Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Naalehu, HI
Thinking about moving to Naalehu, HI? This charming rural town has a population of just 850 and offers affordable housing with median home prices around $285,000 and rents near $1,200. Residents enjoy a warm tropical climate with 68% sunny days, while commute times average about 28 minutes. Crime rates are moderate for the region, and while educational attainment is lower than national averages, families benefit from a close-knit community and easy access to the Big Island’s natural beauty.
Demographics - Naalehu, HI
Demographics - Naalehu, HI
Naalehu is a small, rural community of about 850 residents, featuring a diverse population with significant Asian and mixed-ethnic backgrounds. With a median age of 46.2 and a nearly balanced gender ratio, the town is home to many non-English speakers, reflecting its multicultural atmosphere.
Population:
850
Density:
120 per sq mi
Median Age:
46.2
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
25.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
14.9%
Black:
0.3%
Asian:
27.8%
Others:
57.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Naalehu, HI?
Living in Naalehu comes with a higher cost of living index of 153.7, typical for Hawaii, but housing remains relatively affordable with a median home value of $285,000 and average rents around $1,200. Residents can expect elevated utility and grocery costs, while state taxes range from 1.4% to 11%.
Median House Value:
$285,000
Gross Rent:
$1,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$210
Auto Insurance:
$1,200
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$525
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
11.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
153.7
Grocery:
158.2
Housing:
170.1
Utilities:
180.6
Transportation:
131.5
Health Care:
118.3
Miscellaneous:
120.5
Crime
Is Naalehu, HI a safe place to live?
Naalehu experiences moderate crime rates, with property crime being more prevalent than violent crime. The chance of becoming a victim of property crime is about 1 in 41, so residents should remain vigilant while enjoying the area's laid-back lifestyle.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
270
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,450
Crime Index:
2,720
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 370
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 41
Weather
What is the weather like in Naalehu, HI year-round?
The town enjoys a warm, tropical climate year-round, with temperatures typically ranging from the mid-60s to low 80s and 68% of days being sunny. Annual rainfall is about 58 inches, supporting lush landscapes and a comfortable outdoor lifestyle.
Winter
Min:
64°F
Max:
78°F
Spring
Min:
65°F
Max:
79°F
Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
66°F
Max:
80°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
58 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
68%
Neighbors
Naalehu’s residents have a median household income of $44,800, and about 21% live below the poverty line. Most adults have completed high school, but only a small percentage hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, reflecting the community’s rural character and strong local ties.
Median Income:
$27,500
Household Income:
$44,800
Family Income:
$54,100
Per Capita Income:
$20,600
Income Male:
$28,000
Income Female:
$24,500
Poverty Rate:
20.7%
Non English Speakers:
25.5%
Rent:
$1,200
Unemployment Rate:
5.6%
Public Transport Usage:
1.1%
Commute Time:
28.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
85.6%
Bachelors or More:
18.2%
Education
How are the schools in Naalehu, HI?
Naalehu offers public K-8 education at Naalehu Elementary & Intermediate School, serving around 450 students with a student-teacher ratio of 15.5. High school and higher education opportunities are accessible in nearby Hilo, including the University of Hawaii at Hilo, about 60 miles away.
Public Schools
Name:
Naalehu Elementary & Intermediate School
Street:
95-5545 Mamalahoa Hwy
Phone:
808-939-2413
Students:
450
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Colleges
Name:
University of Hawaii at Hilo
City:
Hilo
State:
HI
Distance:
60 miles
Students:
3,000
Healthcare
Healthcare in Naalehu is anchored by the nearby Ka‘u Hospital, a critical access facility with emergency services. Most residents have health insurance coverage, and the area offers reasonable access to physicians compared to similarly sized rural towns.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Ka‘u Hospital
Address:
1 Kamani Street, Pahala, HI 96777
Phone:
(808) 932-4200
Type:
Critical Access Hospital
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.2%
Health Care Index:
67.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Naalehu, HI?
The housing market in Naalehu is stable, with a median home price of $285,000 and a strong owner-occupancy rate of 73%. Home appreciation has been steady at 4.2% over the past year, and rental options are available with an average two-bedroom rent of $1,200.
Median Home Price:
$285,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
73.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Vehicle registrations and licensing are managed through the Hawaii Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in Hilo. Residents can access DMV services both in person and online for convenience.
State:
Hawaii
Department:
Hawaii Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
101 Pauahi St, Suite 5, 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.