What to know when moving to Hilo, HI
Hilo at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 34% of residents are renters and 33.7% hold a bachelor's degree.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income of $78,537 supports a comfortable lifestyle.
- The Reality Check:
- Expect a median gross rent of $1,346 and a poverty rate of 13.8%.
- Commute:
- Only 0.7% use public transit, so plan on driving.
- Top Tip:
- Prepare for about 80.7 inches of rain annually.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Hilo has a population of around 50,971, with a median household income of $78,537, which provides a decent standard of living. The community is moderately educated, with 33.7% of residents holding a bachelor's degree. Housing costs are reasonable, with a median gross rent of $1,346 and 34% of residents renting. However, with only 0.7% using public transit, it is a car-dependent area.
Probably not your spot if: you prefer a robust public transit system.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,346, which is manageable for the income level here.
- Median owner-occupied home value is $458,100, indicating a moderate housing market.
- 33.7% of residents have a bachelor's degree, reflecting a fairly educated community.
- The poverty rate is 13.8%, which suggests some economic challenges.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime data for Hawaii shows a downward trend in both violent and property crime rates.
- Violent crime: 201.9 per 100k, which is 37.9% lower than the national rate of 325.3.
- Property crime: 1,601.9 per 100k, slightly above the national rate of 1,546.9, but down 38.2% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicides have decreased by 56% since 2022, with a rate of just 1.2 per 100k.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Hawaii).
Schools & Higher Ed
Hilo has access to two postsecondary institutions, providing educational opportunities for residents.
- Hawaii Community College
- University of Hawaii at Hilo
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Hilo experiences significant rainfall, averaging about 80.7 inches annually with 210 rainy days. The climate is lush and supports various outdoor activities.
- Akaka Falls State Park - 4.6 stars (8,383 reviews)
- Wailuku River State Park - 4.6 stars (4,401 reviews)
- Richardson Ocean Park - 4.7 stars (3,062 reviews)
- Kaumana Caves - 4.7 stars (2,467 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
Hawaii County, which includes Hilo, has a labor force of 91,574 with an unemployment rate of just 2.5% as of December 2025.
- Unemployment rate: 2.5% as of December 2025
- Employment: 89,258 individuals
- Labor force: 91,574 individuals
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.