Hilo

Hilo, Hawaii Overview

Hilo faces challenges across several categories, earning a B grade (54.0/100) and ranking #18 of 20 cities in Hawaii. Even so, the city scores 70/100 in Safety — a relative bright spot compared to its Outdoor Access score of 36/100.

Income & Employment in Hilo

The median household income in Hilo is $78,713, 17% below the statewide median of $94,814.

Cost of Living in Hilo

The median home value is $455,100. Median monthly rent is $1,347. Renters spend 20.5% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline. The price-to-income ratio of 5.8x suggests home buyers face a stretched market.

Health & Wellness in Hilo

Hilo’s adult obesity rate of 25.2% is below the national average, contributing to stronger health outcomes. The diabetes prevalence rate is 12.8%. Residents report an average of 15.2 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. Hawaii ranks #9 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Hilo

Hilo has a high school graduation rate of 86%. The student-teacher ratio is 14.2:1. Local districts invest $20,056 per student, well above the national median. The city has 16 public schools serving 7,991 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate & Commute in Hilo

The annual average temperature in Hilo is 72.2°F. Summers average 73.8°F. Winters average 69.8°F. Precipitation is abundant at 83.9 inches per year. The mean commute time is 18.1 minutes, compared to 24.4 for Hawaii overall.

Frequently Asked Questions