Hawaii County Public RecordsHawaii

Hawaii County, HI, serves around 22,000 students across 46 public schools, including 8 high schools. Approximately 88.4% of residents hold a high school diploma, while 25.3% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average school scores, according to Niche, rate around B-, with focus areas including Hawaiian culture and STEM programs. School safety initiatives include resource officers and anti-bullying campaigns. Adult education is available via Hawaii Community College and local programs, with nearly 1,500 adult learners annually.

As of 2022, Hawaii County, HI had an employment rate of approximately 58%, with about 82,300 residents in the labor force. Key industries include accommodation and food services (24%), healthcare and social assistance (17%), and retail trade (11%). The dominant occupations are in service (30%), sales/office (24%), and management/business (20%). A majority of workers (76%) commute by car, with an average commute time of 25 minutes; nearly 93% work within the county. Tourism remains a primary employment driver, alongside agriculture and public sector jobs.

Hawaii County, HI, has a homeownership rate around 66%, with median home values near $460,000 in 2023, reflecting a steady annual increase. Median rent is approximately $1,350 per month. Housing types include single-family homes, condos, and rural dwellings. Popular neighborhoods are Kailua-Kona, Hilo, and Waimea. Property taxes are relatively low, averaging 0.35% of assessed value, or roughly $1,610 yearly for a median-priced home. The market shows moderate growth, with limited inventory due to high demand and geographic constraints.

Hawaii County, HI, had approximately 124,000 registered voters in 2022. Residents participate in primary, general, and special elections, with mail-in ballots being the primary voting method—over 90% used mail voting in 2020. Polling locations are also available on Election Day at about 8 sites. In recent general elections, Democrats typically receive over 65% of the vote. The County Clerk administers elections, ensuring accessibility and security. Key local issues include affordable housing and environmental protection. Major parties are Democratic and Republican, with third-party and independent candidates occasionally on the ballot.

Hawaii County, HI, experienced a property crime rate of approximately 2,450 per 100,000 residents in 2022, slightly above the national average, while violent crime remained lower at 365 per 100,000. The Hawaii Police Department’s 2022 annual report highlighted theft and burglary as the most common offenses, but overall reported crime has steadily declined in recent years. Initiatives such as neighborhood watch programs and increased community policing have contributed to improved safety in both urban and rural areas, though some challenges persist in reporting and timely response, especially in more remote regions.

As of 2023, Hawaii County, HI, has an estimated population of about 204,900. The median age is 43.5 years, with 50.2% females and 49.8% males. Racially, the population is 34% White, 29% Asian, 13% Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, 10% Hispanic or Latino (any race), 1% Black or African American, and 23% identifying as two or more races. This diverse community reflects Hawaii County’s unique multicultural heritage.