Hilo, HI โ€” City Data, Demographics & Statistics

Hawaii County ยท Hawaii

๐Ÿงฌ

City DNA

A unique fingerprint for Hilo based on 8 key metrics โ€” compared to averages.

PopulationIncomeHome ValueSafetyEducationMedian AgeClimateCost of Living
Hilo
National Avg
Hawaii Avg
Population: 68Income: 52Home Value: 46Safety: 50Education: 35Median Age: 71Climate: 50Cost of Living: 65

Quick Stats

Population

48,223

2023 ACS

Median Income

$78,713

2023

Median Home Value

$455,100

2023

Median Rent

$1,347

2023

Median Age

42.6

Unemployment

7.2%

Cost of Living Index

130.2

100 = national avg

Hilo is a city in Hawaii County, Hawaii, with a population of 48,223 according to the 2023 American Community Survey. Hilo is one of the communities in Hawaii.

The median household income in Hilo is $78,713, and the median home value is $455,100. The cost of living index is 130.2 (where 100 = national average), and the median rent is $1,347 per month. The unemployment rate is 7.2%, and the median age is 42.6 years.

People & Demographics

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023)

Population

Total Population

48,223

Male

22,998

47.7%

Female

25,225

52.3%

Median Age

42.6

Age Distribution

Education & Household

Bachelor's or Higher

24.2%

High School or Higher

43.8%

Foreign Born

9.9%

Veterans

6.6%

Married

39.5%

Avg Household Size

2.7

Marital Status by Age

Race & Ethnicity

Diversity Index

0.711

Simpson's Index (0-1)

Largest Group

Two or More

35.9%

Foreign Born

9.9%

White
16.4%
Black
0.8%
Asian
31.8%
Native American
0.1%
Pacific Islander
13.9%
Two or More
35.9%
Other
1.2%

Hispanic/Latino Ethnicity

Hispanic/Latino is an ethnicity, not a race. People of any race can identify as Hispanic. This percentage overlaps with the racial categories above.

Hispanic/Latino

11.4%

5,493 people

Not Hispanic/Latino

88.6%

Hispanic/Latino Detail

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023)
Mexican
950 (17.3%)
Puerto Rican
3,039 (55.3%)
Cuban
9 (0.2%)
Salvadoran
9 (0.2%)
Colombian
20 (0.4%)
Other Hispanic
1,465 (26.7%)

Asian Detail

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023)
Asian Indian
92 (0.6%)
Chinese
1,147 (7.5%)
Filipino
3,344 (21.8%)
Vietnamese
98 (0.6%)
Korean
316 (2.1%)
Japanese
9,067 (59.1%)
Cambodian
17 (0.1%)
Thai
69 (0.4%)
Taiwanese
8 (0.1%)
Other Asian
1,189 (7.7%)

Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Detail

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023)
Native Hawaiian
5,639 (84.3%)
Samoan
33 (0.5%)
Tongan
52 (0.8%)
Fijian
9 (0.1%)
Marshallese
213 (3.2%)
Other Pacific Islander
748 (11.2%)

American Indian & Alaska Native Detail

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023)
Other Native American
31 (106.9%)

Languages Spoken

Total Speakers (5+)

46,369

English Only

76.1%

#1 Non-English Language

Other Asian

6,101 speakers

Limited English

7.4%

Language Distribution

Other Asian
6,101 (13.2%)
Other Languages
2,157 (4.7%)
Spanish
770 (1.7%)
Tagalog
731 (1.6%)
Chinese
684 (1.5%)
German
174 (0.4%)
Slavic Languages
122 (0.3%)
Korean
107 (0.2%)
Vietnamese
87 (0.2%)
Other Indo-European
84 (0.2%)

English Proficiency

Speaks English Very Well

92.6%

Limited English Proficiency

7.4%

Other Asian
29.0% limited English
Other Languages
28.8% limited English
Spanish
16.2% limited English
Tagalog
53.2% limited English
Chinese
56.6% limited English
German
5.8% limited English
Slavic Languages
10.7% limited English
Korean
70.1% limited English
Vietnamese
17.2% limited English
Other Indo-European
19.1% limited English

Veterans & Military

Total Veterans

3,171

6.6% of population

Disability Rate

28.8%

912 with disability

Veteran Median Income

$51,368

Unemployment Rate

10.1%

Period of Service

Gulf War (2001+)
17.4%
Gulf War (1990-2001)
17.1%
Vietnam
40.9%
Korea
9.2%
World War II
0.1%

Veteran Age Distribution

18-34
4.7%
35-54
23.1%
55-64
9.8%
65-74
27.9%
75+
34.5%

Male Veterans

2,948

93.0%

Female Veterans

223

7.0%

Veteran vs Non-Veteran Income

Veteran Income

$51,368

Non-Veteran Income

$38,446

Difference

$12,922

33.6% higher

Disability Status

With Disability

912

Without Disability

2,259

Disability Rate

28.8%

Ancestry & Heritage

Total Reporting Ancestry

14,483

#1 Ancestry

Portuguese

7.2% (3,471)

#2 Ancestry

German

4.4% (2,128)

#3 Ancestry

English

4.4% (2,110)

Top 20 Ancestries

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023)
Portuguese
7.2%
German
4.4%
English
4.4%
Irish
3.1%
Italian
2.4%
French
1.3%
European
1.2%
Scottish
0.9%
Norwegian
0.8%
Welsh
0.6%
American
0.6%
Swedish
0.4%
Scotch-Irish
0.4%
Polish
0.4%
Greek
0.3%
Russian
0.3%
Dutch
0.3%
British
0.2%
Czech
0.1%
Finnish
0.1%

Families & Households

Total Households

17,126

Family Households

11,319

66.1%

Married Couples

7,619

44.5%

Non-Family Households

5,807

33.9%

Single Mother Households

2,901

16.9%

Single Father Households

799

4.7%

Living Alone

4,516

26.4%

Children Under 18

Total Children

7,419

In Married Couple

4,631

62.4%

With Single Mother

2,336

31.5%

With Single Father

452

6.1%

Family Income

Median Family Income

$103,051

Married Couple Income

$125,598

Single Mother Income

$48,784

Single Father Income

$77,120

Avg Family Size

2.7

Avg Non-Family Size

2.6

Grandparents w/ Grandchildren

1,472

Grandparents Responsible

494

Economy

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023)

Income Overview

Median Household Income

$78,713

+7% vs national

Per Capita Income

$39,868

+7% vs national

Poverty Rate

14.1%

+3% vs national

Gini Index

0.4771

0 = perfect equality

Unemployment

7.2%

+38% vs national

SNAP Recipients

19.6%

of households

How Hilo Compares

Hilo vs Similar Cities

Compared to cities with 25,000 - 50,000 residents. Hilo is highlighted.

Median Household Income

Per Capita Income

Poverty Rate

Unemployment Rate

๐Ÿ“Š

Where Do You Stack Up?

Enter your household income to see how you compare to other households in Hilo. The median household income here is $78,713.

$

Income Distribution

<$25K
17.7%
$25-50K
14.4%
$50-75K
15.5%
$75-100K
11.4%
$100-150K
18.2%
$150-200K
10.5%
$200K+
12.2%

Employment Snapshot

Unemployment Rate

7.2%

+4% vs HI avg

Labor Force

23,524

Employed

21,761

Mean Commute

18 min

How People Get to Work

Employment by Sector

Education & Workforce

Bachelor's Degree+

24.2%

of adults 25+

High School Diploma+

43.8%

of adults 25+

Median Age

42.6

Work from Home

8.5%

of workers

Cost of Living

Overall Index

130.2

100 = national avg

+30.2 vs national average

Living Wage (1 Adult)

$57,308

per year

Living Wage (Family of 4)

$135,454

per year

Cost Index by Category

Housing
166.4
Food
110.2
Transportation
97.9
Healthcare
108.1
Utilities
119.4

100 = national average. Higher = more expensive.

Fair Market Rent

Source: HUD

1 Bedroom

$1,603

per month

2 Bedroom

$2,076

per month

The median household income in Hilo, HI is $78,713, which is 7.5% above the national average of $73,224. Per capita income is $39,868. The poverty rate of 14.1% is higher than the HI state average of 11.8%. The Gini index of income inequality is 0.4771, where 0 represents perfect equality and 1 represents maximum inequality. The unemployment rate is 7.2%, compared to the state average of 6.9%. The labor force is 23,524. 24.2% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 18 minutes, with 8.5% working from home. About 70.8% of workers drive alone to work. The overall cost of living index is 130.2, which is 30.2% above the national average. Housing costs are above the national average at an index of 166.4. A single adult needs to earn approximately $57,308 per year to cover basic expenses.

Housing & Real Estate

Market SnapshotRedfin โ€” January 2026

Median Sale Price

$492,500

Median List Price

$595,000

Price Per Sq Ft

$477

Days on Market

104

Active Inventory

109

Months of Supply

6.1

Buyer's market

Zillow Home Value

$531,457

ZHVI โ€” January 2026

Zillow Rent Index

$1,851

ZORI โ€” January 2026

Market CompetitivenessRedfin

Sold Above List

11.1%

Off Market in 2 Weeks

7.1%

Sale-to-List Ratio

98.0%

Buyer's market

Sold Above Asking
11.1%
Under Contract in 2 Wks
7.1%
Listings with Price Drops
25.7%

Price TrendsRedfin

Sale Price โ†‘ 1.0%List Price โ†‘ 25.9%Mar 24 โ†’ Jan 26

Market ActivityRedfin

Homes Sold

18

New Listings

23

Pending Sales

28

Homes Sold โ†‘ 0.0%New Listings โ†‘ 4.5%Pending โ†‘ 33.3%Mar 24 โ†’ Jan 26

Price Per Square FootRedfin

Median Sale $/SF

$477

Median List $/SF

$427

Sale $/SF โ†‘ 26.5%List $/SF โ†‘ 4.7%Mar 24 โ†’ Jan 26

Hilo vs Similar CitiesCensus ACS / Redfin

Compared to cities with 25,000 - 50,000 residents. Hilo is highlighted.

Median Home Value

Median Rent

Median Price Per Sq Ft

Rent Burden

Census Housing DataU.S. Census Bureau ACS 2023

Median Home Value

$455,100

Median Rent

$1,347

Total Housing Units

18,905

Vacancy Rate

9.4%

Owner Occupied

65.5%

Renter Occupied

34.5%

Median Property Tax

$1,232

per year

Monthly Cost (w/ Mortgage)

$993

Housing Types

Single Family
80.5%
Multi-Family
19.2%
Mobile Home
0.3%

Property TaxU.S. Census Bureau ACS 2023

Median Property Tax

$1,232

per year

Effective Tax Rate

0.27%

of home value

Median Home Value

$455,100

Estimated Mean Tax

$1,580

The effective property tax rate is calculated by dividing the median annual property tax ($1,232) by the median home value ($455,100). In Hilo, HI, this works out to an effective rate of 0.27%. This is below the national average of approximately 1.1%.

The current median sale price in Hilo, HI is $492,500 according to Redfin data. Homes spend a median of 104 days on the market. 11.1% of homes sold above asking price. The market has 6.1 months of supply. The median price per square foot is $477. Zillow's observed rent index is $1,851/month. About 65.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. The median year homes were built is 1978. There are 18,905 total housing units. Homeowners pay a median annual property tax of $1,232. The effective tax rate is 0.27%, below the national average.

Crime data is not yet available for Hilo. The FBI UCR/NIBRS program does not cover all jurisdictions.

Natural Hazard Risk

Source: FEMA National Risk Index

Risk Score

98.5

Relatively High

Expected Annual Loss

98.4

Score (0-100)

Social Vulnerability

56.8

Score (0-100)

Community Resilience

56.7

Score (0-100)

Scores range from 0 (lowest risk) to 100 (highest risk) relative to all U.S. communities. Data from FEMA National Risk Index.

Disaster History & Federal Spending

Source: FEMA

Total Declarations

29

Public Assistance

$154.1M

Individual Assistance

$275K

Most Common Type

Fire

11 declarations

Public Assistance by Category

Total: $157.5M
DisasterTypeDatePA $IA $
Wildfires and High Winds โ†’FireAug 2023$554K$2K
Mauna Kea Beach Fire โ†’FireAug 2023โ€”โ€”
Kohala Ranch Fire โ†’FireAug 2023โ€”โ€”
Mana Road Fire โ†’FireAug 2021โ€”โ€”
Hurricane Douglas โ†’HurricaneJul 2020$15Kโ€”
Covid-19 Pandemic โ†’BiologicalApr 2020$12.2M$106K
Covid-19 โ†’BiologicalMar 2020โ€”โ€”
Hurricane Lane โ†’HurricaneSep 2018$14.8Mโ€”
Tropical Storm Olivia โ†’HurricaneSep 2018โ€”โ€”
Hurricane Lane โ†’HurricaneAug 2018โ€”โ€”
Kilauea Volcanic Eruption and Earthquakeโ€ฆ โ†’Volcanic EruptionMay 2018$104.2M$12K
Pu'u O'o Volcanic Eruption and Lava Flow โ†’Volcanic EruptionNov 2014$6.9Mโ€”
Tropical Storm Iselle โ†’Severe StormSep 2014$2.8Mโ€”
Tsunami Waves โ†’TsunamiApr 2011$371Kโ€”
Severe Storms, High Surf, Flooding, and โ€ฆ โ†’Severe StormFeb 2008$247Kโ€”
Puako Fire โ†’FireOct 2007โ€”โ€”
Kohala Mountain Road Fire โ†’FireAug 2007โ€”โ€”
Earthquake โ†’EarthquakeOct 2006$8.4M$155K
Akoni Pule Highway Fire โ†’FireAug 2005โ€”โ€”
Lalamilo Fire โ†’FireAug 2005โ€”โ€”

Showing 20 of 29 disasters

PA = FEMA Public Assistance (infrastructure recovery). IA = Individual Assistance (homeowner/renter aid).

Flood Insurance (NFIP)

Source: FEMA NFIP

Total Claims

777

Total Claims Paid

$22,114,403

Avg Claim Payout

$28,461

County-level NFIP data from FEMA National Flood Insurance Program.

Hazard Mitigation

Source: FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance

Mitigation Projects

29

Federal Funding

$5,022,466

Properties Protected

7

Avg Benefit-Cost Ratio

1.43

BCR

Top Mitigation Project Types

Project TypeProjectsFederal $
100.1: Public Awareness and Education (Brochures, Workshops, Videos, etc.)6$770,505
91.1: Local Multihazard Mitigation Plan5$327,953
602.1: Other Equipment Purchase and Installation3$320,624
205.6: Structural Retrofitting/Rehabilitating Public Structures - Seismic2$149,740
90.4: Mitigation Plan - Local Multihazard Mitigation Plan2$105,000

Federally funded projects to reduce future disaster risk. Only includes completed or obligated projects.

Hilo has a relatively high overall natural hazard risk rating according to FEMA's National Risk Index. The top hazard risks are volcanic activity, earthquake, wildfire. The area has had 29 federal disaster declarations. The most common disaster type is fire (11 declarations). 777 flood insurance claims have been filed in the area. FEMA has obligated $154,119,669 in public assistance recovery funding. $275,133 has been distributed in individual assistance to disaster-affected residents. 29 hazard mitigation projects have been funded to reduce future risk.

Health

Community Health

Source: CDC PLACES

Obesity Rate

25.2%

10.9pp below the national average

Depression Rate

18.6%

4.9pp below the national average

Diabetes Rate

12.8%

0.9pp above the national average

Uninsured Rate

6.4%

4.2pp below the national average

Health Scorecard

Higher scores indicate better health outcomes relative to the national average (50 = average)

Health Outcomes

Age-adjusted prevalence rates. Green bars indicate rates below the national average; red indicates above.

High Cholesterol

34.9%

Arthritis

25.2%

Cancer (excl. skin)

7.0%

Teeth Lost (65+)

9.6%

Health Risk Behaviors

Prevention & Screening

Green bars indicate rates above the national average (more preventive care); red indicates below.

Mental Health & Wellbeing

Frequent Mental Distress

15.2%

14+ days in past month

Depression

18.6%

Loneliness

31.7%

Lack of Support

31.0%

Disability Prevalence

Any Disability

31.3%

Mobility

14.1%

Cognitive

14.1%

Hearing

8.0%

Vision

6.2%

Self-Care

4.2%

Independent Living

8.4%

Health-Related Social Needs

Prevalence of social risk factors affecting community health

Hilo has an obesity rate of 25.2%, which is 10.9pp below the national average. The depression rate is 18.6%, 4.9pp below the national average. About 6.4% of adults lack health insurance. 75.4% of residents had an annual checkup in the past year.

Nearby Hospitals

Source: CMS Hospital Compare

Nearest Hospitals

3

With Emergency Services

3

Avg CMS Rating

2.0 / 5

Nearest Hospital

9.9 mi

Hilo Benioff Medical Center

Loading mapโ€ฆ
HospitalDistanceTypeRatingER
Hilo Benioff Medical Center9.9 miAcute Care Hospitals2/5Yes
Hale Ho'Ola Hamakua38.9 miCritical Access Hospitalsโ€”Yes
Kau Hospital40.5 miCritical Access Hospitalsโ€”Yes

Climate & Environment

Water Systems

Source: EPA SDWIS

Water Systems

24

Pop. Served

118,171

Violations (5yr)

0

No violations

System NamePop. ServedViolations (5yr)
HILO39,4770
NORTH KONA29,5810
SOUTH KOHALA9,6120
SOUTH KONA6,5120
OLAA-MOUNTAIN VIEW6,4670
NORTH KOHALA4,9330
HAINA4,5630
WAIOHINU-NAALEHU2,9480
PAPAIKOU2,2030
LALAMILO1,8950
PAHOA1,8850
PEPEEKEO1,4500
PAHALA1,2260
LAUPAHOEHOE-KAPEHU1,1690
HAWAIIAN OCEAN VIEW ESTATES1,0000
PAAUILO7160
HONOMU6450
KUKUIHAELE4830
HAKALAU-WAILEA4020
KALAPANA2750
OOKALA (DWS)2640
NIULII2540
NINOLE1510
PEPEEKEO WATER ASSOCIATION600

Greenhouse Gas Emitters

Source: EPA GHGRP (2023)

Facilities Reporting

2

Total COโ‚‚e

220.0K MT

Top Emitter

HAWAII ELECTRIC LIGHT CO (HELCO) - KANOELEHUA HILL GENERATING STATION

145.7K MT COโ‚‚e

Total COโ‚‚e vs Similar Cities (25,000 - 50,000)

FacilitySectorCOโ‚‚e (MT)
HAWAII ELECTRIC LIGHT CO (HELCO) - KANOELEHUA HILL GENERATING STATION
Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc
Power Plants145,662
South Hilo Sanitary Landfill
County Of Hawai'I Hawaii
Waste74,319

Data from EPA Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP). Includes facilities emitting 25,000+ metric tons COโ‚‚e/year.

There are 24 water systems serving the area. 2 industrial facilities report greenhouse gas emissions totaling 220.0K metric tons of COโ‚‚e.

Infrastructure

Commute Overview2023 ACS

Mean Commute

18 min

-21% vs national

Drive Alone

70.8%

-10% vs national

Public Transit

0.8%

-17% vs national

Work From Home

8.5%

-9% vs national

Carpool

15.1%

Walk / Bike

3.4%

combined

How Hilo's Commute ComparesCensus ACS 2023

How People Get to WorkCensus ACS 2023

Commute Mode BreakdownCensus ACS 2023

Traffic Fatalities

Source: NHTSA FARS (2023)

Fatalities

3

2023

6-Year Avg

4

fatalities/yr

Cyclist

1

Nighttime

1

dark conditions

YearCrashesFatalitiesAlcoholPedestrianCyclist
202333001
20221010021
202133000
202022000
201944221
201822000

Data from NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). Includes only crashes involving at least one fatality.

The average commute in Hilo, HI is 18 minutes, which is 21.4% below the national average of 23 minutes. 70.8% of workers drive alone, compared to the national average of 78.7%. 8.5% work from home, which is below the HI state average of 9.5%. 15.1% of workers carpool. 2.8% walk to work. 0.7% commute by bicycle. In 2023, there were 3 traffic fatalities from 3 fatal crashes.

Internet & Broadband Access

Source: Census ACS

Broadband Access

89.4%

of households

Cable / Fiber / DSL

74.9%

of households

No Internet

7.3%

of households

Total Households

17,126

Internet Subscription Types

Cable, Fiber, or DSL
74.9%
Cellular Data Plan
82.0%
Satellite
4.3%
Cellular Only (no wired)
11.1%
No Internet Access
7.3%

Device Ownership

Source: Census ACS

Has Computer

94.1%

of households

Smartphone

86.4%

of households

Desktop / Laptop

79.5%

of households

Tablet

65.3%

of households

Any Computing Device
94.1%
Smartphone
86.4%
Desktop / Laptop
79.5%
Tablet
65.3%
Smartphone Only
8.1%
No Computer
5.9%

Percentage of households with each device type. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023 5-year estimates, tables B28001 & B28002).

Electricity Rates

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (2024)

Residential Rate

42.9ยข

per kWh

+125% vs 25,000 - 50,000 avg

Commercial Rate

38.2ยข

per kWh

+147% vs 25,000 - 50,000 avg

Industrial Rate

34.1ยข

per kWh

+187% vs 25,000 - 50,000 avg

Avg Monthly Bill

$212

residential

+45% vs 25,000 - 50,000 avg

151% above the national average of 17.1ยข/kWh

Residential electricity in Hawaii averages 42.9ยข per kWh, compared to the national average of 17.1ยข. The average monthly electric bill is $212. State-level averages from EIA Electric Sales & Revenue data (2024).

Hilo vs Similar Cities

Source: EIA (2024)

Comparing electricity rates with randomly selected cities of similar population (25,000 - 50,000). Each city represents its state's average rate.

Residential Rate (ยข/kWh)

Commercial Rate (ยข/kWh)

Industrial Rate (ยข/kWh)

Average Monthly Bill

Water Systems

Source: EPA SDWIS

Water Systems

24

Population Served

118,171

Violations (5yr)

0

System NameTypeSourcePop. ServedViolations
HILOCommunityGround water39,4770
NORTH KONACommunityGround water29,5810
SOUTH KOHALACommunitySurface water9,6120
SOUTH KONACommunityGround water6,5120
OLAA-MOUNTAIN VIEWCommunityGround water6,4670
NORTH KOHALACommunityGround water4,9330
HAINACommunityGround water4,5630
WAIOHINU-NAALEHUCommunityGround water2,9480
PAPAIKOUCommunityGround water2,2030
LALAMILOCommunityGround water1,8950
PAHOACommunityGround water1,8850
PEPEEKEOCommunityGround water1,4500
PAHALACommunityGround water1,2260
LAUPAHOEHOE-KAPEHUCommunityGround water1,1690
HAWAIIAN OCEAN VIEW ESTATESCommunityGround water1,0000
PAAUILOCommunityGround water7160
HONOMUCommunityGround water6450
KUKUIHAELECommunityGround water4830
HAKALAU-WAILEACommunityGround water4020
KALAPANACommunityGround water2750
OOKALA (DWS)CommunityGround water2640
NIULIICommunityGround water2540
NINOLECommunityGround water1510
PEPEEKEO WATER ASSOCIATIONCommunityPurchased ground water600

89.4% of households in Hilo have broadband internet access. 74.9% have cable, fiber, or DSL service. 11.1% rely solely on cellular data without a wired connection. 7.3% of households have no internet access. 8.1% use only a smartphone without a desktop or laptop. The area is served by 24 water systems, providing water to 118,171 people. No water quality violations have been reported in the past 5 years.

Politics & Government

County-level data: Election results are reported at the county level. Hilo is located in Hawaii County, HI. Results reflect all voters in the county, not just those in Hilo.

Election Overview

Source: Hawaii County (2024)

2024 Winner

Democrat

Dem Votes

52,163

63.0%

GOP Votes

28,748

34.7%

Total Votes

82,823

Margin

D+28.3%

Shift from 2020

R+8.0pp

vs prior election

๐Ÿ“ŠElection Results by Year
2016โ€“2024
๐Ÿ“ˆPartisan Lean Trend
D+28.3%

Election History

Source: County-Level Election Results
YearDem VotesGOP VotesTotalDem %GOP %Margin
202452,16328,74882,82363.0%34.7%D+28.3
202058,73126,89787,81466.9%30.6%D+36.2
201641,25817,50064,86563.6%27.0%D+36.6

In the 2024 presidential election, Hawaii County recorded 82,823 total votes. Democrats won the county with 63.0% of the vote compared to 34.7% for Republicans, a margin of D+28.3%. Compared to 2020, the margin shifted R+8.0pp from the previous election. Since 2016, Hawaii County has shifted 8.4 percentage points toward Republicans.

Nonprofits Overview

Source: IRS Exempt Organizations BMF

Total Nonprofits

409

Total Assets

$294.7M

Total Income

$233.2M

Per 10K Residents

84.8

nonprofits

+59.3% vs peers avg

Orgs with >$1M Assets

40

Median Assets

$230K

Oldest Active

1940

ruling year

Newest Org

2026

ruling year

Nonprofits by Category

Source: IRS / NTEE Classification
Arts & Culture
52
Recreation & Sports
47
Education
40
Human Services
31
Religion
25
Youth Development
18
Community Improvement
17
Environment
14
Philanthropy
11
Health Care
9
Housing & Shelter
8
Food & Agriculture
7
Public Benefit
7
Mental Health
6
Science & Tech
6
Unknown
6
Animal-Related
5
Crime & Legal
3
Voluntary Health
1
Employment
1
Public Safety
1
International
1
Civil Rights
1
68.0%of all nonprofit assets are held by the 10 largest organizations

Top 10 hold $200.5M of $294.7M total

Nonprofit Size Distribution

Source: IRS Exempt Organizations BMF

Number of nonprofits by total asset size

When Were Nonprofits Founded?

Source: IRS Ruling Date

Number of currently active nonprofits by founding decade

Nonprofits per 10K Residents vs Similar Cities

Source: IRS BMF + Census ACS

Compared to cities with population 25,000 - 50,000

Largest Nonprofits in Hilo

Source: IRS Exempt Organizations BMF
OrganizationCategoryAssetsIncomeEst.IRS
EAST HAWAII REGION FOUNDATIONHealth Care$48.7M$80.1M2024
HAWAII ISLAND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONHousing & Shelter$44.4M$3.2M1991
AHA PUNANA LEOArts & Culture$32.1M$13.7M1984
THE FOOD BASKET INCFood & Agriculture$15.4M$14.7M2008
HOSPICE OF HILOHuman Services$15.3M$11.7M1983
LYMAN HOUSE MEMORIAL MUSEUMArts & Culture$9.5M$2.0M1968
BIHF RIVERSIDE COMMUNITY BASED NONPROFIT CORPORATIONHousing & Shelter$9.1M$218K1995
NA LEO O HAWAII INCArts & Culture$8.9M$6.7M1994
HOPE SERVICES HAWAII INCโ€”$8.8M$13.6M1946
HAWAII ISLAND ADULT CARE INCHuman Services$8.2M$2.0M1982
EAST HAWAII STATE VETERANS HOMEHuman Services$7.4M$13.9M2021
BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF THE BIG ISLANDYouth Development$6.6M$1.9M2003
EAST ASIAN OBSERVATORYScience & Tech$6.2M$3.0M2015
HAWAII COMMUNITY BUILDERSHousing & Shelter$5.6M$2.0M2002
THE ARC OF HILOโ€”$5.0M$3.7M1955
PAPAALOA HOUSING INCHousing & Shelter$3.5M$49K1985
COMMUNITY BASED EDUCATION SUPPORT SERVICES-FRIENDS OF CONNECTIONSEducation$3.4M$480K2002
HAWAII COUNTY ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY COUNCILHuman Services$3.3M$3.6M1971
HILO MEDICAL CENTER FOUNDATIONPhilanthropy$2.8M$837K1996
YWCA OF HAWAII ISLANDโ€”$2.8M$3.7M1965
VIBRANT HAWAIICommunity Improvement$2.7M$3.9M2021
MERRIE MONARCH FESTIVALArts & Culture$2.4M$1.7M1995
ISLAND OF HAWAII YMCAโ€”$2.3M$1.8M1966
GOING HOME HAWAIICrime & Legal$2.0M$2.1M2015
HAWAII ISLAND HIV AIDS FOUNDATIONHuman Services$1.8M$4.1M1993
HOOULU-LAHUIYouth Development$1.7M$866K1996
KEA AU HOUSING FOUNDATION INCHousing & Shelter$1.6M$183K1999
WAIMEA HOUSING FOUNDATION INCUnknown$1.6M$296K1992
BIG ISLAND CANDIES FOUNDATIONEducation$1.6M$808K1996
HILO BOARDING SCHOOL TRUSTEESEducation$1.6M$794K1950
HUI HOOLEIMALUOArts & Culture$1.5M$1.1M2019
HAWAII ISLAND PORTUGUESE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONALArts & Culture$1.4M$637K2003
HAWAII ISLAND UNITED WAY INCPhilanthropy$1.3M$555K1967
KAMANA INCโ€”$1.3M$39K1986
HUI MALAMA OLA NA OIWIโ€”$1.3M$5.1M1996
HILO CHINESE SCHOOL FOUNDATIONEducation$1.3M$143K2020
UNITED HAWAII COLLEGEEducation$1.1M$1.4M1990
FRIENDS OF THE PALACE THEATERArts & Culture$1.1M$1.0M2002
EDITH KANAKAOLE FOUNDATIONEducation$1.1M$937K1997
HILO HIGH SCHOOL FOUNDATIONUnknown$1.1M$168K1996
FRIENDS OF THE PANAEWA ZOOAnimal-Related$979K$674K1986
KONA HOUSING CORPORATION 75-5995 KUAKINIHousing & Shelter$927K$348K1989
KAULUWAO INCEducation$823K$927K2019
HAWAII STATE RURAL HEALTH ASSOCIATIONHealth Care$821K$2.3M1998
HAWAI I JAPANESE CENTERArts & Culture$820K$66K2002
MAIKA I HEALTH CORPORATIONHealth Care$775K$1.5M2020
HALE ULU HOI IIIHousing & Shelter$737K$194K1999
FRIENDS OF THE CHILDRENS JUSTICE CENTER OF EAST HAWAII INCUnknown$566K$286K1995
USA SWIMMING INCRecreation & Sports$549K$368K2006
HERBERT C SHIPMAN FOUNDATIONโ€”$522K$276K1978

Hilo, HI has 409 registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with combined assets of $294.7M. The most common category is Arts, Culture & Humanities, with 52 organizations. 40 nonprofits have assets exceeding $1 million. That works out to 84.8 nonprofits per 10,000 residents. The oldest active nonprofit dates back to 1940.

SBA Lending Overview

Source: SBA FOIA Loan-Level Data

Total SBA Loans

267

Total Approved

$50.4M

Jobs Supported

1,706

Per 10K Residents

55.4

SBA loans

-21.7% vs peers avg

Unique Lenders

29

Top Lender

Bank of Hawaii

66 loans

Top Industry

Accommodation & Food Services

Data Span

1992โ€“2026

Loan Program Breakdown

Source: SBA FOIA
7(a)85% of all loans

Loans

228

Total Amount

$30.0M

Avg Loan

$131,557

Median Loan

$50,000

SBA Guaranteed

$22.1M(74%)

Jobs Supported

1,364

50415% of all loans

Loans

39

Total Amount

$20.4M

Avg Loan

$523,564

Median Loan

$347,000

7(a) โ€” 85%504 โ€” 15%

Recent Activity (Last 5 Years)

Source: SBA FOIA

Recent Loans

22

8% of all-time total

Recent Amount

$10.3M

20% of all-time total

Avg Recent Loan

$467,364

Top Industries Funded

Source: SBA FOIA / NAICS Codes
Accommodation & Food Services33 loans
NAICS 72
$7.9M
Retail Trade30 loans
NAICS 44
$7.2M
Health Care & Social Assistance28 loans
NAICS 62
$7.8M
Construction21 loans
NAICS 23
$1.6M
Other Services21 loans
NAICS 81
$4.3M

SBA Loans per 10K Residents vs Similar Cities

Source: SBA FOIA + Census ACS

Compared to cities with population 25,000 - 50,000

Top SBA Borrowers

Source: SBA FOIA
BusinessLoansAmount
Hilo Farmer's Market L.l.c.2$4.4M
Hawaii Vision Specialists Llp1$3.1M
Bhg Aloha Llc1$3.1M
Cpn Investments, Llc1$2.8M
Lex Brodie's Fast Lube1$1.7M
Hawaii Family Health, Inc.1$1.3M
Ht & T Hauling & Repair Servic1$1.2M
Chanda Investment Llc1$882K
Hawaiian Ukulele & Guitar Llc1$825K
Island Naturals Market Inc1$800K

Hilo, HI has received 267 SBA loans totaling $50.4M in approved funding between 1992 and 2026. The 7(a) program accounts for 228 loans (85% of the total), supporting 1,364 jobs. The 504 program, focused on real estate and large equipment, has funded 39 loans totaling $20.4M. The most common industry receiving SBA funding is Accommodation & Food Services. The most active SBA lender in Hilo is Bank of Hawaii with 66 loans. That works out to 55.4 SBA loans per 10,000 residents.

ZIP Code Overview

Source: Census ACS

ZIP Codes

3

Total Population

74,564

Avg Median Income

$83,262

Avg Home Value

$408,667

ZIP Code Details

Source: Census ACS
ZIP CodePopulationMedian IncomeHome ValueMedian RentArea (sq mi)
9672050,971$78,537$458,100$1,346287.8
9674919,449$74,633$396,400$1,26859.8
967604,144$96,615$371,500$1,20820.0

Hilo, HI has 3 ZIP codes with a combined population of 74,564. The average median household income across all ZIP codes is $83,262. The average median home value is $408,667. The average median monthly rent is $1,274.

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County Data

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