Naalehu City Housing

Naalehu, Hawaii, has a homeownership rate around 65%, with median home values near $320,000 in 2023. Rental rates average about $1,200 per month. The property market has seen modest annual appreciation of 3-4%. Housing options typically include single-family homes and modest plantation-style houses. Neighborhoods are primarily rural with expansive lots. Property tax rates are relatively low, averaging 0.28% of assessed value, making taxes around $900 yearly for a median-priced home. Overall, Naalehu offers affordable, spacious housing in a quiet, close-knit community.

Transportation in Naalehu City

Naalehu, Hawaii, is a small rural community where transportation is primarily car-dependent; over 90% of commuters drive alone, with less than 1% using public transit. The average commute time is about 35 minutes, higher than the national average, reflecting the area’s dispersed settlements and limited transit options. Public transportation is minimal, served mainly by the Hele-On Bus, which provides infrequent regional service. Most households own two or more vehicles. Employment is centered locally in agriculture, tourism, and small retail, but many residents commute to larger hubs like Hilo or Kailua-Kona for work.

Naalehu City Demographics

Naalehu, Hawaii (HI), had a population of approximately 866 as of the 2020 Census. The median age is around 44 years. Gender distribution is fairly balanced, with about 51% male and 49% female. Racially, the community is diverse: about 16% White, 6% Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, 45% Asian, 0.7% African American, and 32% identifying with two or more races. Hispanic or Latino individuals make up around 15% of the population.

Education in Naalehu City

Naalehu, Hawaii, has limited educational options, with Naalehu Elementary & Intermediate School serving K-8 students—high schoolers typically attend Kaʻu High & Pāhala Elementary (about 12 miles away). School enrollment is approximately 400 at Naalehu. The high school graduation rate in the Kaʻu district is around 80%, while only 15% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety is rated average, with few incidents reported annually. The area offers some adult education and vocational programs, but choices are limited due to its rural location. Test scores generally fall below state averages.

Naalehu City Healthcare

Naalehu, Hawaii, a small rural community with 800 residents, lacks a full-service hospital; the closest hospitals are Kaʻū Hospital (22 beds, ~12 miles away) and Kona Community Hospital (60 miles away). Naalehu’s Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association Clinic offers primary care. The area’s population is ~30% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and 20% aged 65+. Common health issues include diabetes (12% prevalence), hypertension, and obesity (36%). Approximately 8% of residents are uninsured, lower than the state average. Healthcare access remains a challenge due to physician shortages, long travel distances, and limited specialty care.