What to know when moving to Lihue, HI
TL;DR: Lihue at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community with 28.7% of residents holding a bachelor's degree and 33.6% renting.
- The Major Draw:
- The median household income is $96,434, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle.
- The Reality Check:
- The median gross rent is $1,904, which can be high for some budgets.
- Commute:
- Only 0.6% use public transit, so plan on a car.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,904/mo rent to find a suitable place.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Lihue is home to a population of 16,924, with a median household income of $96,434. The community has a mix of homeowners and renters, with 33.6% of residents renting their homes. While education is valued, with 28.7% of residents holding a bachelor's degree, the local job market might not be as robust as larger cities, given the low public transit usage.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for a vibrant public transportation system or very affordable housing.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- The median gross rent is $1,904, which could stretch your budget if you are looking for affordable options.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $751,800, reflecting a high cost of homeownership.
- The population is 16,924, with a poverty rate of 7.2%, indicating a relatively stable economic environment.
- With 33.6% of residents renting, the community has a significant portion of renters.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Hawaii's crime rates show a declining trend in both property and violent crimes over the past few years.
- Violent crime: The state annual rate is 201.9 per 100k, which is lower than the national rate of 325.3 per 100k, down 26.8% since 2022.
- Property crime: The state annual rate is 1,601.9 per 100k, slightly above the national rate of 1,546.9 per 100k, but has decreased by 38.2% since 2022.
- Notable trend: The homicide rate has significantly decreased by 56% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Hawaii).
Schools & Higher Ed
For those considering education options in the area, Lihue has access to local institutions.
- Postsecondary institutions: 1
- With College Scorecard data: 1
- Kauai Community College is located in Lihue.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES, College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Lihue experiences significant rainfall, averaging 73.5 inches annually with 246 rainy days. This means you might want to invest in some quality rain gear.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Spouting Horn Park - 4.5 stars (3,907 reviews)
- Lydgate Beach Park - 4.7 stars (3,087 reviews)
- Wailua River State Park - 4.7 stars (2,781 reviews)
- Poipu Beach Park - 4.8 stars (1,430 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
The job market in Kauai County shows a stable environment for employment.
- Unemployment rate: 2.2% as of December 2025.
- Employed: 36,461 individuals.
- Labor force: 37,278 individuals.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.