Wailua Homesteads, Hawaii Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Wailua Homesteads, Hawaii had a total population of 5,431, the 54th largest community in Hawaii, with a median household income of $89,717, which is 11% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 9.9%.
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 10.5x the median household income.
Wailua Homesteads Quick Facts
How Wailua Homesteads 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 | 7,136 | 5,431 | -23.9% |
| Median household income | $94,900 | $89,717 | -5.5% |
| Median home value | $898,300 | $943,400 | +5.0% |
How Wailua Homesteads 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
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 76 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Wailua Homesteads 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 |
| Lihue | 7,901 | $92,850 | 6.3% | $878,500 |
| 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 Wailua Homesteads
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waipio Acres | 5,332 | $94,861 | $753,900 | 26.9% | 6.6% |
| Kahaluu-Keauhou | 5,150 | $96,212 | $886,900 | 46.9% | 8.6% |
| Hanamaulu | 4,972 | $82,358 | $687,500 | 17.0% | 6.2% |
| Haleiwa | 4,948 | $97,780 | $1,091,700 | 21.3% | 9.7% |
| Iroquois Point | 5,158 | $109,561 | N/A | 38.8% | 14.9% |
Population Overview
Wailua Homesteads is a small city located in Hawaii, within Kauai County. The total population is 5,431. It ranks as the 54th most populous out of 163 Census-designated places in Hawaii.
Age Demographics
The median age in Wailua Homesteads is 49.3 years. This is 21% higher than the state median of 40.9 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Wailua Homesteads is $89,717. This is 11% lower than the state median of $100,389. It is also 11% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 9.9%. This is 1% lower than the state poverty rate of 10.0%. The unemployment rate is 3.8%. This is 23% lower than the state rate of 4.9%. The median home value is $943,400. Housing costs are 12% higher than the state median of $839,100. The home-value-to-income ratio of 10.5x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 72.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 14% higher than the state average of 63.0%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Wailua Homesteads is White (non-Hispanic), making up 46.8% of the population. Asian residents account for 24.1%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (46.8% vs 20.9%).
Education
37.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 3% 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 92.1%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Wailua Homesteads, 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 Wailua Homesteads, Hawaii?
Wailua Homesteads, Hawaii has a population of 5,431 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Wailua Homesteads, HI?
The median household income in Wailua Homesteads is $89,717, which is 11% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Wailua Homesteads, HI?
The poverty rate in Wailua Homesteads is 9.9%. This means approximately 528 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Wailua Homesteads, Hawaii?
Wailua Homesteads's population is 46.8% White, 0.0% Black, 9.5% Hispanic/Latino, and 24.1% Asian.
What is the median home value in Wailua Homesteads, HI?
The median home value in Wailua Homesteads is $943,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 10.5x.
How educated is Wailua Homesteads, Hawaii?
37.2% of adults (25+) in Wailua Homesteads hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 8.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.