What to know when moving to Waipahu, HI
TL;DR: Waipahu at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community with 24.6% of residents holding a bachelor's degree and 32.1% renting.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $110,036, providing a solid financial base.
- The Reality Check:
- Median gross rent is $1,981, which is significant in this area.
- Commute:
- 8.3% of residents use public transit for their daily commute.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,981/mo rent to find a suitable place.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Waipahu has a population of 72,717, with a diverse community makeup. The median household income of $110,036 reflects a stable economic environment, while 32.1% of residents are renters, indicating a significant rental market. The education level is reasonably high with 24.6% of residents holding a bachelor's degree, which may appeal to those valuing education.
Probably not your spot if you're looking for a low rental cost, as the median gross rent is $1,981.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,981, which is a key factor for renters.
- Median owner-occupied home value is $798,600, indicating a higher cost for homebuyers.
- 24.6% of the population holds a bachelor's degree, contributing to a more educated community.
- Poverty rate stands at 8.5%, which is relatively low.
- 8.3% of residents utilize public transit, reflecting some reliance on cars for commuting.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Hawaii has a state-level annualized crime rate that shows positive trends over the years.
- Violent crime rate is 201.9 per 100,000, significantly lower than the national rate of 325.3.
- Property crime rate is 1,601.9 per 100,000, slightly above the national average of 1,546.9.
- Notably, the homicide rate has decreased by 56% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Hawaii).
Schools & Higher Ed
Waipahu has access to a range of educational institutions in the nearby area.
- There are 11 postsecondary institutions available in Honolulu County.
- All listed institutions are located in the nearby region, providing various options for higher education.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Honolulu County experiences significant rainfall, with an annual total of 50.3 inches spread over 222 rainy days. This makes it essential to prepare for wet weather throughout the year.
- Ahupua'a 'O Kahana State Park - 4.7 stars, 1,373 reviews
- Patsy T. Mink Central O'ahu Regional Park - 4.5 stars, 1,282 reviews
- Coral Crater Adventure Park - 4.9 stars, 3,994 reviews
- USS Missouri (BB-63) - Battleship Museum - 4.8 stars, 14,215 reviews
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Honolulu County, the job market is showing a stable outlook.
- Unemployment rate is 2.1% as of December 2025.
- There are 468,964 employed individuals in the county.
- The total labor force consists of 479,138 people.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.