Gentry | 26,563 | $135,684 | 2.9% | $816,000 |
| Kapolei | 22,232 | $128,324 | 6.3% | $744,200 |
| Mililani Mauka | 21,278 | $138,942 | 3.3% | $988,100 |
Cities Similar to Makaha
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kaneohe Base | 10,919 | $69,418 | $352,000 | 39.0% | 10.0% |
| Lahaina | 10,162 | $88,889 | $881,700 | 26.4% | 11.5% |
| Kapaa | 11,094 | $89,477 | $861,300 | 29.7% | 7.5% |
| Waimea (Hawaii County) | 9,286 | $100,198 | $677,400 | 41.6% | 12.3% |
| Haiku-Pauwela | 9,178 | $101,396 | $1,093,800 | 33.7% | 8.3% |
Population Overview
Makaha is a small city located in Hawaii, within Honolulu County. The total population is 10,066. It ranks as the 34th most populous out of 163 Census-designated places in Hawaii.
Age Demographics
The median age in Makaha is 37.9 years. This is 7% lower than the state median of 40.9 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Makaha is $64,970. This is 35% lower than the state median of $100,389. It is also 20% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 25.0%. This is 149% higher than the state poverty rate of 10.0%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 10.0%. This is 103% higher than the state rate of 4.9%. The median home value is $394,000. Housing costs are 53% lower than the state median of $839,100. The home-value-to-income ratio of 6.1x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 46.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 26% lower than the state average of 63.0%.
Race & Ethnicity
Makaha is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 12.6%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (3.0% vs 1.8%). The Asian population (8.8%) is well below the state average of 36.4%.
Education
19.7% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 45% 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 86.8%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Makaha, 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 Makaha, Hawaii?
Makaha, Hawaii has a population of 10,066 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Makaha, HI?
The median household income in Makaha is $64,970, which is 20% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Makaha, HI?
The poverty rate in Makaha is 25.0%. This means approximately 2,476 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Makaha, Hawaii?
Makaha's population is 20.7% White, 3.0% Black, 12.6% Hispanic/Latino, and 8.8% Asian.
What is the median home value in Makaha, HI?
The median home value in Makaha is $394,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.1x.
How educated is Makaha, Hawaii?
19.7% of adults (25+) in Makaha hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 8.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.