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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City rankings
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.
Where to stay in Hilo
Visiting or relocating to Hilo, HI? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.