Pahoa, Hawaii Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Pahoa, Hawaii had a total population of 1,361, the 113th largest community in Hawaii, with a median household income of $56,042, which is 44% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 34.7%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 44% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (34.7%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
- One of the most racially diverse communities in Hawaii (diversity index: 77/100).
Pahoa Quick Facts
How Pahoa 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 | 1,430 | 1,361 | -4.8% |
| Median household income | $55,903 | $56,042 | +0.2% |
| Median home value | $312,500 | $375,900 | +20.3% |
How Pahoa 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+)
Pahoa 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 Pahoa
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Papaikou | 1,332 | $79,079 | $434,300 | 19.1% | 10.9% |
| Fern Acres | 1,480 | $40,400 | $319,800 | 24.1% | 27.4% |
| Keaau | 1,436 | $85,000 | $332,900 | 17.3% | 11.5% |
| Discovery Harbour | 1,079 | $61,042 | $443,500 | 30.3% | 12.0% |
| Halaula | 1,033 | N/A | $573,700 | 20.5% | 14.7% |
Population Overview
Pahoa is a small community located in Hawaii, within Hawaii County. The total population is 1,361. It ranks as the 113th most populous out of 163 Census-designated places in Hawaii.
Age Demographics
The median age in Pahoa is 41.1 years. This is about the same as the state median of 40.9 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Pahoa is $56,042. This is 44% lower than the state median of $100,389. It is also 31% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 34.7%. This is 245% 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 7.5%. This is 53% higher than the state rate of 4.9%. The median home value is $375,900. Housing costs are 55% lower than the state median of $839,100. The home-value-to-income ratio of 6.7x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 77.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 23% higher than the state average of 63.0%.
Race & Ethnicity
Pahoa is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 26.5%. The Black or African American population (0.3%) is well below the state average of 1.8%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (15.6% vs 9.9%).
Education
17.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 53% 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 88.1%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Pahoa, 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 Pahoa, Hawaii?
Pahoa, Hawaii has a population of 1,361 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Pahoa, HI?
The median household income in Pahoa is $56,042, which is 31% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Pahoa, HI?
The poverty rate in Pahoa is 34.7%. This means approximately 447 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Pahoa, Hawaii?
Pahoa's population is 26.5% White, 0.3% Black, 15.6% Hispanic/Latino, and 33.9% Asian.
What is the median home value in Pahoa, HI?
The median home value in Pahoa is $375,900. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.7x.
How educated is Pahoa, Hawaii?
17.1% of adults (25+) in Pahoa hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 2.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.