Living in Puako, Hawaii
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Puako · Census data 2020–2024
Puako has 259 residents with a median age of 66.4. The median household income is $122,813 (22% higher than the Hawaii median), the median home value is $1,267,900, the median rent is $1,813/month.
Puako is a small town, so Census survey estimates have wide margins of error. Treat percentages as approximate.
Puako at a glance
- Population
- 259
- Median age
- 66.4State: 40.9
- Median household income
- $122,813State: $100,389
- Median home value
- $1,267,900State: $839,100
- Median rent
- $1,813/moState: $1,971
- Homeowners
- 69.8%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 53.7%
- Average commute
- 25 min
Is Puako a good place to live?
Pros: Median household income 22% higher than the Hawaii median; an average commute of 25 minutes.
Cons: Home values 51% higher than the state median; unemployment of 16.3%; a poverty rate of 11.6%.
The weather is best in January to April.
Cost of living in Puako
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Puako the median home value is $1,267,900, 281% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,813 per month, which is 29.4% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $4,001 a month in housing costs.
Puako median household income
The median household income in Puako is $122,813 and the income per person is $93,196. 11.6% of residents live below the poverty line (Hawaii: 10%).
Housing in Puako: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 270
- Owner-occupied
- 69.8%
- Renter-occupied
- 30.2%
- Vacant
- 48.5%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1982
- Average household size
- 1.86
48.5% of homes are vacant most of the year, a sign that Puako has many vacation and second homes.
Puako demographics
- Population
- 259
- Median age
- 66.4
- Under 18
- 7.3%
- 65 and older
- 53.7%
- Households
- 139
- Foreign-born
- 6.6%
- Veterans
- 13.3%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Puako ›
Education in Puako
53.7% of adults 25 and older in Puako have a bachelor's degree or higher (Hawaii: 36.1%), and 21.6% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Puako
- Unemployment rate
- 16.3%State: 4.9%
- Average commute
- 25 minState: 26 min
- Work from home
- 31.7%
- Drive alone
- 61%
- Public transit
- 0%
- Walk to work
- 0%
- Homes with broadband
- 95.7%
Puako vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puako | 259 | $122,813 | $1,267,900 | $1,813 |
| Waikoloa Beach Resort | 656 | $101,818 | $1,365,700 | $3,501 |
| Waikoloa Village | 7,543 | $81,703 | $802,600 | $2,177 |
| Waimea | 9,286 | $100,198 | $677,400 | $1,867 |
| Kaiminani | 11,465 | $110,560 | $772,800 | $1,202 |
| Kaloko | 1,432 | $103,654 | $1,308,600 | $1,758 |
| Hawi | 2,070 | $84,457 | $693,600 | $2,156 |
| Kapaau | 2,224 | $83,750 | $660,900 | $1,894 |
| Holualoa | 3,434 | $115,972 | $1,115,600 | $2,041 |
More for people moving to Puako
Puako ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Puako: FAQ
What is the median household income in Puako, HI?
The median household income in Puako is $122,813, 22% higher than the Hawaii median of $100,389 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Puako?
The median home value in Puako is $1,267,900, compared with $839,100 in Hawaii.
How much is rent in Puako?
The median gross rent in Puako is $1,813 per month, about 29.4% of household income.
Is Puako, HI a good place to live?
Pluses: median household income 22% higher than the Hawaii median; an average commute of 25 minutes. Minuses: home values 51% higher than the state median; unemployment of 16.3%; a poverty rate of 11.6%.
What is the median age in Puako?
The median age in Puako is 66.4 years (Hawaii: 40.9).
How long is the commute in Puako?
The average commute to work in Puako is 25 minutes; 31.7% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Puako?
The unemployment rate in Puako is 16.3% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Puako?
53.7% of adults in Puako have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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