Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Pahoa, HI
Thinking about moving to Pahoa, HI? This small, close-knit community of about 924 residents offers tropical living with a median home price around $320,000 and average rents of $1,150. Residents enjoy mild temperatures year-round and abundant rainfall, but should be mindful of higher property crime rates and a cost of living above the national average. Commutes average 32.5 minutes, and local schools and healthcare are accessible, with Hilo Medical Center nearby. If you love lush scenery and a laid-back lifestyle, Pahoa could be a unique fit.
Demographics - Pahoa, HI
Pahoa is a diverse and close-knit community of 924 people, with a median age of 41.2 and a blend of White, Asian, and Native Hawaiian residents. The area features a slightly higher male-to-female ratio and a notable 18.5% of residents speaking a language other than English at home, contributing to its multicultural atmosphere.
Population:
924
Density:
323 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
105 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
18.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
36.0%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
14.5%
Others:
32.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Pahoa, HI?
Living in Pahoa comes with a cost of living index of 139, reflecting higher expenses compared to the national average. Median home values are about $320,000, rent averages $1,150, and utility costs tend to be higher, making budgeting important for new residents.
Median House Value:
$320,000
Gross Rent:
$1,150
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$250
Auto Insurance:
$1,230
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$600
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
11.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
139
Grocery:
142
Housing:
126
Utilities:
159
Transportation:
131
Health Care:
114
Miscellaneous:
112
Crime
Is Pahoa, HI a safe place to live?
Pahoa experiences higher-than-average property crime, with a 1 in 36 chance, while violent crime rates are moderate at 1 in 352. Residents should practice common-sense safety, but the overall atmosphere remains community-oriented.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
284
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,760
Crime Index:
3,044
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 352
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 36
Weather
What is the weather like in Pahoa, HI year-round?
The climate in Pahoa is warm and tropical year-round, with temperatures typically ranging from the low 60s to low 80s. The area receives abundant rainfall—about 128 inches annually—and around 55% of days are sunny, fostering lush scenery.
Winter
Min:
62°F
Max:
78°F
Spring
Min:
63°F
Max:
80°F
Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
63°F
Max:
81°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
128 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
55%
Neighbors
Local residents in Pahoa enjoy a relaxed pace, though the median household income is lower at $39,500 and the poverty rate is nearly 30%. Most people commute about 32.5 minutes to work, and the community is welcoming with a mix of backgrounds and 84.6% having at least a high school education.
Median Income:
$23,000
Household Income:
$39,500
Family Income:
$45,000
Per Capita Income:
$18,200
Income Male:
$27,000
Income Female:
$22,000
Poverty Rate:
29.5%
Non English Speakers:
18.5%
Rent:
$1,150
Unemployment Rate:
6.5%
Public Transport Usage:
1.8%
Commute Time:
32.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
84.6%
Bachelors or More:
19.2%
Education
How are the schools in Pahoa, HI?
Local students attend Pahoa High & Intermediate or Keonepoko Elementary, which offer small class sizes and serve the area’s families. Higher education is accessible at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, just 22 miles away, making further learning convenient for residents.
Public Schools
Name:
Pahoa High & Intermediate School
Street:
15-3038 Pahoa Village Rd
Phone:
808-313-4300
Students:
730
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Name:
Keonepoko Elementary School
Street:
15-890 Keaau-Pahoa Rd
Phone:
808-313-3300
Students:
610
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Colleges
Name:
University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo
City:
Hilo
State:
HI
Distance:
22 miles
Students:
3,000
Healthcare
Pahoa residents have convenient access to Hilo Medical Center, the region’s main hospital located nearby in Hilo. Health insurance coverage is high at 91.4%, and there are about 1.8 physicians per 1,000 residents, supporting the community's healthcare needs.
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:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.4%
Health Care Index:
72.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Pahoa, HI?
The housing market in Pahoa is relatively affordable for Hawaii, with a median home price of $320,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,150. Most homes are owner-occupied, and home values have appreciated by 6.7% over the past year.
Median Home Price:
$320,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,150
Owner Occupied Rate:
69.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Pahoa residents can access full DMV services through the Hawaii Department of Motor Vehicles in Hilo. The office provides vehicle registration, licensing, and other essential services for Hawaii County.
State:
Hawaii
Department:
Hawaii Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
349 Kapiolani St, 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.