HawaiiPop. 17,996Towns
Is Wahiawa a Good Place to Live? Wahiawa, Hawaii: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Wahiawa ranks #905 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #167 of 234 towns and #19 of 20 in Hawaii. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high living costs (111, #224 of 230) and expensive homes ($806,200, #223 of 231).
Wahiawa by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Wahiawa'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 Wahiawa: no police agency reports to the FBI for it alone. See Is Wahiawa safe?
What is the cost of living in Wahiawa?
Wahiawa'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 $1,546/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $860,042, 3% above the typical Hawaii home ($833,340).
| Measure | Wahiawa | HawaiiHI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 111#1117 of 1,308 | 110 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $860,042#1078 of 1,187 | $833,340 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,583/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,457/mo#901 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $806,200#1191 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,546/mo#751 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 9.3x#1268 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 21.3%#594 of 1,309 | — | 19.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people 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.
Wahiawa 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. Wahiawa is in the Urban Honolulu, HI metro.
Hawaii housing market →Is Wahiawa safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Wahiawa alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Wahiawa 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 Wahiawa?
The median household in Wahiawa earns $87,143, 5% above the US figure of $83,163 and 14% below Hawaii ($100,745). 16.3% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | Wahiawa | HawaiiHI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $87,143#503 of 1,312 | $100,745 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 16.3%#936 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Hawaii is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Wahiawa?
The median resident of Wahiawa is 38.8 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 22.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1089 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 53.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Wahiawa | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 38.8 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 22.1%#1089 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 53.5% | 65.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Wahiawa's schools and health?
Wahiawa's 8 public schools graduate 86% of students in four years (Hawaii 86%), with 14.1 students per teacher and $20,056 spent per pupil. 28.6% of adults are obese and 14.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Wahiawa | HawaiiHI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 86%#647 of 1,063 | 86% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 14.1#301 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $20,056#194 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 28.6%#302 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 14.4%#1117 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 16%#410 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 6.6%#206 of 1,311 | — | 8.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Hawaii is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 4,848 students are enrolled in Wahiawa's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Wahiawa?
The average commute in Wahiawa is 31.7 minutes (Hawaii 26.7); 5% of workers take transit and 6.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Wahiawa scores 13.1 of 20 (above average walkable), #310 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 74.4°F and winters 68.8°F, with 64.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Wahiawa | HawaiiHI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 31.7 min#1191 of 1,312 | 26.7 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 13.4%#1188 of 1,312 | 8.5% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 67.1% | 65.1% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 5% | 4.3% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 2.1% | 4.4% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0% | 0.9% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 6.1% | 8.9% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 13.1#310 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people 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 | 76.3 | 60.6 | 5.2 |
| Feb | 75.9 | 60 | 4.3 |
| Mar | 76.7 | 61.8 | 6.3 |
| Apr | 77.3 | 63.1 | 5.6 |
| May | 79.2 | 64.5 | 4.3 |
| Jun | 80.2 | 66.6 | 4.2 |
| Jul | 81.5 | 67.3 | 5.2 |
| Aug | 82.7 | 68.3 | 4 |
| Sep | 82.9 | 67.3 | 4.6 |
| Oct | 81.5 | 66.4 | 5.8 |
| Nov | 79.4 | 64.9 | 7.1 |
| Dec | 77.2 | 62.9 | 7.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Upper Wahiawa 874.3.
| Measure | Wahiawa | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 71.9°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 74.4°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 68.8°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 64.1 in | 36.5 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Upper Wahiawa 874.3.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Wahiawa?
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 | Wahiawa | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 29#58 of 1,138 | 38 | — |
| 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% | 0.31%#1107 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people 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 Wahiawa compare with similar-size cities?
Wahiawa is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #167 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 17,996.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wahiawa, HIPop. 17,996 | #905 | 51.7 | $87,143 | $1,546/mo | no data | 31.7 min |
| Ammon, IDPop. 19,064 | #868 | 52.2 | $86,121 | $1,372/mo | no data | 21.9 min |
| Badger, AKPop. 18,677 | #886 | 52.0 | $97,183 | $1,629/mo | no data | 22.5 min |
| Westerly, RIPop. 18,411 | #55 | 70.6 | $95,207 | $1,260/mo | 26 | 22.9 min |
| Fairmont, WVPop. 18,221 | #1080 | 48.4 | $63,032 | $916/mo | 395 | 22.8 min |
| Chaparral, NMPop. 18,186 | #1302 | 36.3 | $46,017 | $853/mo | no data | 29.9 min |
| Spanish Springs, NVPop. 17,980 | #438 | 59.3 | $127,658 | $1,963/mo | no data | 33 min |
| Brunswick, MEPop. 17,652 | #88 | 68.8 | $70,722 | $1,465/mo | 48 | 22.8 min |
| Laconia, NHPop. 17,085 | #404 | 60.0 | $73,218 | $1,224/mo | 184 | 17 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 Wahiawa compare with the rest of Hawaii?
Wahiawa ranks #19 of the 20 Hawaii cities we track, with a score of 51.7 against Hawaii's statewide 64.8. Its households earn 14% below the Hawaii median. Homes are 3% 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 Wahiawa's score calculated?
Wahiawa scores 51.7 out of 100, #905 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 Wahiawa. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
45.3 - HealthCity data · 16% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Wahiawa. Similar-size median 56.5.
57.7 - EducationCity data · 16% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Wahiawa's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
69.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 13% of score
Wahiawa's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
38.4 - Household financesCity data · 11% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Wahiawa. Similar-size median 50.8.
48.0 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Wahiawa. Similar-size median 48.3.
38.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Wahiawa's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
63.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
46.8 - SafetyNot scored
No FBI figures from a police agency serving Wahiawa alone.
— - GrowthNot scored
The Census does not estimate yearly population for Wahiawa.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Wahiawa's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 234 places under 25,000 people we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Wahiawa 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 Wahiawa
Is Wahiawa, HI a good place to live?
Wahiawa ranks #905 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #167 of 234 towns and #19 of 20 in Hawaii. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high living costs (111, #224 of 230) and expensive homes ($806,200, #223 of 231).
What is the cost of living in Wahiawa?
Wahiawa'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 $1,546/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $860,042, 3% above the typical Hawaii home ($833,340).
Is Wahiawa safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Wahiawa alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Wahiawa 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 Wahiawa?
The median household in Wahiawa earns $87,143, 5% above the US figure of $83,163 and 14% below Hawaii ($100,745). 16.3% of residents live below the poverty line.
How much is rent in Wahiawa?
Median rent in Wahiawa is $1,546/mo (Census), #751 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,457/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Wahiawa?
The typical home value in Wahiawa is $860,042, up 3.4% in a year, against $833,340 for Hawaii and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $806,200.
How are the public schools in Wahiawa?
Wahiawa's 8 public schools graduate 86% of students in four years (Hawaii 86%), with 14.1 students per teacher and $20,056 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Wahiawa?
The average commute is 31.7 minutes, #1191 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.7 minutes across Hawaii. 13.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Wahiawa?
Wahiawa averages 71.9°F over the year, 74.4°F in summer and 68.8°F in winter, with 64.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Wahiawa walkable?
Wahiawa scores 13.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #310 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 Wahiawa 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 Wahiawa?
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 Wahiawa?
Wahiawa has 17,996 residents. The median resident of Wahiawa is 38.8 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 22.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1089 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 53.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Wahiawa compare with the rest of Hawaii?
Wahiawa ranks #19 of the 20 Hawaii cities we track, with a score of 51.7 against Hawaii's statewide 64.8. Its households earn 14% below the Hawaii median. Homes are 3% above the typical Hawaii home.
What cities are similar in size to Wahiawa?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Wahiawa's population of 17,996 are Ammon, ID (#868 overall), Badger, AK (#886 overall), Westerly, RI (#55 overall), Fairmont, WV (#1080 overall), and Chaparral, NM (#1302 overall). Wahiawa is #905.