Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Hilo, HI
Considering a move to Hilo, HI? This vibrant island city is home to about 45,579 residents and offers a median home price of $410,000 with rents around $1,350. Living costs are high—especially for groceries and utilities—but are balanced by short average commutes (17 minutes) and a mild, tropical climate year-round. Hilo features a diverse community, public schools with reasonable student-teacher ratios, and access to healthcare via Hilo Medical Center. Be mindful of higher property crime rates and frequent rainfall, but enjoy the lush landscapes and relaxed pace of life.
Demographics - Hilo, HI
Hilo is a diverse city of about 45,579 residents, with a population density of 860 per square mile and a median age of 42.3 years. The community features a blend of Asian, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, White, and other backgrounds, creating a rich cultural mix. Nearly 18% of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting the area's multicultural atmosphere.
Population:
45,579
Density:
860 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.3
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
17.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
17.4%
Black:
0.6%
Asian:
34.9%
Others:
32.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Hilo, HI?
Living in Hilo comes with a higher cost of living index of 134.7, notably driven by elevated grocery and utility expenses. The median home value sits at $410,000, while typical rents average around $1,350 per month. Residents should also consider Hawaii’s state tax rates, which range from 1.4% to 11%.
Median House Value:
$410,000
Gross Rent:
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$240
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,000
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$650
State Taxes:
Low:
1.40%
|
High:
11.00%
Cost Of Living Index:
134.7
Grocery:
158.0
Housing:
112.0
Utilities:
180.5
Transportation:
130.0
Health Care:
110.0
Miscellaneous:
105.0
Crime
Is Hilo, HI a safe place to live?
Hilo experiences a moderate rate of violent crime, with a chance of 1 in 299, but property crime is more prevalent at 1 in 26. While the overall crime index is higher than the national average, residents can take precautions to protect their homes and belongings. Awareness and community engagement play key roles in maintaining safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
334
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,870
Crime Index:
4,204
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 299
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 26
Weather
What is the weather like in Hilo, HI year-round?
Hilo enjoys a consistently mild, tropical climate with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to low 80s year-round. The city receives abundant rainfall, averaging 126 inches annually, and boasts lush scenery but fewer sunny days at about 35%. Residents can expect warm, humid weather and frequent rain showers, contributing to Hilo’s vibrant greenery.
Winter
Min:
63°F
Max:
79°F
Spring
Min:
64°F
Max:
80°F
Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
65°F
Max:
81°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
126 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
35%
Neighbors
Hilo’s neighborhoods are characterized by modest household incomes, with a median of $66,800 and a poverty rate of 18.5%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, and commute times are short at just over 17 minutes on average. The area's relaxed pace and family-friendly atmosphere appeal to those seeking a tight-knit community.
Median Income:
$28,000
Household Income:
$66,800
Family Income:
$74,200
Per Capita Income:
$27,800
Income Male:
$38,200
Income Female:
$34,000
Poverty Rate:
18.5%
Non English Speakers:
17.5%
Rent:
$1,350
Unemployment Rate:
4.5%
Public Transport Usage:
2.6%
Commute Time:
17.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.2%
Bachelors or More:
28.3%
Education
How are the schools in Hilo, HI?
Hilo offers a range of educational opportunities, from public schools like Hilo High and Waiakea High with favorable student-teacher ratios, to the University of Hawaii at Hilo serving over 3,000 students. The city is also home to private institutions such as St. Joseph School, providing families with diverse schooling choices. Education levels are high, with nearly 90% of adults holding at least a high school diploma.
Public Schools
Name:
Hilo High School
Street:
556 Waianuenue Ave
Phone:
808-313-5600
Students:
1,040
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2
Name:
Waiakea High School
Street:
155 W Kawili St
Phone:
808-974-4888
Students:
1,250
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1
Private Schools
Name:
St. Joseph School
Street:
1000 Ululani St
Phone:
808-935-4936
Students:
280
Colleges
Name:
University of Hawaii at Hilo
City:
Hilo
State:
HI
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
3,300
Healthcare
Healthcare in Hilo is anchored by Hilo Medical Center, offering comprehensive services and emergency care. There are about 2.2 physicians per 1,000 residents, and over 95% of locals have health insurance. The city’s healthcare system provides good access and coverage for most families.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Hilo Medical Center
Address:
1190 Waianuenue Ave, Hilo, HI 96720
Phone:
(808) 932-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.2%
Health Care Index:
68.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Hilo, HI?
The Hilo housing market features a median home price of $410,000 and average rents of $1,350 for a two-bedroom unit. About 62% of homes are owner-occupied, with a low foreclosure rate of 0.7% and steady home appreciation. The market remains stable, making Hilo an attractive option for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$410,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
62.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.8%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
The Hawaii Department of Motor Vehicles in Hilo provides vehicle registration and licensing services at its convenient Kapiolani Street location. Residents can expect standard state procedures and can access detailed information or book appointments online. The DMV ensures local drivers are supported with accessible services.
State:
Hawaii
Department:
Hawaii Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
349 Kapiolani St, Hilo, HI 96720
Phone:
(808) 961-8351
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.