Hawaii
Hawaii ranks #19 of 50 US states in 2026 with a composite score of 66.1/100 and a B grade. Its strongest category is Economy (90/100) and its weakest is Affordability (9/100).
How Does Hawaii Rank For...
Weights vary by lifestyle. Families prioritize education & safety; retirees prioritize fiscal health & healthcare. See methodology →
Top Strengths
Areas to Watch
Category Breakdown
12-Month Composite Trend
IllustrativeCities in Hawaii
| # | City | Grade | Score | Population | Income | Crime | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 | East Honolulu | A+ | 65.5 | 50,961 | $158,398 | — | — |
| 182 | Kailua CDP (Honolulu County) | A | 60.8 | 39,762 | $146,615 | — | — |
| 208 | Mililani Mauka | B+ | 59.9 | 21,967 | $139,564 | — | — |
| 230 | Wailuku | B+ | 59.3 | 15,754 | $93,958 | — | 106.3 |
| 253 | Mililani Town | B+ | 58.8 | 27,495 | $124,123 | — | — |
| 254 | Kahului | B+ | 58.8 | 27,068 | $92,062 | — | 106.3 |
| 264 | Ocean Pointe | B+ | 58.5 | 16,276 | $143,394 | — | — |
| 284 | Ewa Gentry | B+ | 57.9 | 26,738 | $131,755 | — | — |
| 288 | Pearl City | B+ | 57.8 | 45,079 | $114,682 | — | — |
| 304 | Kaneohe | B+ | 57.5 | 35,945 | $124,632 | — | — |
| 311 | Honolulu | B+ | 57.4 | 341,753 | $84,907 | 221.3 | 110.2 |
| 324 | Ewa Beach | B+ | 57.2 | 15,388 | $124,958 | — | — |
| 329 | Kapolei | B+ | 57.0 | 23,033 | $129,260 | — | — |
| 373 | Kailua CDP (Hawaii County) | B | 56.0 | 21,851 | $86,743 | — | — |
| 374 | Makakilo | B | 56.0 | 20,372 | $120,489 | — | — |
| 394 | Schofield Barracks | B | 55.4 | 16,755 | $74,695 | — | — |
| 412 | Waipahu | B | 55.0 | 39,871 | $98,633 | — | — |
| 453 | Hilo | B | 54.0 | 48,223 | $78,713 | — | — |
| 454 | Kihei | B | 54.0 | 22,564 | $87,568 | — | — |
| 566 | Wahiawa | C+ | 51.8 | 17,515 | $86,883 | — | — |
Best Cities in Hawaii for...
| # | City | Families Score | 🎓 Education | 🛡️ Safety | 🏠 Affordability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Honolulu | 57.8 | 68.3 | 77.4 | 30.4 |
| 2 | East Honolulu | 57.5 | 65.3 | 70.4 | 14.7 |
| 3 | Kahului | 57.3 | 65.5 | 70.4 | 33.7 |
| 4 | Kailua CDP (Hawaii County) | 57.3 | 65.3 | 70.4 | 32.4 |
| 5 | Hilo | 57.1 | 69.5 | 70.4 | 41.5 |
More West States
Hawaii Rankings Overview
Hawaii earns an overall grade of B with a composite score of 66.1 out of 100, ranking #19 among all 50 US states. The state's strongest category is Economy (90/100) while its biggest challenge is Affordability (9/100).
Economy & Employment in Hawaii
With an unemployment rate of 2.2% (compared to the national average of 3.8%), Hawaii performs above average on economic indicators. The median household income is $94,814, which ranks above the national median of $74,753.
Safety & Crime in Hawaii
Hawaii's violent crime rate of 272 per 100,000 residents places it in the top half of states for public safety.
Health & Education in Hawaii
Hawaii ranks #9 for health outcomes according to the 2025 America's Health Rankings report, and #18 for K-12 education quality based on NAEP scores and graduation rates. Life expectancy in Hawaii is 82.3 years, and the high school graduation rate is 86%.
Taxes & Fiscal Health in Hawaii
Hawaii's total tax burden is 13.92% of personal income, which is above the national average of 8.74%. The top marginal income tax rate is 11%. The effective property tax rate is 0.27% and the combined state and local sales tax rate is 4.5%.
Housing & Affordability in Hawaii
The median home price in Hawaii is $743,000, compared to the national average of $394,620. The cost of living index is 109 (where 100 equals the national average), placing it among the more expensive states. The price-to-income ratio is 7.8x.
Environment in Hawaii
Hawaii has a median air quality index of 24 (EPA AirData), better than the national average. 30% of the state's electricity comes from renewable sources, an above-average share. The FEMA natural disaster risk score is 54 (above average risk).
Growth & Migration in Hawaii
Hawaii's population growth rate is -0.1% year over year. The net domestic migration rate is -6.5 per 1,000 residents, indicating significant outward migration. 93.7% of households have broadband internet access.
Best Cities in Hawaii
The top-ranked cities in Hawaii based on our composite scoring are East Honolulu, Kailua CDP (Honolulu County), and Mililani Mauka. These cities score highest across economy, safety, health, and affordability metrics among the cities we track in Hawaii.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hawaii's overall ranking?
Hawaii ranks #19 out of 50 states with a composite score of 66.1/100 and a grade of B.
Is Hawaii a good place to live?
Hawaii ranks among the top-performing states in America with a composite score of 66.1/100. Its strengths in areas like economic opportunity and public safety make it an attractive place to live for many residents.
What is the crime rate in Hawaii?
The violent crime rate in Hawaii is 272 per 100,000 residents (2024 FBI data), compared to the national average of 350 per 100,000.
How does Hawaii's economy compare?
Hawaii's median household income is $94,814 with an unemployment rate of 2.2%. The unemployment rate is below the national average of 3.8%, and the median income is above the national median of $74,753.
What are the best cities in Hawaii?
Based on our composite scoring, the top-ranked cities in Hawaii are East Honolulu, Kailua CDP (Honolulu County), and Mililani Mauka.
How does Hawaii rank for families?
Hawaii ranks #24 of 50 states for families with a score of 65/100. This is a mid-tier ranking based on weights emphasizing education, safety, housing.
How does Hawaii rank for retirees?
Hawaii ranks #30 of 50 states for retirees with a score of 56.6/100. This is a lower-tier ranking based on weights emphasizing health, fiscal, housing.
How does Hawaii rank for remote workers?
Hawaii ranks #40 of 50 states for remote workers with a score of 48.8/100. This is a lower-tier ranking based on weights emphasizing housing, economy, outdoor.