HawaiiPop. 345,482Big cities
Is Honolulu a Good Place to Live? Honolulu, Hawaii: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Honolulu ranks #417 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #12 of 53 big cities and #11 of 20 in Hawaii. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.3%, #1 of 53) and low poverty (11.9%, #14 of 53), and trails on expensive homes ($843,400, #51 of 53) and high living costs (111, #44 of 53).
Honolulu by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Honolulu's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
No crime figure is shown for Honolulu: its police agency covers a much larger area. See Is Honolulu safe?
What is the cost of living in Honolulu?
Honolulu's cost of living index is 111, 11% above the US level of 100 and #1117 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,823/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $776,861, 7% below the typical Hawaii home ($833,340).
| Measure | Honolulu | HawaiiHI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.9 · US 100 | 111#1117 of 1,308 | 110 | 100.9 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $402,439 · US $368,697 | $776,861#1040 of 1,187 | $833,340 | $402,439 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,742/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,733/mo#970 of 1,115 | — | $1,742/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $378,400 | $843,400#1209 of 1,309 | — | $378,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,528/mo | $1,823/mo#981 of 1,309 | — | $1,528/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 9.7x#1277 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.1% | 25.3%#1030 of 1,309 | — | 23.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Hawaii is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Honolulu housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Honolulu is in the Urban Honolulu, HI metro.
Hawaii housing market →Is Honolulu safe?
Honolulu Police Department serves 987,000 people across a larger area than Honolulu (population 345,482), so its rate is not a Honolulu rate and we don't rank Honolulu on safety. Hawaii as a whole records 205 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What do people earn in Honolulu?
The median household in Honolulu earns $86,504, 4% above the US figure of $83,163 and 14% below Hawaii ($100,745). Unemployment is 2.3% (US 4.3%). 11.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Honolulu | HawaiiHI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $78,050 · US $83,163 | $86,504#514 of 1,312 | $100,745 | $78,050 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.1% · US 4.3% | 2.3%#15 of 1,058 | 2.4% | 4.1% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 14.8% | 11.9%#645 of 1,312 | — | 14.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.2%#794 of 1,132 | -0.2% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Hawaii is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Honolulu?
The median resident of Honolulu is 43 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 41.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #430 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 48.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Honolulu | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.3 | 43 | 35.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 39.5% | 41.5%#430 of 1,312 | 39.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 52.9% | 48.9% | 52.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Honolulu's schools and health?
Honolulu's 64 public schools graduate 86% of students in four years (Hawaii 86%), with 14.5 students per teacher and $20,056 spent per pupil. 24.3% of adults are obese and 13.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.8% and 11.8%.
| Measure | Honolulu | HawaiiHI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 84.7% | 86%#647 of 1,063 | 86% | 84.7% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 15.9 | 14.5#379 of 1,188 | — | 15.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,888 | $20,056#194 of 1,188 | — | $14,888 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.8% | 24.3%#115 of 1,311 | — | 33.8% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.8% | 13.2%#979 of 1,311 | — | 11.8% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.4% | 13.8%#117 of 1,311 | — | 17.4% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 5.2%#82 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Hawaii is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 33,137 students are enrolled in Honolulu's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Honolulu?
The average commute in Honolulu is 21.9 minutes (Hawaii 26.7); 7.3% of workers take transit and 9.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Honolulu scores 13.5 of 20 (above average walkable), #243 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 81.4°F and winters 74.3°F, with 16.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Honolulu | HawaiiHI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 23 min | 21.9 min#492 of 1,312 | 26.7 min | 23 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 4%#391 of 1,312 | 8.5% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 67.4% | 55.1% | 65.1% | 67.4% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 7.3% | 4.3% | 1.4% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.9% | 8.1% | 4.4% | 1.9% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.4% | 1.8% | 0.9% | 0.4% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 14.3% | 9.8% | 8.9% | 14.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 13.5#243 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Hawaii is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 80.5 | 66.8 | 1.8 |
| Feb | 80.5 | 67.1 | 1.9 |
| Mar | 81.2 | 68.1 | 2.4 |
| Apr | 83.1 | 70.1 | 0.8 |
| May | 84.8 | 71.5 | 0.8 |
| Jun | 86.9 | 73.8 | 0.5 |
| Jul | 88.1 | 75.1 | 0.5 |
| Aug | 88.8 | 75.6 | 0.8 |
| Sep | 88.4 | 74.8 | 0.9 |
| Oct | 86.9 | 73.9 | 1.5 |
| Nov | 84.1 | 71.8 | 2.3 |
| Dec | 81.8 | 69.2 | 2.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Honolulu International Airport.
| Measure | Honolulu | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.2°F | 78°F | 61.2°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.8°F | 81.4°F | 76.8°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.8°F | 74.3°F | 43.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 33.3 in | 16.4 in | 33.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Honolulu International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Honolulu?
Honolulu County's air had a median air quality index of 29, and 97% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Honolulu County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, earthquake, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.31% of building value, higher than 88% of US counties.
| Measure | Honolulu | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 48 | 29#58 of 1,138 | 48 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.31%#1107 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Honolulu County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Honolulu County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.19% | 95% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.033% | 89% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.015% | 88% of counties |
| Tsunami | 0.029% | 85% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0011% | 55% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Honolulu compare with similar-size cities?
Honolulu is one of 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track and ranks #12 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 345,482.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honolulu, HIPop. 345,482 | #417 | 59.7 | $86,504 | $1,823/mo | county/metro | 21.9 min |
| New Orleans, LAPop. 371,853 | #1089 | 48.0 | $56,631 | $1,251/mo | part year | 22.6 min |
| Cleveland, OHPop. 366,097 | #1271 | 40.5 | $40,801 | $945/mo | 1,365 | 22.5 min |
| Anaheim, CAPop. 344,521 | #878 | 52.0 | $95,227 | $2,175/mo | 548 | 27.4 min |
| Henderson, NVPop. 332,141 | #682 | 55.3 | $90,138 | $1,824/mo | 225 | 24.3 min |
| Lexington, KYPop. 323,725 | #405 | 59.9 | $69,479 | $1,164/mo | 228 | 20.9 min |
| Orlando, FLPop. 319,758 | #789 | 53.4 | $72,336 | $1,747/mo | part year | 26.2 min |
| Corpus Christi, TXPop. 317,419 | #1181 | 45.6 | $67,394 | $1,292/mo | 799 | 21.3 min |
| Newark, NJPop. 310,178 | #1109 | 47.7 | $52,060 | $1,392/mo | 517 | 32.6 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Honolulu compare with the rest of Hawaii?
Honolulu ranks #11 of the 20 Hawaii cities we track, with a score of 59.7 against Hawaii's statewide 64.8. Its households earn 14% below the Hawaii median. Homes are 7% below the typical Hawaii home.
| City | Rank in HI | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Honolulu, HIPop. 51,360 | #1 | 68.5 | $159,518 | $3,313/mo | no data |
| Kailua (Honolulu County), HIPop. 39,640 | #2 | 68.0 | $148,582 | $3,093/mo | no data |
| Mililani Mauka, HIPop. 21,278 | #3 | 67.8 | $138,942 | $2,350/mo | no data |
| Ocean Pointe, HIPop. 17,085 | #4 | 66.4 | $149,767 | $3,424/mo | no data |
| Ewa Gentry, HIPop. 26,563 | #5 | 64.4 | $135,684 | $2,580/mo | no data |
| Kapolei, HIPop. 22,232 | #6 | 63.3 | $128,324 | $2,311/mo | no data |
| Mililani Town, HIPop. 27,668 | #7 | 63.1 | $127,363 | $2,384/mo | no data |
| Kaneohe, HIPop. 37,355 | #8 | 62.4 | $125,613 | $2,269/mo | no data |
| Ewa Beach, HIPop. 14,376 | #9 | 62.0 | $124,323 | $2,522/mo | no data |
| Pearl City, HIPop. 44,547 | #10 | 61.3 | $118,112 | $2,316/mo | no data |
| Honolulu, HIPop. 345,482 | #11 | 59.7 | $86,504 | $1,823/mo | county/metro |
| Waipahu, HIPop. 40,482 | #12 | 58.6 | $103,895 | $1,658/mo | no data |
| Wailuku, HIPop. 16,926 | #13 | 57.0 | $102,942 | $1,762/mo | no data |
| Makakilo, HIPop. 20,735 | #14 | 55.7 | $118,550 | $2,276/mo | no data |
| Kahului, HIPop. 28,288 | #15 | 55.1 | $98,077 | $1,488/mo | no data |
| Kihei, HIPop. 21,567 | #16 | 53.3 | $87,772 | $2,045/mo | no data |
| Schofield Barracks, HIPop. 16,270 | #17 | 52.2 | $80,388 | $3,230/mo | no data |
| Hilo, HIPop. 50,404 | #18 | 51.9 | $81,779 | $1,427/mo | no data |
| Wahiawa, HIPop. 17,996 | #19 | 51.7 | $87,143 | $1,546/mo | no data |
| Kailua (Hawaii County), HIPop. 21,818 | #20 | 48.9 | $88,211 | $1,754/mo | no data |
All 20 Hawaii cities we track, by overall score. Hawaii statewide: median income $100,745, violent crime 205.1 per 100,000.
How is Honolulu's score calculated?
Honolulu scores 59.7 out of 100, #417 of 1,312 (grade B+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 9 of 11 categories with local data; safety and outdoor access are left out rather than filled with Hawaii's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 18% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Honolulu. Similar-size median 53.8.
67.7 - HealthCity data · 15% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Honolulu. Similar-size median 54.8.
70.3 - EducationCity data · 15% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Honolulu's public schools. Similar-size median 52.2.
68.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 12% of score
Honolulu's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 62.2.
33.5 - Household financesCity data · 10% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Honolulu. Similar-size median 47.2.
55.9 - GrowthCity data · 9% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Honolulu. Similar-size median 42.4.
45.2 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Honolulu. Similar-size median 53.7.
65.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Honolulu's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
65.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 48.1.
46.8 - SafetyNot scored
Honolulu's police agency covers a much larger area, so its rate is not a Honolulu rate.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Honolulu's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Honolulu has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Honolulu
Is Honolulu, HI a good place to live?
Honolulu ranks #417 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #12 of 53 big cities and #11 of 20 in Hawaii. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.3%, #1 of 53) and low poverty (11.9%, #14 of 53), and trails on expensive homes ($843,400, #51 of 53) and high living costs (111, #44 of 53).
What is the cost of living in Honolulu?
Honolulu's cost of living index is 111, 11% above the US level of 100 and #1117 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,823/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $776,861, 7% below the typical Hawaii home ($833,340).
Is Honolulu safe?
Honolulu Police Department serves 987,000 people across a larger area than Honolulu (population 345,482), so its rate is not a Honolulu rate and we don't rank Honolulu on safety. Hawaii as a whole records 205 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What is the median household income in Honolulu?
The median household in Honolulu earns $86,504, 4% above the US figure of $83,163 and 14% below Hawaii ($100,745). Unemployment is 2.3% (US 4.3%). 11.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Honolulu?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,823/mo (Census), #981 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,733/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 25.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Honolulu?
The typical home value in Honolulu is $776,861, up 2% in a year, against $833,340 for Hawaii and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $843,400.
How are the public schools in Honolulu?
Honolulu's 64 public schools graduate 86% of students in four years (Hawaii 86%), with 14.5 students per teacher and $20,056 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Honolulu?
The average commute is 21.9 minutes, #492 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.7 minutes across Hawaii. 4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Honolulu?
Honolulu averages 78°F over the year, 81.4°F in summer and 74.3°F in winter, with 16.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Honolulu walkable?
Honolulu scores 13.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #243 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Honolulu at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Honolulu County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, earthquake, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.31% of building value, higher than 88% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Honolulu?
Honolulu County's air had a median air quality index of 29, and 97% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Honolulu?
Honolulu has 345,482 residents. The median resident of Honolulu is 43 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 41.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #430 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 48.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Honolulu compare with the rest of Hawaii?
Honolulu ranks #11 of the 20 Hawaii cities we track, with a score of 59.7 against Hawaii's statewide 64.8. Its households earn 14% below the Hawaii median. Homes are 7% below the typical Hawaii home.
What cities are similar in size to Honolulu?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Honolulu's population of 345,482 are New Orleans, LA (#1089 overall), Cleveland, OH (#1271 overall), Anaheim, CA (#878 overall), Henderson, NV (#682 overall), and Lexington, KY (#405 overall). Honolulu is #417.