Hawaii / Hawaii County

Moving to Hilo, HI

Thinking of making a move to Hilo, HI? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

  • 100% Free Moving Quotes
  • No Obligation
  • Vetted & Licensed Movers
  • Secure & Private
Serving Hilo and nearby areas View Nearby Cities Compare Moving Help
Plan smarter before requesting quotes. Use local costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, and DMV details below to compare Hilo before you move.

Moving Help for Your Hilo, HI Relocation

After you review the local facts on this page, use the service links below to compare quote options for the type of Hilo move you are planning, including local, long-distance, apartment, piano, small, and budget-conscious moves.

Local Movers Hilo, HI Piano Movers Hilo, HI Cheap Movers Hilo, HI Small Movers Hilo, HI Apartment Movers Hilo, HI Long Distance Movers Hilo, HI

Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Hilo, HI

Considering a move to Hilo, HI? This welcoming community of 45,500 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $595,000 and average rents near $1,650. Commute times average 22 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (48% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Hilo's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Hilo, HI

Hilo has a population of 45,500 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 44 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 18% White, 2% Black, and 36% Asian residents, and over 24% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
45,500
Density
1,250 per sq mi
Median Age
43.7
Gender Ratio
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
24.0%

Ethnic Composition

White
18.0%
Black
1.8%
Asian
35.5%
Others
44.7%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Hilo, HI?

The cost of living in Hilo is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 149.8. Median home values are around $595,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,650. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$595,000
Gross Rent
$1,650
Monthly Electricity Charges
$235
Auto Insurance
$1,920
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$780
State Taxes
Low: 1.4%| High: 11.0%
Cost Of Living Index
149.8
Grocery
133.0
Housing
171.5
Utilities
181.2
Transportation
132.4
Health Care
128.6
Miscellaneous
123.9

Crime

Is Hilo, HI a safe place to live?

Hilo is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 410 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 36. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Hawaii.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
410
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,760
Crime Index
3,170
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 244
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 36

Weather

What is the weather like in Hilo, HI year-round?

Hilo experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 83°F and cold winters dipping to 63°F. The area receives about 126 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 48% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
63°F
Max
79°F

Summer

Min
68°F
Max
83°F

Spring

Min
65°F
Max
81°F

Fall

Min
66°F
Max
82°F
Average Rainfall Inches
126.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
48%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $74,800 and a low poverty rate of 18.5%. Over 89% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 25% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 22 minutes, and almost 5% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$39,500
Household Income
$74,800
Family Income
$86,200
Per Capita Income
$30,900
Income Male
$43,000
Income Female
$36,800
Poverty Rate
18.5%
Non English Speakers
29.0%
Rent
$1,650
Unemployment Rate
4.7%
Public Transport Usage
4.8%
Commute Time
22.4 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
89.4%
Bachelors or More
24.6%

Education

How are the schools in Hilo, HI?

Hilo offers quality education options, with public schools like Hilo High School and Waiakea High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo and Hawaii Community College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Hilo High School
Street
556 Waianuenue Ave
Phone
808-313-4000
Students
1,300
Student Teacher Ratio
15.1
Name
Waiakea High School
Street
155 W Kawili St
Phone
808-981-4200
Students
1,350
Student Teacher Ratio
15.4

Private Schools

Name
St. Joseph School
Street
1000 Ululani St
Phone
808-935-4939
Students
430
Name
Hawaii Academy of Arts & Science
Street
16-186 Pili Mua St
Phone
808-982-4189
Students
250

Colleges

Name
University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo
City
Hilo
State
HI
Distance
0 miles
Students
3,000
Name
Hawaii Community College
City
Hilo
State
HI
Distance
2 miles
Students
2,800

Healthcare

Hilo residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Hilo Medical Center and Va clinics and specialty services at Hilo Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.2 per 1,000 people and 94.0% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Hilo Medical Center
Address
1190 Waianuenue Ave, Hilo, HI 96720
Phone
(808) 932-3000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Va clinics and specialty services at Hilo Medical Center
Address
1190 Waianuenue Ave, Hilo, HI 96720
Phone
(808) 932-3000
Type
Outpatient & Specialty Care
Emergency Services
No

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage
94.0%
Health Care Index
70.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Hilo, HI?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $595,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 57%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.1%. Hilo offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$595,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,650
Owner Occupied Rate
56.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Hilo handle vehicle services through the County of Hawaiʻi Vehicle Registration and Licensing, conveniently located in Hilo. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Hawaii
Department
County of Hawaiʻi Vehicle Registration and Licensing
Address
101 Pauahi St, Hilo, HI 96720
Phone
(808) 961-8351

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.

FAQs About Moving to Hilo, HI

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Hilo, review the core fields on this page: population 45,500, median home value $595,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,650, commute time 22.4 minutes, and sunny days percentage 48%.

Ready to Move to Hilo, HI?

When your relocation research is done, request quote options and plan your move with confidence.

Get Free Moving Quotes