Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Wake Island, HI
Considering a move to Wake Island, HI? This remote military outpost has no permanent residents and is home to a rotating crew of about 100 military and contract personnel. There’s no private housing market—accommodations are provided, and amenities are limited. Crime is virtually nonexistent, commute times are just a few minutes, and you’ll enjoy warm, sunny weather year-round. There are no schools, and only basic medical services are available, so Wake Island is best suited for those on assignment rather than civilian life.
Demographics - Wake Island, HI
Demographics - Wake Island, HI
Wake Island is inhabited by approximately 100 temporary military and contractor personnel, creating a unique, close-knit community with no permanent residents. The population skews slightly male due to military assignments and is predominantly White, Asian, and Black, with an average age of about 35. English is the primary language, and diversity is present but limited due to the specialized nature of the residents.
Population:
100 (approximate, not permanent residents)
Density:
5 per sq mi (based on available land area and temporary population)
Median Age:
35 (estimated, military/contractor personnel)
Gender Ratio:
85 males per 100 females (estimated, skewed male military/contractor personnel)
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
60%
Black:
10%
Asian:
15%
Others:
15%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Wake Island, HI?
Cost of living on Wake Island is extremely high, with an index around 190, primarily due to the remote location and reliance on imported goods—especially groceries, which are among the most expensive in the U.S. There is no private housing or utility billing, as all accommodations and essential services are provided by the government for personnel on assignment. Daily expenses are limited, but the lack of typical amenities means costs are largely subsidized and managed as part of employment.
Median House Value:
N/A (no private homeownership, all housing is government provided)
Gross Rent:
N/A (housing provided as part of employment/assignment)
Monthly Electricity Charges:
N/A (utilities included, government maintained)
Auto Insurance:
N/A (private vehicles not typical)
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
N/A
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
N/A
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4% (HI state tax applies to income, but residents are not typical civilians)
|
High:
11% (HI highest marginal rate)
Cost Of Living Index:
190 (relative to U.S. average, based on HI/remote island estimates)
Grocery:
200 (most food is imported, very high costs)
Housing:
N/A
Utilities:
N/A
Transportation:
N/A (no public transport, limited vehicle use)
Health Care:
N/A (on-island clinic only)
Miscellaneous:
180 (estimated, remote supply costs)
Crime
Is Wake Island, HI a safe place to live?
Crime is virtually nonexistent on Wake Island, with no reported violent or property crimes thanks to strict military jurisdiction and the controlled, isolated environment. Residents enjoy a uniquely safe setting, making personal security concerns minimal. The island’s security protocols ensure a peaceful experience for all assigned personnel.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
0 (no reported violent crime, highly controlled environment)
Property Crimes Per 100k:
0 (no reported property crime)
Crime Index:
0
Chance Of Violent Crime:
Extremely low (military jurisdiction)
Chance Of Property Crime:
Extremely low (military jurisdiction)
Weather
What is the weather like in Wake Island, HI year-round?
Wake Island offers a consistently warm tropical climate, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to upper 80s year-round and about 80% sunny days. The island receives roughly 39 inches of rainfall annually, making for a pleasant, beach-like atmosphere most of the year. The steady weather is ideal for outdoor activities and daily life in a remote setting.

Winter
Min:
73°F
Max:
84°F

Spring
Min:
75°F
Max:
86°F

Summer
Min:
78°F
Max:
88°F

Fall
Min:
76°F
Max:
86°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
39 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
80%
Neighbors
The island’s small, rotating community consists entirely of federal employees and contractors, with an estimated average income of $65,000 and no poverty or unemployment. All residents have at least a high school education, and about 60% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. With walkable distances and no public transport, commute times are under five minutes, reflecting the compact, communal lifestyle.
Median Income:
N/A (all personnel are federal or contract employees)
Household Income:
$65,000 (estimated average for military/contractors)
Family Income:
N/A
Per Capita Income:
$65,000 (est.)
Income Male:
$65,000 (est.)
Income Female:
$65,000 (est.)
Poverty Rate:
0% (all residents are on assignment)
Non English Speakers:
5%
Rent:
N/A (housing provided)
Unemployment Rate:
0% (assignment only)
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
5 minutes (walking/biking on small island)

Education
High School or Higher:
100%
Bachelors or More:
60% (est.)
Healthcare
Healthcare on Wake Island is limited to a basic medical clinic capable of emergency stabilization, with all serious conditions requiring evacuation to larger facilities off-island. All personnel have mandatory health insurance, and the small medical staff ensures initial care for the community. Residents benefit from essential emergency services but should be prepared for limited ongoing care options.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Wake Island Medical Clinic
Address:
Wake Island, Pacific Ocean, HI 96898
Phone:
N/A
Type:
Basic Clinic (emergency stabilization only)
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.0 (estimated, limited medical staff)
Health Insurance Coverage:
100% (federal/military or contractor insurance required)
Health Care Index:
60 (limited services, emergency evacuation required for serious cases)
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Wake Island, HI?
There is no private housing market on Wake Island, as all accommodations are government-provided for military and contractor personnel only. Homeownership and rentals are not available, and there is no real estate activity such as new construction or foreclosures. Housing is assigned as part of the employment or assignment contract.
Median Home Price:
N/A (no private market, all government provided)
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
N/A
Owner Occupied Rate:
0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
N/A
New Construction Rate:
N/A
Foreclosure Rate:
N/A
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing for Wake Island residents fall under the Hawaii Department of Transportation, with all administrative matters handled through the Honolulu office. Private vehicle use is rare due to the island’s size and infrastructure. Most transportation needs are met on foot or by bicycle, minimizing reliance on traditional DMV services.
State:
Hawaii
Department:
Hawaii Department of Transportation – Motor Vehicle Safety Office
Address:
869 Punchbowl St, Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone:
(808) 692-7650
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.