Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Pepeekeo, HI
Thinking of moving to Pepeekeo, HI? This charming community of about 1,700 offers lush tropical scenery and a relaxed pace of life. Home prices average $365,000, with rents around $1,100, and the cost of living is higher than the national average. Expect warm temperatures year-round, lots of rain, and quick commutes averaging 24 minutes. While crime rates are a bit above average, residents enjoy access to local schools and nearby healthcare in Hilo. Pepeekeo is ideal for those seeking affordable Hawaii living with a small-town feel.
Demographics - Pepeekeo, HI
Demographics - Pepeekeo, HI
Pepeekeo is a small, close-knit community of about 1,700 residents, with a slightly older median age of 47.2 years and a balanced gender ratio. The population is notably diverse, with significant Asian and mixed-ethnic representation, and nearly one in five residents speak a language other than English at home. This diversity fosters a vibrant cultural atmosphere and a welcoming environment for newcomers.
Population:
1,700
Density:
260 per sq mi
Median Age:
47.2
Gender Ratio:
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
18.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
21.3%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
34.9%
Others:
43.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Pepeekeo, HI?
Living in Pepeekeo comes with a higher cost of living, reflected by a cost of living index of 152.5 and median home values around $365,000. Monthly expenses such as rent ($1,100) and utilities are above the national average, but many residents find the tropical lifestyle and serene setting worth the premium. State taxes range from 1.4% to 11%, impacting overall affordability.
Median House Value:
$365,000
Gross Rent:
$1,100
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$230
Auto Insurance:
$1,200
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,700
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$550
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
11%
Cost Of Living Index:
152.5
Grocery:
152.0
Housing:
170.2
Utilities:
180.4
Transportation:
131.2
Health Care:
110.8
Miscellaneous:
120.0
Crime
Is Pepeekeo, HI a safe place to live?
Pepeekeo experiences crime rates slightly above the national average, with about 260 violent crimes and 2,200 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. The chance of being a victim of a property crime is about 1 in 45, so while the area remains generally peaceful, residents are encouraged to stay vigilant. Despite this, many locals appreciate the town's laid-back atmosphere.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
260
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,200
Crime Index:
2,460
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 385
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 45
Weather
What is the weather like in Pepeekeo, HI year-round?
Pepeekeo enjoys warm, mild temperatures year-round, typically ranging from the mid-60s to low 80s. The area receives abundant rainfall, averaging 126 inches annually, which keeps the landscape lush and green, but sunny days make up 55% of the year. This tropical climate is ideal for those who love verdant surroundings and a gentle, consistent weather pattern.
Winter
Min:
64°F
Max:
79°F
Spring
Min:
65°F
Max:
80°F
Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
66°F
Max:
81°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
126 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
55%
Neighbors
Residents of Pepeekeo experience a modest median household income of about $54,500, with a higher-than-average poverty rate at 23.1%. Most locals commute around 24 minutes to work, and the community boasts a high school graduation rate of 88.1%. The area is known for its friendly small-town feel and diverse backgrounds.
Median Income:
$32,800
Household Income:
$54,500
Family Income:
$62,000
Per Capita Income:
$22,400
Income Male:
$28,000
Income Female:
$25,000
Poverty Rate:
23.1%
Non English Speakers:
18.5%
Rent:
$1,100
Unemployment Rate:
6.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
24.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
88.1%
Bachelors or More:
19.8%
Education
How are the schools in Pepeekeo, HI?
Pepeekeo offers access to both public and private education, with local elementary schools providing small class sizes and personalized attention. Families benefit from proximity to higher education, such as the University of Hawaii at Hilo, just eight miles away. The area supports a strong foundation for lifelong learning from early childhood through college.
Public Schools
Name:
Pepeekeo Elementary School
Street:
28-1670 Old Mamalahoa Hwy
Phone:
(808) 964-9831
Students:
180
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.7
Name:
Honomu Elementary School
Street:
28-1692 Old Mamalahoa Hwy, Honomu, HI 96728
Phone:
(808) 964-9834
Students:
120
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.5
Private Schools
Name:
St. Joseph School
Street:
1000 Ululani St, Hilo, HI 96720
Phone:
(808) 935-4936
Students:
300
Colleges
Name:
University of Hawaii at Hilo
City:
Hilo
State:
HI
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
3,000
Healthcare
Healthcare in Pepeekeo is accessible, with the nearby Hilo Medical Center offering comprehensive services, including emergency care. There are 2.2 physicians per 1,000 residents, and over 91% of the population has health insurance coverage. This ensures that most residents have reliable access to quality medical care close to home.
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:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.5%
Health Care Index:
78.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Pepeekeo, HI?
Pepeekeo's housing market features median home prices around $365,000 and average rents of $1,100 for a two-bedroom, making it relatively affordable by Hawaii standards. About two-thirds of homes are owner-occupied, and vacancy rates remain moderate, reflecting a stable market. Modest home appreciation and low foreclosure rates offer a sense of security for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$365,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,100
Owner Occupied Rate:
66.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing services for Pepeekeo residents are handled by the Hawaii Department of Transportation in nearby Hilo. The local DMV office provides convenient access for all motor vehicle needs, including registration and licensing. Up-to-date information and resources are available through the Hawaii County government website.
State:
Hawaii
Department:
Hawaii Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Registration
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.