Volcano City Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Volcano, Hawaii (ZIP 96785) had a population of approximately 2,790. The median age is around 48.8 years. Gender distribution is nearly even—about 50.7% male and 49.3% female. Racially, the population is 40.8% White, 30.4% Asian, 19.9% two or more races, 5.3% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, 0.8% Black or African American, and 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, reflecting the region's diverse heritage.

Volcano City Healthcare

Volcano, Hawaii, is a small rural community with no hospitals and limited healthcare services; the nearest full-service hospital is Hilo Medical Center (about 28 miles away), which has 276 beds. Local care is mainly provided by a small clinic and several private practices. Hawaii overall has high insurance coverage, with over 95% insured. The area serves a population of around 2,500, mainly middle-aged and older adults. Common health issues include hypertension, diabetes, and respiratory conditions linked to volcanic emissions. Healthcare access is limited by distance, transportation, and provider shortages typical of rural Hawaii.

Volcano City Housing

Volcano, Hawaii (ZIP 96785), features a mix of single-family homes and cabins, with a median home value around $350,000 and median rent near $1,400/month. Approximately 70% of residents own their homes. Recent years show moderate price appreciation, with properties near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in higher demand. Neighborhoods like Volcano Village offer lush surroundings and a rural feel. Hawaii County’s property tax rate is about $6.15 per $1,000 of assessed value, making annual taxes on a median home roughly $2,153. Vacation rentals are common but may face local regulations.

Transportation in Volcano City

Volcano, Hawaii (ZIP code 96785), is a rural area with limited public transportation; less than 1% of residents use public transit, while over 85% commute by car. Average one-way commute times are short, typically under 25 minutes. Vehicle ownership is high, with most households owning two or more vehicles. Major nearby employment hubs include Hilo (30 miles away), with local jobs primarily in tourism, hospitality, and the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Transportation infrastructure consists mainly of Highway 11 and local roads, with minimal traffic congestion due to the area’s low population density (about 2,600 residents).

Education in Volcano City

Volcano, Hawaii, located on the Big Island, is served primarily by public schools in the Hawaii Department of Education system, with the nearest high school being Ka‘u High & Pahala Elementary (serving grades 7–12). Hawaii’s average high school graduation rate is approximately 85%, while only about 33% of residents have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The area has few schools directly in Volcano; students often commute. School safety is rated average, and specialized educational programs are limited. Adult education offerings exist mostly in Hilo, about 30 miles away. The public school rating in the area averages 4–5 out of 10.