Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Paauilo, HI
Considering a move to Paauilo, HI? This peaceful community of 573 residents offers a relaxed rural lifestyle with a median home price near $370,000 and average rents around $1,250. Paauilo enjoys a mild, tropical climate with year-round temperatures between 61–80°F and lush rainfall. Crime rates are moderate for the region, and commutes average about 27 minutes. The town features a local public school and access to healthcare in nearby Honokaa and Hilo, making it a scenic and community-oriented place to call home.
Demographics - Paauilo, HI
Demographics - Paauilo, HI
Paauilo is a close-knit community of 573 residents with a median age of 46, reflecting a mature population. The town is notably diverse, with a large proportion of multiracial residents and a strong presence of Pacific Islander and Asian heritage. About 15% of the population speaks a language other than English at home, adding to the area’s cultural richness.
Population:
573
Density:
110 per sq mi
Median Age:
46.2
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
14.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
22.0%
Black:
0.2%
Asian:
13.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Paauilo, HI?
Living in Paauilo comes with a higher cost of living, with a median home value of $370,000 and typical rents around $1,250 per month. Utilities and groceries are notably above the national average, and Hawaii’s state tax rates can be substantial for higher incomes. Despite these costs, many residents find the trade-off worthwhile for the area’s natural beauty and relaxed lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$370,000
Gross Rent:
$1,250
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$230
Auto Insurance:
$1,100
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,800
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$470
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
11.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
161.7
Grocery:
152.0
Housing:
179.0
Utilities:
162.0
Transportation:
136.0
Health Care:
115.0
Miscellaneous:
107.0
Crime
Is Paauilo, HI a safe place to live?
Paauilo has moderate crime rates for the region, with a violent crime rate of 220 incidents per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of about 2,050 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 49 chance of encountering property crime, making it important to stay vigilant. Overall, the area maintains a relatively peaceful atmosphere compared to larger urban centers.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
220
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,050
Crime Index:
2,270
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 455
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 49
Weather
What is the weather like in Paauilo, HI year-round?
Paauilo enjoys a mild, tropical climate year-round, with temperatures ranging from 61°F in winter to 80°F in summer. The area receives about 65 inches of rainfall annually and experiences sunshine around 55% of the year. This lush environment supports vibrant natural scenery and comfortable outdoor living.

Winter
Min:
61°F
Max:
75°F

Spring
Min:
63°F
Max:
77°F

Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
80°F

Fall
Min:
64°F
Max:
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
65 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
55%
Neighbors
Residents of Paauilo typically enjoy a household income of around $57,300 and a median income of $32,000, with about 15% living below the poverty line. The community has a strong educational foundation, as nearly 90% have completed high school, and average commute times are just over 27 minutes. Most locals rely on personal vehicles, with public transport usage being very low.
Median Income:
$32,000
Household Income:
$57,300
Family Income:
$63,500
Per Capita Income:
$22,000
Income Male:
$33,000
Income Female:
$28,400
Poverty Rate:
15.4%
Non English Speakers:
14.5%
Rent:
$1,250
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
27.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
89.0%
Bachelors or More:
18.2%
Education
How are the schools in Paauilo, HI?
Paauilo is served by the Paauilo Elementary & Intermediate School, which offers a favorable student-teacher ratio of about 14:1 for its 245 students. For higher education, Hawaii Community College in Hilo is located 36 miles away and enrolls approximately 2,300 students. While there are no private schools in town, local public and nearby college options provide solid educational opportunities.

Public Schools
Name:
Paauilo Elementary & Intermediate School
Street:
43-1497 Old Mamalahoa Hwy
Phone:
808-776-7710
Students:
245
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.7

Colleges
Name:
Hawaii Community College
City:
Hilo
State:
HI
Distance:
36 miles
Students:
2,300
Healthcare
Healthcare access in Paauilo is supported by the nearby Hamakua Health Center and Hilo Medical Center, the latter offering emergency services. The area has about 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents, and over 93% of the population has health insurance coverage. While healthcare facilities are not extensive within town limits, quality care is available within a reasonable drive.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Hamakua Health Center
Address:
45-549 Plumeria St, Honokaa, HI 96727
Phone:
(808) 775-7204
Type:
Community Health Center
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
Hilo Medical Center
Address:
1190 Waianuenue Ave, Hilo, HI 96720
Phone:
(808) 932-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.5%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Paauilo, HI?
Paauilo’s housing market features a median home price of $370,000 and an average rent of $1,250 for a two-bedroom unit. The community has a high owner-occupancy rate of nearly 75% and has experienced a healthy home appreciation rate of over 6% in the past year. New construction and foreclosure rates remain low, ensuring market stability.
Median Home Price:
$370,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,250
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.3%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing services for Paauilo residents are handled by the Hawaii Department of Transportation in Hilo. The office is easily accessible and provides essential DMV services for drivers and vehicle owners. Residents can find more information or schedule appointments through the Hawaii County government's website.
State:
Hawaii
Department:
Hawaii Department of Transportation – Motor 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.