What to know when moving to Kailua, HI
Kailua at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated ZIP where 53.4% hold a bachelor's degree and 35.6% of residents are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $131,554, supporting a comfortable lifestyle.
- The Reality Check:
- Median gross rent is $3,297, which might be steep for some budgets.
- Commute:
- Only 1.7% of residents use public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Prepare for 222 rainy days a year, so invest in quality rain gear.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Kailua has a population of about 50,985, with a median household income of $131,554, making it a relatively affluent area. The community is highly educated, with over half of the residents holding at least a bachelor's degree. With a renter percentage of 35.6%, it offers a mix of ownership and rental opportunities. However, the area sees significant rainfall, with 222 rainy days annually, so it's wise to be prepared for wet weather.
Probably not your spot if you are seeking affordable housing, as the median rent is quite high.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $3,297, reflecting the high demand for housing in the area.
- Median owner-occupied home value is $1,246,300, indicating a strong real estate market.
- Poverty rate is low at 4.8%, showcasing economic stability.
- Renter percentage is 35.6%, suggesting a balanced housing market.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Hawaii has shown positive trends in crime reduction over recent years. The violent crime rate is 201.9 per 100,000 residents, significantly lower than the national average of 325.3. Property crime is reported at 1,601.9 per 100,000 residents, which is slightly above the national rate of 1,546.9.
- Violent crime: 201.9 per 100k vs. 325.3 national, down 26.8% since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,601.9 per 100k vs. 1,546.9 national, down 38.2% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 56% since 2022, at 1.2 per 100k.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Hawaii).
Schools & Higher Ed
Kailua has access to a total of 12 postsecondary institutions nearby, offering various educational opportunities. Among these are notable schools like the University of Hawaii at Manoa and Chaminade University of Honolulu.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 12
- Institutions with College Scorecard data: 11
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Kailua experiences an annual precipitation of about 50.3 inches, with a significant number of rainy days totaling 222. The rainy season is particularly notable in spring and winter months. There are no snow days, making it a warm, tropical environment year-round.
- Kailua Beach Park: 4.8 stars, 13,098 reviews
- Koko Head District Park: 4.7 stars, 7,969 reviews
- Ala Moana Regional Park: 4.6 stars, 7,086 reviews
- Kailua Beach Adventures: 5 stars, 5,566 reviews
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Honolulu County, the unemployment rate stands at 2.1%, indicating a robust job market. The labor force comprises about 479,138 individuals, with 468,964 currently employed.
- Unemployment rate: 2.1% (December 2025)
- Employed: 468,964
- Labor force: 479,138
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.