Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ookala, HI
Considering a move to Ookala, HI? This small, welcoming town of about 310 residents offers affordable home prices around $325,000 and average rents near $1,350. Cost of living is higher than the mainland, but Ookala features stunning tropical weather year-round, with 60% sunny days and lush rainfall. Commutes average 27 minutes, and while crime rates are moderate for Hawaii, you’ll enjoy a strong sense of community and proximity to Hilo and its amenities. Local schools and easy access to nature make Ookala a peaceful, authentic slice of the Big Island.
Demographics - Ookala, HI
Demographics - Ookala, HI
Ookala is a close-knit community of about 310 residents, featuring a diverse population with a significant Asian (47.6%) and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander (24.7%) presence. The median age is 44, suggesting a mature population, and roughly a quarter of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
310
Density:
156 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.0
Gender Ratio:
104 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
25.4%
Ethnic Composition
White:
15.2%
Asian:
47.6%
Others:
12.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Ookala, HI?
Living in Ookala comes with a higher-than-average cost of living, reflected in its index of 155.2 and median home values around $325,000. While utilities and groceries are pricier than the national average, residents benefit from a relaxed lifestyle and scenic surroundings.
Median House Value:
$325,000
Gross Rent:
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$210
Auto Insurance:
$1,300
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,720
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
11.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
155.2
Grocery:
150.0
Housing:
170.0
Utilities:
180.0
Transportation:
130.0
Health Care:
120.0
Miscellaneous:
115.0
Crime
Is Ookala, HI a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Ookala are moderate for the region, with a violent crime rate of 265 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 2,200 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 45 chance of experiencing property crime, but the small-town atmosphere promotes a sense of safety and community vigilance.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
265
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,200
Crime Index:
2,465
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 377
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 45
Weather
What is the weather like in Ookala, HI year-round?
Ookala enjoys mild, tropical weather year-round, with average temperatures ranging from the low 60s in winter to the low 80s in summer. The area receives substantial rainfall—about 126 inches annually—while still enjoying sunny skies around 60% of the time.
Winter
Min:
62°F
Max:
76°F
Spring
Min:
64°F
Max:
78°F
Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
65°F
Max:
80°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
126 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Households in Ookala typically earn a median income of $59,200, with about 87.6% of adults holding a high school diploma or higher. A poverty rate of 15.5% and moderate unemployment reflect the area's rural character, but neighbors share a strong sense of community and cultural diversity.
Median Income:
$27,000
Household Income:
$59,200
Family Income:
$66,000
Per Capita Income:
$21,400
Income Male:
$35,000
Income Female:
$31,000
Poverty Rate:
15.5%
Non English Speakers:
25.4%
Rent:
$1,350
Unemployment Rate:
6.5%
Public Transport Usage:
1.5%
Commute Time:
27.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
87.6%
Bachelors or More:
22.5%
Education
How are the schools in Ookala, HI?
Public education is provided by Laupāhoehoe Community Public Charter School, offering small class sizes and personalized attention, while higher education opportunities are available 27 miles away at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. The community values education, with a high rate of high school completion among adults.
Public Schools
Name:
Laupāhoehoe Community Public Charter School
Street:
35-2065 Old Māmalahoa Hwy
Phone:
(808) 962-2200
Students:
310
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.0
Colleges
Name:
University of Hawaii at Hilo
City:
Hilo
State:
HI
Distance:
27 miles
Students:
3,000
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare, with Hilo Medical Center just a short drive away and nearly 96% insured. The area offers about 2 physicians per 1,000 people, ensuring most basic medical needs are met locally.
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:
2.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.7%
Health Care Index:
77.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Ookala, HI?
Ookala’s housing market is relatively affordable for Hawaii, with a median home price of $325,000 and average two-bedroom rents around $1,350. Homeownership is common, with over 63% of homes owner-occupied and steady appreciation rates supporting long-term value.
Median Home Price:
$325,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
63.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.5%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing services for Ookala are managed by the Hawaii County Vehicle Registration & Licensing office in nearby Hilo, providing convenient access for residents. The office offers standard DMV services for state drivers and vehicle owners.
State:
Hawaii
Department:
Hawaii County Vehicle Registration & Licensing
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.