Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Kurtistown, HI
Thinking of moving to Kurtistown, HI? This small, close-knit community of around 1,500 offers lush tropical scenery, a laid-back lifestyle, and year-round warm weather. The median home price is $350,000 with average rents around $1,150, making housing more affordable than much of Hawaii. While property crime rates are higher than average, residents enjoy a short 23-minute commute, access to local schools, and proximity to Hilo’s healthcare and university resources. If you love greenery, rain, and a slower pace, Kurtistown could be your perfect island home.
Demographics - Kurtistown, HI
Demographics - Kurtistown, HI
Kurtistown is a small, close-knit community of about 1,500 people with a median age of 43 and a diverse population, including a significant Asian and multicultural presence. The town has a slightly higher number of males than females, and around 22% of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting its multicultural environment.
Population:
1,500
Density:
170 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.2
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
22.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
25.0%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
18.0%
Others:
56.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Kurtistown, HI?
Living in Kurtistown costs more than the national average, with a cost of living index of 150.2 and a median home value of $350,000. Monthly expenses like rent, utilities, and groceries are notably higher than many mainland locations, though housing remains more attainable compared to other parts of Hawaii.
Median House Value:
$350,000
Gross Rent:
$1,150
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$220
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$490
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
11.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
150.2
Grocery:
150.8
Housing:
170.0
Utilities:
185.0
Transportation:
120.0
Health Care:
110.0
Miscellaneous:
105.0
Crime
Is Kurtistown, HI a safe place to live?
Kurtistown experiences a higher-than-average property crime rate, with a 1 in 40 chance of being affected, while violent crime remains relatively low. Residents should take standard safety precautions but generally find the area peaceful for everyday living.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
210
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,500
Crime Index:
2,710
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 476
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 40
Weather
What is the weather like in Kurtistown, HI year-round?
Kurtistown enjoys warm, tropical weather year-round, with temperatures typically ranging from the low 60s to around 80°F. The area is known for its lush greenery thanks to substantial annual rainfall—about 140 inches—and receives sunshine on just over half of the days each year.

Winter
Min:
62°F
Max:
77°F

Spring
Min:
63°F
Max:
78°F

Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
80°F

Fall
Min:
63°F
Max:
79°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
140 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
The community is welcoming and diverse, with a median household income of $45,800 and a poverty rate of about 19%. Most residents have at least a high school education, and commutes average a manageable 23 minutes, making it easy to balance work and leisure.
Median Income:
$25,500
Household Income:
$45,800
Family Income:
$51,000
Per Capita Income:
$20,500
Income Male:
$29,500
Income Female:
$25,000
Poverty Rate:
19.2%
Non English Speakers:
22.0%
Rent:
$1,150
Unemployment Rate:
6.0%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
23.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
89.0%
Bachelors or More:
21.5%
Education
How are the schools in Kurtistown, HI?
Families in Kurtistown benefit from access to local public and private schools, as well as proximity to higher education at the University of Hawaii at Hilo just 9 miles away. Schools offer favorable student-teacher ratios, supporting a quality learning environment for children of all ages.

Public Schools
Name:
Mountain View Elementary School
Street:
18-1235 Volcano Rd
Phone:
(808) 968-2318
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Name:
Keaau Middle School
Street:
16-565 Keaau-Pahoa Rd
Phone:
(808) 313-4800
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2

Private Schools
Name:
Kamehameha Schools Hawaii Campus
Street:
16-714 Volcano Rd
Phone:
(808) 982-0000
Students:
1,120

Colleges
Name:
University of Hawaii at Hilo
City:
Hilo
State:
HI
Distance:
9 miles
Students:
3,000
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is strong, with Hilo Medical Center nearby and a high insurance coverage rate of 92.5%. The area offers a good number of physicians per capita, ensuring residents have access to essential medical services.

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:
92.5%
Health Care Index:
73.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Kurtistown, HI?
Kurtistown’s housing market features a median home price of $350,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of over 70%. The market remains stable, with modest appreciation and low foreclosure rates, making it attractive for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$350,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,150
Owner Occupied Rate:
70.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents handle vehicle registration and licensing through the Hawaii Department of Transportation office in nearby Hilo. The local DMV provides essential services for drivers and vehicle owners living in Kurtistown.
State:
Hawaii
Department:
Hawaii Department of Transportation – Motor Vehicle Registration
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.