Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Papaaloa, HI
Considering a move to Papaaloa, HI? This charming rural community of about 630 residents offers lush tropical scenery, a relaxed pace of life, and a median home price around $455,000. While the cost of living is high, you'll enjoy mild year-round temperatures, abundant rainfall, and easy access to the ocean. Violent crime rates are low, but property crime is higher than the national average. Commutes average 28 minutes, and local schools provide quality K–12 options, with the University of Hawaii at Hilo just 22 miles away. Papaaloa is ideal for those seeking natural beauty and a tight-knit community feel.
Demographics - Papaaloa, HI
Demographics - Papaaloa, HI
Papaaloa is a small, close-knit community of about 630 people, with a median age of 48.2 years. The population is diverse, with significant White, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and Asian communities, and about 12% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
630
Density:
120 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.2
Gender Ratio:
100 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
12%
Ethnic Composition
White:
35%
Asian:
17%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Papaaloa, HI?
Living in Papaaloa comes with a high cost of living, reflected in a median home value of $455,000 and a cost of living index well above the national average. Utilities and housing costs are particularly elevated, but residents enjoy access to Hawaii’s unique lifestyle and natural surroundings.
Median House Value:
$455,000
Gross Rent:
$1,150
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$235
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$530
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
11%
Cost Of Living Index:
165.1
Grocery:
153.0
Housing:
180.2
Utilities:
185.0
Transportation:
142.0
Health Care:
128.7
Miscellaneous:
129.0
Crime
Is Papaaloa, HI a safe place to live?
Papaaloa experiences low violent crime rates, with only about 245 incidents per 100,000 people, but property crime is more common, giving residents a 1 in 43 chance of being affected. Overall, the area remains relatively safe, especially regarding personal safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
245
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,350
Crime Index:
2,595
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 408
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 43
Weather
What is the weather like in Papaaloa, HI year-round?
Papaaloa offers a tropical climate with mild temperatures year-round, ranging from lows in the low 60s to highs in the low 80s. The area receives abundant rainfall—about 150 inches annually—which supports lush landscapes, though sunny days make up just under half the year.
Winter
Min:
62°F
Max:
76°F
Spring
Min:
64°F
Max:
78°F
Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
66°F
Max:
81°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
150 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
45%
Neighbors
Local residents in Papaaloa have a median household income of $53,000, with about 20% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. The area has a higher poverty rate compared to the national average, but offers a relaxed lifestyle and a strong sense of community.
Median Income:
$27,000
Household Income:
$53,000
Family Income:
$60,000
Per Capita Income:
$23,500
Income Male:
$30,000
Income Female:
$25,000
Poverty Rate:
19.5%
Non English Speakers:
12%
Rent:
$1,150
Unemployment Rate:
7.8%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
28 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
87.5%
Bachelors or More:
20.2%
Education
How are the schools in Papaaloa, HI?
Papaaloa is served by Laupahoehoe Community Public Charter School for K–12 education, which offers small class sizes and a personalized learning environment. For higher education, the University of Hawaii at Hilo is located just 22 miles away, providing access to a range of academic programs.
Public Schools
Name:
Laupahoehoe Community Public Charter School
Street:
35-2065 Old Mamalahoa Hwy
Phone:
(808) 962-2200
Students:
300
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Colleges
Name:
University of Hawaii at Hilo
City:
Hilo
State:
HI
Distance:
22 miles
Students:
3,300
Healthcare
Healthcare in Papaaloa is anchored by access to Hilo Medical Center, a major hospital offering emergency services about 22 miles away. Most residents have health insurance, and there are approximately 1.7 physicians per 1,000 people, supporting the community’s health 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:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.8%
Health Care Index:
68.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Papaaloa, HI?
Papaaloa's housing market features a median home price of $455,000 and an average rent of $1,150 for a two-bedroom, with about 63% of homes owner-occupied. The area has seen a home appreciation rate of 6.4% over the past year, indicating a stable but growing market.
Median Home Price:
$455,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,150
Owner Occupied Rate:
63%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.4%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing for Papaaloa residents are managed by the Hawaii County DMV in nearby Hilo. The office provides essential services, and more information can be found on the Hawaii County government website.
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.