Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Waimea, HI
Considering a move to Waimea, HI? This scenic town of about 10,770 residents offers a friendly island lifestyle, with median home prices around $700,000 and average rents near $2,000. While cost of living is high, you'll enjoy a mild climate (57–80°F year-round), low commute times (about 20 minutes), and a strong sense of community. Waimea boasts quality schools, low unemployment, and access to excellent healthcare, making it a great choice for those seeking both relaxation and amenities in Hawaii's upcountry.
Demographics - Waimea, HI
Demographics - Waimea, HI
Waimea is home to approximately 10,770 residents, offering a diverse community with a rich blend of Asian, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and White backgrounds. The median age of 43.2 suggests a mature population, and nearly 10% of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting the town’s multicultural character.
Population:
10,770
Density:
310 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.2
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
9.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
20.3%
Asian:
30.1%
Others:
2.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Waimea, HI?
Living in Waimea comes with a higher cost of living, with median home values around $700,000 and average rents of $2,000 per month. Residents also pay above-average prices for groceries, utilities, and transportation, making budgeting important for those relocating to this scenic Hawaiian town.
Median House Value:
$700,000
Gross Rent:
$2,000
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$270
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,700
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$780
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
11%
Cost Of Living Index:
164.2
Grocery:
150.7
Housing:
210.5
Utilities:
187.8
Transportation:
124.3
Health Care:
122.0
Miscellaneous:
115.0
Crime
Is Waimea, HI a safe place to live?
Waimea experiences relatively low violent crime, with a rate of 260 incidents per 100,000 people, but property crime is more common, with a chance of 1 in 49 of becoming a victim. Overall, the town offers a generally safe environment, especially compared to larger urban areas.
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 49
Weather
What is the weather like in Waimea, HI year-round?
Waimea enjoys a mild, comfortable climate year-round, with temperatures typically ranging from the upper 50s to low 80s Fahrenheit and about 70% sunny days. The area receives ample rainfall—around 62 inches annually—supporting lush landscapes and a vibrant natural setting.
Winter
Min:
57°F
Max:
75°F
Spring
Min:
59°F
Max:
77°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
80°F
Fall
Min:
60°F
Max:
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
62 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
70%
Neighbors
Waimea’s residents benefit from a strong sense of community, with a median household income of $86,900 and a low unemployment rate of 2.6%. Most neighbors have at least a high school diploma, and commute times average a manageable 20 minutes, fostering a relaxed small-town lifestyle.
Median Income:
$39,500
Household Income:
$86,900
Family Income:
$94,000
Per Capita Income:
$36,200
Income Male:
$41,800
Income Female:
$35,900
Poverty Rate:
10.5%
Non English Speakers:
9.8%
Rent:
$2,000
Unemployment Rate:
2.6%
Public Transport Usage:
2.1%
Commute Time:
20.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
93.6%
Bachelors or More:
34.7%
Education
How are the schools in Waimea, HI?
Waimea offers strong educational opportunities, with local public and private schools maintaining favorable student-teacher ratios and a high rate of residents holding at least a high school diploma. For higher education, Hawaii Community College is accessible nearby, supporting lifelong learning and career development.
Public Schools
Name:
Waimea Elementary School
Street:
67-1225 Mamalahoa Hwy
Phone:
808-887-7637
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
Waimea Middle Public Conversion Charter School
Street:
67-1229 Mamalahoa Hwy
Phone:
808-887-6090
Students:
280
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.0
Private Schools
Name:
Parker School
Street:
65-1224 Lindsey Rd
Phone:
808-885-7933
Students:
320
Colleges
Name:
Hawaii Community College – Palamanui
City:
Kailua-Kona
State:
HI
Distance:
35 miles
Students:
2,000
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is excellent in Waimea, with a major hospital offering emergency services and over 96% of residents covered by health insurance. The town has a good supply of physicians, ensuring quality care for families and individuals alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Queen's North Hawaii Community Hospital
Address:
67-1125 Mamalahoa Hwy, Waimea, HI 96743
Phone:
(808) 885-4444
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
96.1%
Health Care Index:
82.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Waimea, HI?
The Waimea housing market features a median home price of $700,000 and a high owner-occupied rate of nearly 69%. Home values have appreciated by almost 5% over the past year, indicating a stable and desirable real estate market.
Median Home Price:
$700,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,000
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.8%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing in Waimea are managed by the Hawaii Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Hilo. Residents can access services both in person and online for efficient handling of all DMV needs.
State:
Hawaii
Department:
Hawaii Department of Motor Vehicles
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.