RANK #759 / 996 · POP 202,163 · HI
PROJECTED GROWTH: -0.3%
Hawaii County, coextensive with the Island of Hawaiʻi, often called the "Big Island," is distinguished by its dramatic volcanic landscapes, including the active Kīlauea volcano and the towering Mauna Kea. Hilo, the county seat, sits on the lush, rainy windward side, while Kailua-Kona is a hub on the drier leeward coast. The island's diverse geography offers everything from black sand beaches to rainforests. Commute times vary across this large island, but public transit, known as Hele-On, provides free bus service across the entire island, including routes to popular destinations like Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Outdoor recreation opportunities are abundant, with numerous state and county parks, hiking trails, and ocean activities like snorkeling and surfing.
Life on Hawaiʻi Island often involves a deep connection to the land and a community-focused lifestyle. While the state generally ranks well for quality of life due to climate and recreational opportunities, Hawaii County has faced challenges in some quality of life indicators compared to other Hawaiian counties. The economy is driven by tourism and agriculture, with recent job growth in sectors like arts, entertainment, and recreation. There is also ongoing investment and development in energy sectors. The public school system is managed statewide, with various public, charter, and private schools available across the island.
Overvalued relative to economy
Prices declining
No data
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks overvalued at 9.8x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Keamuku Solar + Battery Storage
AES / Hawaiian Electric
|
$86M | Planned |
|
Haihai Street Workforce Housing
County of Hawaiʻi Office of Housing and Community Development
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
ʻĀinakō Subdivision Housing
County of Hawaiʻi Office of Housing and Community Development
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Kaiminani Drive Workforce Housing
County of Hawaiʻi Office of Housing and Community Development
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Waikoloa Solar + Storage Project
AES Hawai'i
|
$30M | Operating |
|
Hale Kuawehi Solar + Battery Storage
Hawaiian Electric
|
$30M | Operating |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Hawaii County has a Boom Town Index score of 24/100, ranking #759 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +2.0% and a median household income of $74,238, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Hawaii County is $454,900 with median rent at $1,352/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.1632, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.8% year-over-year. Job growth: +2.0%. Home values changed -1.7% in the past 12 months.