Hilo, Hawaii Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Hilo, Hawaii is 48,223 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 3rd-largest city in Hawaii. The median household income is $78,713, the median home value is $455,100, and the median age is 42.6.
48,223
Population
900
People / sq mi
$78,713
Median Income
$455,100
Median Home Value
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Hilo covers 53.6 sq mi of land at 900 people per square mile.
About Hilo, HI
Hilo stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most sparsely settled of US cities, at roughly 900 people per square mile. With 48,223 residents, Hilo is a city in Hawaii. It is the #3-largest of all cities in Hawaii nationally.
Median household income is $78,713, near the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 10.2%, below the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $455,100, with typical rent around $1,347.
Roughly 34.0% of adults have a bachelor’s, near the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 8.5%, and the average commute runs about 20 minutes each way.
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 16.3% |
| Black or African American | 0.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.2% |
| Two or More Races | 11.7% |
Economy & Income
$78,713
Median Household Income
$39,868
Per Capita Income
10.2%
Poverty Rate
4.2%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$455,100
Median Home Value
$1,347
Median Rent
65.5%
Owner-Occupied
Education
94.7%
High School+
34.0%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.8%
Drive Alone
70.8%
Public Transit
8.5%
Work From Home
20.1 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
16.1%
Foreign Born
76.1%
Non-English at Home
8.3%
Veterans
15.5%
With Disability
97.2%
Health Insurance
94.1%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 26.8% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 12.8% |
| Public Administration | 9.9% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 8.4% |
| Construction | 7.2% |
| Information | 5.8% |
| Retail Trade | 4.6% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 4.2% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 2.0% |
| Manufacturing | 1.3% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.3% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Hilo, Hawaii has a population of 48,223 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 3rd-largest city in Hawaii.
The median household income in Hilo, Hawaii is $78,713, with 10.2% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Hilo, Hawaii is $455,100, with median monthly rent at $1,347 and a homeownership rate of 65.5%.
The median age in Hilo, Hawaii is 42.6 years. The population is 47.7% male and 52.3% female.
Hilo Cdp, HI Climate
Hilo Cdp, HI has an average annual temperature of 23.2°C (74°F) and receives about 2457 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is September and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
23.2°C
Avg Temp
2457
Precip (mm/yr)
Sep
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 22° / 71° | 221 mm |
| February | 22° / 71° | 210 mm |
| March | 22° / 72° | 312 mm |
| April | 22° / 72° | 261 mm |
| May | 23° / 74° | 156 mm |
| June | 24° / 75° | 94 mm |
| July | 24° / 76° | 174 mm |
| August | 25° / 76° | 172 mm |
| September | 25° / 76° | 138 mm |
| October | 24° / 76° | 178 mm |
| November | 23° / 74° | 279 mm |
| December | 22° / 72° | 262 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Hilo Cdp, HI
The most comfortable months to visit Hilo Cdp, HI are typically June, May and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is September (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near 18°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Hilo
Visiting or relocating to Hilo, HI? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Hilo
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.