Paia, Hawaii Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Paia, Hawaii had a total population of 2,512, the 93rd largest community in Hawaii, with a median household income of $100,559, which is about the same as the state average. The poverty rate is 17.1%.
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 10.0x the median household income.
- One of the most racially diverse communities in Hawaii (diversity index: 76/100).
- Unemployment rate of 10.7% is notably above the national average.
Paia Quick Facts
How Paia 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 | 2,629 | 2,512 | -4.5% |
| Median household income | $120,735 | $100,559 | -16.7% |
| Median home value | $881,100 | $1,003,400 | +13.9% |
How Paia 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+)
Paia Rankings in Hawaii
Explore Hawaii Rankings
Other Cities in Maui County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kahului | 28,288 | $98,077 | 8.7% | $862,600 |
| Kihei | 21,567 | $87,772 | 7.4% | $919,900 |
| Wailuku | 16,926 | $102,942 | 4.6% | $855,700 |
| Waihee-Waiehu | 10,988 | $126,735 | 6.0% | $777,000 |
| Lahaina | 10,162 | $88,889 | 11.5% | $881,700 |
| Haiku-Pauwela | 9,178 | $101,396 | 8.3% | $1,093,800 |
| Pukalani | 8,679 | $102,976 | 10.6% | $973,700 |
| Makawao | 7,353 | $96,444 | 10.2% | $888,000 |
| Napili-Honokowai | 7,308 | $105,565 | 8.1% | $878,900 |
| Kula | 6,791 | $100,433 | 12.3% | $1,127,700 |
Cities Similar to Paia
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hanapepe | 2,638 | $100,000 | $715,700 | 18.2% | 3.2% |
| Honaunau-Napoopoo | 2,629 | $93,929 | $836,100 | 37.0% | 7.8% |
| Eleele | 2,522 | $118,438 | $777,200 | 17.8% | 6.1% |
| Lawai | 2,718 | $104,286 | $849,800 | 38.0% | 9.9% |
| Helemano | 2,691 | $83,197 | N/A | 23.5% | 12.4% |
Population Overview
Paia is a small community located in Hawaii, within Maui County. The total population is 2,512. It ranks as the 93rd most populous out of 163 Census-designated places in Hawaii.
Age Demographics
The median age in Paia is 37.8 years. This is 8% lower than the state median of 40.9 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Paia is $100,559. This is about the same as the state median of $100,389. It is also 25% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 17.1%. This is 71% higher than the state poverty rate of 10.0%. The unemployment rate is 10.7%. This is 118% higher than the state rate of 4.9%. The median home value is $1,003,400. Housing costs are 20% higher than the state median of $839,100. The home-value-to-income ratio of 10.0x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 59.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 6% lower than the state average of 63.0%.
Race & Ethnicity
Paia is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Asian residents account for 17.1%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (38.4% vs 20.9%). The Black or African American population (0.1%) is well below the state average of 1.8%. The Asian population (17.1%) is well below the state average of 36.4%.
Education
39.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 10% 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 90.7%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Paia, 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 Paia, Hawaii?
Paia, Hawaii has a population of 2,512 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Paia, HI?
The median household income in Paia is $100,559, which is 25% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Paia, HI?
The poverty rate in Paia is 17.1%. This means approximately 430 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Paia, Hawaii?
Paia's population is 38.4% White, 0.1% Black, 12.7% Hispanic/Latino, and 17.1% Asian.
What is the median home value in Paia, HI?
The median home value in Paia is $1,003,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 10.0x.
How educated is Paia, Hawaii?
39.9% of adults (25+) in Paia hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 13.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.