Wailuku, Hawaii Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Wailuku, Hawaii had a total population of 16,926, the 18th largest community in Hawaii, with a median household income of $102,942, which is 3% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 4.6%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- An exceptionally low poverty rate of 4.6% — among the lowest in Hawaii.
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 8.3x the median household income.
- One of the most racially diverse communities in Hawaii (diversity index: 76/100).
Wailuku Quick Facts
How Wailuku 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 | 15,754 | 16,926 | +7.4% |
| Median household income | $93,958 | $102,942 | +9.6% |
| Median home value | $781,700 | $855,700 | +9.5% |
How Wailuku 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+)
Wailuku 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 |
| 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 |
| Wailea | 6,352 | $90,000 | 14.0% | $1,534,800 |
Cities Similar to Wailuku
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wahiawa | 17,996 | $87,143 | $806,200 | 22.1% | 16.3% |
| Schofield Barracks | 16,270 | $80,388 | N/A | 31.9% | 2.6% |
| Ocean Pointe | 17,085 | $149,767 | $900,200 | 50.6% | 2.1% |
| Halawa | 14,385 | $110,400 | $1,051,900 | 31.3% | 9.3% |
| Ewa Beach | 14,376 | $124,323 | $748,800 | 21.9% | 4.9% |
Population Overview
Wailuku is a small city located in Hawaii, within Maui County. The total population is 16,926. It ranks as the 18th most populous out of 163 Census-designated places in Hawaii.
Age Demographics
The median age in Wailuku is 43.8 years. This is 7% higher than the state median of 40.9 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Wailuku is $102,942. This is 3% higher than the state median of $100,389. It is also 28% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 4.6%. This is 54% lower than the state poverty rate of 10.0%. This exceptionally low poverty rate indicates strong economic prosperity across the community. The unemployment rate is 3.1%. This is 37% lower than the state rate of 4.9%. The median home value is $855,700. Housing costs are 2% higher than the state median of $839,100. The home-value-to-income ratio of 8.3x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 70.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 12% higher than the state average of 63.0%.
Race & Ethnicity
Wailuku is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 20.9%.
Education
36.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is about the same as 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 93.9%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Wailuku, 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 Wailuku, Hawaii?
Wailuku, Hawaii has a population of 16,926 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Wailuku, HI?
The median household income in Wailuku is $102,942, which is 28% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Wailuku, HI?
The poverty rate in Wailuku is 4.6%. This means approximately 779 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Wailuku, Hawaii?
Wailuku's population is 20.9% White, 1.0% Black, 7.7% Hispanic/Latino, and 33.4% Asian.
What is the median home value in Wailuku, HI?
The median home value in Wailuku is $855,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.3x.
How educated is Wailuku, Hawaii?
36.1% of adults (25+) in Wailuku hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 12.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.