Education in Hilo City

Hilo, Hawaii, hosts approximately 13 public schools, including Hilo High School and the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Around 31% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Public schools in Hilo average a GreatSchools rating of 5/10. Adult education is supported by institutions like Hawaii Community College. School safety initiatives emphasize community involvement and emergency preparedness. Educational programs emphasize STEM, Hawaiian culture, and environmental studies, offering students diverse learning opportunities.

Hilo City Housing

Hilo, Hawaii’s median home price is around $425,000 in 2024, with homeownership rates near 55% and median rent about $1,300/month. The market has seen steady 2-3% annual price growth. Housing types include single-family homes, apartments, and vintage plantation houses, with popular neighborhoods like Waiākea, Keaukaha, and Downtown. Property tax rates are low, averaging about 0.41% of assessed value, or roughly $1,700/year for a median-priced home. Rental housing makes up 45% of the market, supporting a diverse, multicultural community.

Transportation in Hilo City

In Hilo, Hawaii, transportation relies heavily on personal vehicles, with about 87% of workers commuting by car and only around 2% using public transit, according to the U.S. Census. The average one-way commute time is roughly 17 minutes, below the national average. Hele-On Bus provides limited public transit, and transportation infrastructure features major roads like Hawaii Belt Road (Route 11/19). Vehicle ownership is high, with over 90% of households having at least one vehicle. Major employment hubs include Hilo Medical Center, government offices, and the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo.

Hilo City Demographics

As of 2022, Hilo, Hawaii, has a population of approximately 44,200. The median age is around 42 years. Females slightly outnumber males, making up about 51% of the population. Racially, Hilo is diverse: about 31% Asian, 26% White, 13% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, 1% Black or African American, and 29% identifying as two or more races or other ethnicities. Hispanic or Latino individuals comprise roughly 11% of residents.

Hilo City Healthcare

Hilo, Hawaii, is primarily served by Hilo Medical Center, a 267-bed facility with over 1,200 staff, and several clinics including Bay Clinic’s community health centers. About 93% of residents have health insurance (compared to 92% statewide). The city’s diverse population—approximately 35% Asian, 27% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and 24% White—struggles with high rates of diabetes (12%) and obesity (30%). Access to primary care averages 1 physician per 1,800 residents. Medicare and Medicaid cover a significant share (over 40%) of patients. Recruitment of healthcare providers remains a persistent challenge.