Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lihue, HI
Thinking of moving to Lihue, HI? With a close-knit population of 8,004, Lihue offers a laid-back island lifestyle with year-round warm weather (65–85°F) and 73% sunny days. Expect higher living costs, with median home prices around $705,000 and typical rents near $1,950. Commute times are short at about 20 minutes, and crime rates are moderate for Hawaii. The city features strong healthcare, a diverse community, and access to public schools and Kauai Community College, making it a picturesque and convenient base on Kauai.
Demographics - Lihue, HI
Lihue is home to about 8,000 residents, with a median age of 43.2 and a balanced gender ratio. The city boasts a vibrant multicultural community, with nearly half of the population identifying as Asian and significant representation from Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and mixed-race residents. Approximately 20% of locals speak a language other than English at home, reflecting the area's rich cultural diversity.
Population:
8,004
Density:
1,040 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
19.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
23.0%
Asian:
48.2%
Others:
2.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Lihue, HI?
Living in Lihue comes with a high cost of living, as reflected by a cost of living index of 161.3 and a median home value of $705,000. Rent averages around $1,950 per month and everyday expenses such as groceries, utilities, and transportation also trend higher than the national average. Prospective residents should budget accordingly for island life, with especially notable costs in housing and utilities.
Median House Value:
$705,000
Gross Rent:
$1,950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$275
Auto Insurance:
$1,450
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$720
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
11.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
161.3
Grocery:
154.0
Housing:
253.5
Utilities:
177.2
Transportation:
139.0
Health Care:
123.1
Miscellaneous:
119.0
Crime
Is Lihue, HI a safe place to live?
Lihue experiences moderate crime rates for Hawaii, with about 215 violent crimes and 2,310 property crimes per 100,000 people. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is roughly 1 in 465, while property crime risk is 1 in 43. While overall crime is present, the city maintains a generally safe atmosphere for families and newcomers.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
215
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,310
Crime Index:
2,525
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 465
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 43
Weather
What is the weather like in Lihue, HI year-round?
Lihue enjoys a tropical climate with mild temperatures year-round, ranging from lows of 65°F in winter to highs of 85°F in summer. The area receives about 37 inches of rainfall annually and boasts sunny days 73% of the year. This appealing weather makes outdoor activities and island living especially enjoyable.
Winter
Min:
65°F
Max:
78°F
Spring
Min:
67°F
Max:
80°F
Summer
Min:
71°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
68°F
Max:
83°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
37 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
73%
Neighbors
The median household income in Lihue is $78,300, with a low unemployment rate of 2.8% and a poverty rate of 11.2%. Most residents enjoy short commutes averaging 20 minutes, and the community is well-educated, with over 91% holding at least a high school diploma. The area’s small-town feel is complemented by a diverse, welcoming population.
Median Income:
$37,600
Household Income:
$78,300
Family Income:
$88,500
Per Capita Income:
$36,900
Income Male:
$44,200
Income Female:
$34,700
Poverty Rate:
11.2%
Non English Speakers:
19.8%
Rent:
$1,950
Unemployment Rate:
2.8%
Public Transport Usage:
2.5%
Commute Time:
20.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.8%
Bachelors or More:
29.5%
Education
How are the schools in Lihue, HI?
Lihue features a range of educational opportunities, including three public schools with student-teacher ratios around 16:1 and the well-regarded Island School as a private option. Higher education is available locally at Kauai Community College, which serves 1,400 students. The community’s educational resources make it a practical choice for families and lifelong learners.
Public Schools
Name:
Wilcox Elementary School
Street:
4319 Hardy St
Phone:
808-274-3150
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.7
Name:
Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School
Street:
4431 Nuhou St
Phone:
808-241-3200
Students:
1,050
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Name:
Kauai High School
Street:
3577 Lala Rd
Phone:
808-274-3160
Students:
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.8
Private Schools
Name:
Island School
Street:
3-1875 Kaumualii Hwy
Phone:
808-246-0233
Students:
420
Colleges
Name:
Kauai Community College
City:
Lihue
State:
HI
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,400
Healthcare
Lihue offers strong healthcare access, anchored by Wilcox Medical Center, a full-service hospital with emergency care. With 2.3 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 94% of locals having health insurance, healthcare services are both accessible and reliable. The city’s healthcare index of 78.2 underscores its commitment to resident well-being.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Wilcox Medical Center
Address:
3-3420 Kuhio Hwy, Lihue, HI 96766
Phone:
(808) 245-1100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.1%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Lihue, HI?
The local housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $705,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $2,100. About 63% of homes are owner-occupied, and vacancy rates remain low, reflecting steady demand. Home values have appreciated modestly in the past year, making Lihue a stable, if pricey, place to buy or rent.
Median Home Price:
$705,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,100
Owner Occupied Rate:
62.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.4%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing in Lihue are managed by the Kauai County Department, conveniently located on Rice Street. Residents can access essential DMV services locally or online through the county’s website. The office provides full support for all vehicle and licensing needs in the area.
State:
Hawaii
Department:
Kauai County Vehicle Registration & Licensing
Address:
4444 Rice St, Suite A480, Lihue, HI 96766
Phone:
(808) 241-4256
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.