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Population Review

Kauai County, Hawaii Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 4th-largest in Hawaii

The population of Kauai County, Hawaii is 73,610 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 4th-largest county in Hawaii. The median household income is $93,612, the median home value is $817,900, and the median age is 42.7.

The population of Kauai County has grown 9.9% since 2010 (67,208 → 73,840), a +0.67% annualized rate.

Kauai County within Hawaii · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

73,610

Population

+0.67%

Annual growth

119

People / sq mi

$93,612

Median Income

$817,900

Median Home Value

Kauai County covers 620 sq mi of land at 118.8 people per square mile.

About Kauai County, HI

Housing cost is the defining feature of Kauai County: the median home is valued at $817,900. Kauai County is a county in Hawaii with a population of 73,610. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in Hawaii in the country, at #4 by population.

Earnings sit at the high end: a median household income of $93,612, above the US median of $78,538. Only 6.5% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. Real estate commands a premium here — a median home value of $817,900, with typical rent around $1,810.

College attainment is above the local norm at 30.2%, below the national 35.0%. About 7.9% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 22 minutes each way.

High housing values reframe the income picture in Kauai County — even solid earnings stretch less against home prices and rents at this level.

Kauai County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Kauai County had a population of 67,208 in 2010 and 73,840 in 2024, a 9.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 73,933 in 2023. Average annual growth rate: 0.68%.

2023 · 74K20102024
Kauai County population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

73,840

Population (2024)

67,208

Population (2010)

73,933

Peak (2023)

0.68%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201067,208
201167,894
201268,680
201369,653
201470,316
201571,052
201671,574
201771,838
201872,292
201972,190
202073,209
202173,851
202273,823
202373,933
202473,840

Race & Ethnicity

White30.1%
Black or African American0.6%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)3.1%
Two or More Races7.5%

Age & Sex

42.7

Median Age

50.1%

Female

49.9%

Male

21.7%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
5.4%
5–9
5.6%
10–14
6.8%
15–19
5.7%
20–24
4.4%
25–34
11.4%
35–44
13.2%
45–54
12.1%
55–59
6.2%
60–64
7.4%
65–74
13.0%
75–84
6.4%
85+
2.3%

Children (under 15): 17.8% · Seniors (65+): 21.7%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$93,612$-4,705 vs state
Mean household income$124,027
Per-capita income$42,553
Poverty rate6.5%-0.4% vs state
Unemployment rate2.4%
Employment-to-population60.3%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
18.6%
Education & health care
18.5%
Finance & real estate
10.2%
Construction
8.1%
Public administration
7.7%
Retail trade
7.3%
Arts, entertainment & food
5.9%
Information
5.9%

The largest employment sector in Kauai County is professional & business services, accounting for 18.6% of workers.

How residents commute

1.0%

Drive alone

2.6%

Carpool

74.3%

Public transit

7.9%

Work from home

21.7 min

Avg commute

Housing

$817,900+$9,700 vs state

Median home value

$1,810

Median rent

67.3%

Homeownership rate

30,392

Total housing units

77.2%

Occupied

22.8%

Vacant

32.7%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

95.9%

With health insurance

96.2%

With broadband internet

30.1%

Foreign-born

6.9%

Veterans (18+)

11.4%

With a disability

82.0%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

92.7%

High School+

30.2%

Bachelor's+

Largest cities in Hawaii

Other counties in Hawaii

Part of Hawaii

Metro areas in Hawaii

County rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Kauai County, Hawaii has a population of 73,610 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 4th-largest county in Hawaii. Population density is 119 people per square mile.

The population of Kauai County has grown 9.9% since 2010 (67,208 → 73,840), a +0.67% annualized rate.

The median household income in Kauai County, Hawaii is $93,612, with mean (average) household income of $124,027 and per-capita income of $42,553. 6.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Kauai County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (30.1%), Two or more races (7.5%), Hispanic or Latino (3.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Kauai County, Hawaii is 42.7 years. Residents are 50.1% female and 49.9% male.

The median home value in Kauai County is $817,900 and median monthly rent is $1,810. 67.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 30,392 total housing units, 22.8% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Kauai County, Hawaii is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 18.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.4%.

Urban Honolulu is among the largest cities associated with Kauai County, Hawaii, with a population of 346,323.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.