Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Laie, HI
Considering a move to Laie, HI? This small coastal town of around 5,900 residents offers a relaxed island lifestyle, balmy tropical weather year-round, and a strong sense of community. With median home prices near $820,000 and average rents around $2,200, the cost of living is high, but stunning beaches and access to Brigham Young University–Hawaii make it unique. Local crime rates are moderate for Hawaii, commute times average 21 minutes, and schools like Laie Elementary serve the area. Laie is perfect for those seeking a tight-knit community and the beauty of the North Shore.
Demographics - Laie, HI
Laie is home to approximately 5,900 residents, with a youthful median age of 23.5 years and a rich blend of cultures—over half the population identifies as Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander. The community is diverse, with nearly a quarter of residents speaking a language other than English at home, contributing to the town's unique cultural fabric.
Population:
5,900
Density:
1,800 per sq mi
Median Age:
23.5
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
24.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
13.2%
Asian:
13.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Laie, HI?
Living in Laie comes with a higher price tag, with median home values at $820,000 and average rents around $2,200 per month. Utilities and groceries are above the national average, reflecting an overall cost of living index of 170.4, but residents enjoy the benefits of island life and close-knit neighborhoods.
Median House Value:
$820,000
Gross Rent:
$2,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$240
Auto Insurance:
$1,200
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$750
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
11.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
170.4
Grocery:
160.2
Housing:
220.5
Utilities:
190.0
Transportation:
140.0
Health Care:
120.0
Miscellaneous:
118.0
Crime
Is Laie, HI a safe place to live?
Laie experiences moderate crime for Hawaii, with a violent crime rate of 245 incidents per 100,000 people and property crime at 2,050 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 49 chance of property crime, making it important to stay mindful, but the area maintains a generally safe, community-oriented atmosphere.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
245
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,050
Crime Index:
2,295
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 408
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 49
Weather
What is the weather like in Laie, HI year-round?
Laie boasts a tropical climate with warm, pleasant temperatures year-round—winter lows average 65°F and summer highs reach 86°F. The area receives about 67 inches of rainfall annually, balanced by abundant sunshine on 71% of days, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Winter
Min:
65°F
Max:
78°F
Spring
Min:
66°F
Max:
80°F
Summer
Min:
70°F
Max:
86°F
Fall
Min:
68°F
Max:
82°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
67.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
71%
Neighbors
Households in Laie typically earn a median income of $74,500, with around 19.5% of residents living below the poverty line. Most neighbors have at least a high school education, and the average commute is a manageable 21 minutes, adding to the small-town appeal.
Median Income:
$36,000
Household Income:
$74,500
Family Income:
$80,200
Per Capita Income:
$19,200
Income Male:
$40,000
Income Female:
$38,000
Poverty Rate:
19.5%
Non English Speakers:
24.5%
Rent:
$2,200
Unemployment Rate:
4.2%
Public Transport Usage:
3.1%
Commute Time:
21.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
90.8%
Bachelors or More:
32.4%
Education
How are the schools in Laie, HI?
Educational opportunities in Laie range from public schools like Laie Elementary and Kahuku High & Intermediate to private preschools and Brigham Young University–Hawaii, which enrolls over 3,000 students. The community values education, offering options for families at every stage.
Public Schools
Name:
Laie Elementary School
Street:
55-109 Kulanui St
Phone:
808-305-3400
Students:
810
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.3
Name:
Kahuku High & Intermediate School
Street:
56-490 Kamehameha Hwy
Phone:
808-305-7300
Students:
1,400
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.8
Private Schools
Name:
Hawaii Reserves Inc. Preschool
Street:
55-510 Kamehameha Hwy
Phone:
808-293-9201
Students:
90
Colleges
Name:
Brigham Young University–Hawaii
City:
Laie
State:
HI
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
3,200
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is reliable, with Kahuku Medical Center nearby and a strong physician presence at 2.3 doctors per 1,000 residents. Over 91% of residents have health insurance, supporting the well-being of this coastal community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Kahuku Medical Center
Address:
56-117 Pualalea St, Kahuku, HI 96731
Phone:
(808) 293-9221
Type:
Critical Access Hospital
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.5%
Health Care Index:
80.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Laie, HI?
Laie's housing market is characterized by high demand and limited supply, with a median home price of $820,000 and over 61% owner occupancy. Rental options are available at an average of $2,200 for a two-bedroom, and home values have seen steady appreciation in recent years.
Median Home Price:
$820,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
61.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Laie residents handle vehicle registration and licensing through the Hawaii Department of Transportation in Honolulu, conveniently accessible via the state’s official DMV website or by phone for updates and appointments.
State:
Hawaii
Department:
Hawaii Department of Transportation – Motor Vehicle Registration
Address:
2355 S. Beretania Street, Honolulu, HI 96819
Phone:
808-768-4325
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.