HawaiiPop. 40,482Small cities
Is Waipahu a Good Place to Live? Waipahu, Hawaii: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Waipahu ranks #472 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #86 of 208 small cities and #12 of 20 in Hawaii. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($103,895, #35 of 208), and trails on long commutes (32.5 min, #204 of 208) and high living costs (111, #200 of 208).
Waipahu by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Waipahu'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 Waipahu: no police agency reports to the FBI for it alone. See Is Waipahu safe?
What is the cost of living in Waipahu?
Waipahu'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 $1,658/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $863,950, 4% above the typical Hawaii home ($833,340).
| Measure | Waipahu | HawaiiHI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 111#1117 of 1,308 | 110 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $863,950#1080 of 1,187 | $833,340 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,912/mo#1016 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $868,600#1224 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,658/mo#839 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 8.4x#1232 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 19.2%#352 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.
Waipahu 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. Waipahu is in the Urban Honolulu, HI metro.
Hawaii housing market →Is Waipahu safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Waipahu alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Waipahu 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 Waipahu?
The median household in Waipahu earns $103,895, 25% above the US figure of $83,163 and 3% above Hawaii ($100,745). 12% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | Waipahu | HawaiiHI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $103,895#294 of 1,312 | $100,745 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 12%#651 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 Waipahu?
The median resident of Waipahu is 40.2 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 20.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1165 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 59.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Waipahu | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 40.2 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 20.1%#1165 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 59.7% | 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 Waipahu's schools and health?
Waipahu's 6 public schools graduate 86% of students in four years (Hawaii 86%), with 14.6 students per teacher and $20,056 spent per pupil. 22.4% of adults are obese and 14.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Waipahu | 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 | 14.6#390 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% | 22.4%#51 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 14.6%#1136 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 13.7%#108 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 6%#145 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. 7,875 students are enrolled in Waipahu's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Waipahu?
The average commute in Waipahu is 32.5 minutes (Hawaii 26.7); 13.8% of workers take transit and 5.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Waipahu scores 13.6 of 20 (above average walkable), #225 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 | Waipahu | HawaiiHI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 32.5 min#1211 of 1,312 | 26.7 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 15%#1221 of 1,312 | 8.5% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 58.1% | 65.1% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 13.8% | 4.3% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2.9% | 4.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.9% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 5.1% | 8.9% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 13.6#225 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 | 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 | Waipahu | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 78°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 81.4°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 74.3°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 16.4 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 Honolulu International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Waipahu?
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 | Waipahu | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 29#58 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% | 0.31%#1107 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 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 Waipahu compare with similar-size cities?
Waipahu is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #86 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 40,482.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waipahu, HIPop. 40,482 | #472 | 58.6 | $103,895 | $1,658/mo | no data | 32.5 min |
| Rexburg, IDPop. 40,543 | #703 | 54.9 | $50,617 | $1,004/mo | 49 | 15.2 min |
| Florence, SCPop. 40,408 | #1178 | 45.8 | $56,143 | $992/mo | 627 | 18.7 min |
| Lake Oswego, ORPop. 40,381 | #92 | 68.7 | $141,549 | $2,139/mo | 55 | 21.6 min |
| Cape Girardeau, MOPop. 40,344 | #1034 | 49.4 | $55,658 | $876/mo | 467 | 15.9 min |
| New Berlin, WIPop. 40,270 | #152 | 66.1 | $101,091 | $1,426/mo | 47 | 21.7 min |
| Hobbs, NMPop. 40,252 | #1077 | 48.4 | $64,021 | $1,112/mo | 709 | 23.8 min |
| Owasso, OKPop. 40,151 | #360 | 60.8 | $79,036 | $1,270/mo | 123 | 21.7 min |
| West Fargo, NDPop. 40,094 | #73 | 69.3 | $90,665 | $1,111/mo | 185 | 17.3 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 Waipahu compare with the rest of Hawaii?
Waipahu ranks #12 of the 20 Hawaii cities we track, with a score of 58.6 against Hawaii's statewide 64.8. Its households earn 3% above the Hawaii median. Homes are 4% 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 Waipahu's score calculated?
Waipahu scores 58.6 out of 100, #472 of 1,312 (grade B, 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 Waipahu. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 52.9.
59.9 - HealthCity data · 16% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Waipahu. Similar-size median 52.2.
70.2 - EducationCity data · 16% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Waipahu's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
68.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 13% of score
Waipahu's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
34.4 - Household financesCity data · 11% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Waipahu. Similar-size median 46.7.
63.3 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Waipahu. Similar-size median 47.3.
46.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Waipahu's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
66.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
46.8 - SafetyNot scored
No FBI figures from a police agency serving Waipahu alone.
— - GrowthNot scored
The Census does not estimate yearly population for Waipahu.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Waipahu'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 Waipahu 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 Waipahu
Is Waipahu, HI a good place to live?
Waipahu ranks #472 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #86 of 208 small cities and #12 of 20 in Hawaii. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($103,895, #35 of 208), and trails on long commutes (32.5 min, #204 of 208) and high living costs (111, #200 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Waipahu?
Waipahu'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 $1,658/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $863,950, 4% above the typical Hawaii home ($833,340).
Is Waipahu safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Waipahu alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Waipahu 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 Waipahu?
The median household in Waipahu earns $103,895, 25% above the US figure of $83,163 and 3% above Hawaii ($100,745). 12% of residents live below the poverty line.
How much is rent in Waipahu?
Median rent in Waipahu is $1,658/mo (Census), #839 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,912/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 19.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Waipahu?
The typical home value in Waipahu is $863,950, up 3.2% in a year, against $833,340 for Hawaii and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $868,600.
How are the public schools in Waipahu?
Waipahu's 6 public schools graduate 86% of students in four years (Hawaii 86%), with 14.6 students per teacher and $20,056 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Waipahu?
The average commute is 32.5 minutes, #1211 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.7 minutes across Hawaii. 15% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Waipahu?
Waipahu 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 Waipahu walkable?
Waipahu scores 13.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #225 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 Waipahu 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 Waipahu?
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 Waipahu?
Waipahu has 40,482 residents. The median resident of Waipahu is 40.2 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 20.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1165 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 59.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Waipahu compare with the rest of Hawaii?
Waipahu ranks #12 of the 20 Hawaii cities we track, with a score of 58.6 against Hawaii's statewide 64.8. Its households earn 3% above the Hawaii median. Homes are 4% above the typical Hawaii home.
What cities are similar in size to Waipahu?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Waipahu's population of 40,482 are Rexburg, ID (#703 overall), Florence, SC (#1178 overall), Lake Oswego, OR (#92 overall), Cape Girardeau, MO (#1034 overall), and New Berlin, WI (#152 overall). Waipahu is #472.