Special Interest
Housing in Hawaii County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Hawaii County averages $1,510/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the Hawaii median of $1,971 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 33% of household income on rent, above the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Hawaii County FMR Area are $1,621 for a studio, $1,632 for 1‑bedroom, $2,114 for 2‑bedroom, $2,670 for 3‑bedroom, and $3,079 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $604 increase for a 2-bedroom in Hawaii County shows a 40% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Hawaii County was 3.2% in 2024, compared to Hawaii at 3.0% and the national rate of 4.0%.
