HawaiiPop. 28,288Small cities
Is Kahului a Good Place to Live? Kahului, Hawaii: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Kahului ranks #692 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #125 of 208 small cities and #15 of 20 in Hawaii. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($98,077, #47 of 208), and trails on high living costs (109.4, #199 of 208) and expensive homes ($862,600, #199 of 208).
Kahului by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Kahului'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 Kahului: no police agency reports to the FBI for it alone. See Is Kahului safe?
What is the cost of living in Kahului?
Kahului's cost of living index is 109.4, 9% above the US level of 100 and #1099 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,488/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,020,115, 22% above the typical Hawaii home ($833,340).
| Measure | Kahului | HawaiiHI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 109.4#1099 of 1,308 | 110 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $1,020,115#1121 of 1,187 | $833,340 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $862,600#1217 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,488/mo#710 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 8.8x#1251 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 18.2%#268 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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.
Kahului 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. Kahului is in the Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI metro.
Hawaii housing market →Is Kahului safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Kahului alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Kahului crime rate or rank it on safety. Hawaii as a whole records 205 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What do people earn in Kahului?
The median household in Kahului earns $98,077, 18% above the US figure of $83,163 and 3% below Hawaii ($100,745). 8.7% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | Kahului | HawaiiHI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $98,077#364 of 1,312 | $100,745 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 8.7%#387 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Hawaii is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Kahului?
The median resident of Kahului is 43 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 24.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #987 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 64.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Kahului | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 43 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 24.6%#987 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 64.7% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Kahului's schools and health?
Kahului's 5 public schools graduate 86% of students in four years (Hawaii 86%), with 16.2 students per teacher and $20,056 spent per pupil. 23% of adults are obese and 12.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Kahului | HawaiiHI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 86%#647 of 1,063 | 86% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 16.2#655 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $20,056#194 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 23%#62 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 12.7%#898 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 14.4%#187 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 7%#256 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Hawaii is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 5,130 students are enrolled in Kahului's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Kahului?
The average commute in Kahului is 22.8 minutes (Hawaii 26.7); 3.2% of workers take transit and 5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Kahului scores 7 of 20 (below average walkable), #1236 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 80.3°F and winters 73.5°F, with 16.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Kahului | HawaiiHI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 22.8 min#572 of 1,312 | 26.7 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 5.1%#587 of 1,312 | 8.5% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 68.2% | 65.1% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 3.2% | 4.3% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.1% | 4.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.9% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 5% | 8.9% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 7#1236 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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 | 82.2 | 63.6 | 2.4 |
| Feb | 82.2 | 63.8 | 2 |
| Mar | 82.9 | 65.1 | 2.6 |
| Apr | 84.5 | 66.6 | 1.3 |
| May | 86.5 | 67.7 | 0.7 |
| Jun | 88.3 | 70.3 | 0.2 |
| Jul | 89.2 | 71.8 | 0.5 |
| Aug | 89.9 | 72.3 | 0.5 |
| Sep | 90 | 71.2 | 0.5 |
| Oct | 88.7 | 70.1 | 0.8 |
| Nov | 85.8 | 68.4 | 1.8 |
| Dec | 83.3 | 65.9 | 2.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Kahului Airport.
| Measure | Kahului | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 77.1°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 80.3°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 73.5°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 16.2 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Kahului Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Kahului?
Maui County's air had a median air quality index of 21, and 98% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Maui County's biggest natural hazard losses in volcanic activity, tsunami, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.38% of building value, higher than 93% of US counties.
| Measure | Kahului | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 21#29 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.38%#1166 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Maui County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Maui County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Volcanic activity | 0.0063% | 98% of counties |
| Tsunami | 0.091% | 95% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.062% | 93% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.17% | 93% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.01% | 85% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0014% | 54% 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 Kahului compare with similar-size cities?
Kahului is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #125 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 28,288.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kahului, HIPop. 28,288 | #692 | 55.1 | $98,077 | $1,488/mo | no data | 22.8 min |
| Kalispell, MTPop. 28,504 | #608 | 56.6 | $63,415 | $1,078/mo | 409 | 14.9 min |
| Frankfort, KYPop. 28,503 | #774 | 53.8 | $53,073 | $944/mo | 238 | 17 min |
| Laplace, LAPop. 28,343 | #1222 | 44.1 | $69,030 | $1,351/mo | no data | 32.9 min |
| Aberdeen, SDPop. 28,189 | #415 | 59.8 | $64,405 | $762/mo | 425 | 11.9 min |
| Greenville, MSPop. 28,166 | #1296 | 37.6 | $40,083 | $872/mo | part year | 18.8 min |
| Williston, NDPop. 28,056 | #380 | 60.4 | $79,381 | $1,122/mo | 432 | 17.6 min |
| Garden City, KSPop. 27,819 | #613 | 56.5 | $72,865 | $1,052/mo | 486 | 14 min |
| Marshalltown, IAPop. 27,626 | #761 | 54.0 | $69,068 | $891/mo | 283 | 17.2 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 Kahului compare with the rest of Hawaii?
Kahului ranks #15 of the 20 Hawaii cities we track, with a score of 55.1 against Hawaii's statewide 64.8. Its households earn 3% below the Hawaii median. Homes are 22% above 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 Kahului's score calculated?
Kahului scores 55.1 out of 100, #692 of 1,312 (grade C+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 8 of 11 categories with local data; safety, growth, 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, some inputs missing · 20% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Kahului. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 52.9.
54.8 - HealthCity data · 16% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Kahului. Similar-size median 52.2.
71.8 - EducationCity data · 16% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Kahului's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
65.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 13% of score
Kahului's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
37.6 - Household financesCity data · 11% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Kahului. Similar-size median 46.7.
66.9 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Kahului. Similar-size median 47.3.
46.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Kahului's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
31.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
52.7 - SafetyNot scored
No FBI figures from a police agency serving Kahului alone.
— - GrowthNot scored
The Census does not estimate yearly population for Kahului.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Kahului's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Kahului 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 Kahului
Is Kahului, HI a good place to live?
Kahului ranks #692 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #125 of 208 small cities and #15 of 20 in Hawaii. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($98,077, #47 of 208), and trails on high living costs (109.4, #199 of 208) and expensive homes ($862,600, #199 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Kahului?
Kahului's cost of living index is 109.4, 9% above the US level of 100 and #1099 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,488/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,020,115, 22% above the typical Hawaii home ($833,340).
Is Kahului safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Kahului alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Kahului crime rate or rank it on safety. Hawaii as a whole records 205 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What is the median household income in Kahului?
The median household in Kahului earns $98,077, 18% above the US figure of $83,163 and 3% below Hawaii ($100,745). 8.7% of residents live below the poverty line.
How much is rent in Kahului?
Median rent in Kahului is $1,488/mo (Census), #710 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 18.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Kahului?
The typical home value in Kahului is $1,020,115, down 2.6% in a year, against $833,340 for Hawaii and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $862,600.
How are the public schools in Kahului?
Kahului's 5 public schools graduate 86% of students in four years (Hawaii 86%), with 16.2 students per teacher and $20,056 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Kahului?
The average commute is 22.8 minutes, #572 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.7 minutes across Hawaii. 5.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Kahului?
Kahului averages 77.1°F over the year, 80.3°F in summer and 73.5°F in winter, with 16.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Kahului walkable?
Kahului scores 7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1236 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 Kahului at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Maui County's biggest natural hazard losses in volcanic activity, tsunami, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.38% of building value, higher than 93% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Kahului?
Maui County's air had a median air quality index of 21, and 98% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Kahului?
Kahului has 28,288 residents. The median resident of Kahului is 43 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 24.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #987 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 64.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Kahului compare with the rest of Hawaii?
Kahului ranks #15 of the 20 Hawaii cities we track, with a score of 55.1 against Hawaii's statewide 64.8. Its households earn 3% below the Hawaii median. Homes are 22% above the typical Hawaii home.
What cities are similar in size to Kahului?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Kahului's population of 28,288 are Kalispell, MT (#608 overall), Frankfort, KY (#774 overall), Laplace, LA (#1222 overall), Aberdeen, SD (#415 overall), and Greenville, MS (#1296 overall). Kahului is #692.