Wailua CDP, Hawaii Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Wailua CDP, Hawaii has a total population of 2,544, the 89th largest city in Hawaii, with a median household income of $68,548, which is 30% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 20.5%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 30% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 10.2x the median household income.
- One of the most racially diverse communities in Hawaii (diversity index: 70/100).
- Unemployment rate of 8.8% is notably above the national average.
Wailua CDP Quick Facts
How Wailua CDP Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
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: 67 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Wailua CDP Rankings in Hawaii
Explore Hawaii Rankings
Cities Similar to Wailua CDP
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honaunau-Napoopoo CDP | 2,554 | $75,884 | $724,200 | 41.0% | 10.4% |
| Kahuku CDP | 2,425 | $73,214 | $769,100 | 29.0% | 11.4% |
| Koloa CDP | 2,327 | $76,316 | $873,900 | 26.0% | 7.2% |
| Honokaa CDP | 2,353 | $85,556 | $551,800 | 17.9% | 5.3% |
| Kualapuu CDP | 2,357 | $52,500 | $258,900 | 20.0% | 17.6% |
Population Overview
Wailua CDP is a small community located in Hawaii. The total population is 2,544. It ranks as the 89th most populous out of 163 cities and towns in Hawaii.
Age Demographics
The median age in Wailua CDP is 45.8 years. This is 13% higher than the state median of 40.6 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Wailua CDP is $68,548. This is 30% lower than the state median of $98,317. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 13% lower. The poverty rate stands at 20.5%. This is 105% 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 8.8%. This is 74% higher than the state rate of 5.0%. The median home value is $697,300. Housing costs are 14% lower than the state median of $808,200. The home-value-to-income ratio of 10.2x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 58.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 6% lower than the state average of 62.5%.
Race & Ethnicity
Wailua CDP is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 23.0%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (38.3% vs 21.1%). The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (23.0% vs 9.8%).
Education
26.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 26% lower than the state rate of 35.5%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 92.6%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Wailua CDP, Hawaii is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. 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. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
Free data download: Get all Hawaii city and county demographics as CSV. Download Cities CSV | Download Counties CSV
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Wailua CDP, Hawaii?
Wailua CDP, Hawaii has a population of 2,544 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Wailua CDP, HI?
The median household income in Wailua CDP is $68,548, which is 13% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Wailua CDP, HI?
The poverty rate in Wailua CDP is 20.5%. This means approximately 521 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Wailua CDP, Hawaii?
Wailua CDP's population is 38.3% White, 1.1% Black, 23.0% Hispanic/Latino, and 19.4% Asian.
What is the median home value in Wailua CDP, HI?
The median home value in Wailua CDP is $697,300. The home-value-to-income ratio is 10.2x.
How educated is Wailua CDP, Hawaii?
26.3% of adults (25+) in Wailua CDP hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 8.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.