Kauai County Public RecordsHawaii

As of 2022, Kauai County, HI has a population of about 73,454. The median age is 43.1 years, with 49.7% male and 50.3% female residents. Racially, 28.6% identify as Asian, 22.3% as White, 10.5% as Pacific Islander, 8.7% as two or more races, and 9.7% as Hispanic or Latino (of any race), reflecting the county’s diverse demographics.

Kauai County, HI, features 10 public high schools and several private institutions, with public high school graduation rates around 86%. Approximately 32% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The county’s schools average a 5/10 rating on GreatSchools, reflecting mixed academic performance. School safety initiatives include anti-bullying programs and regular emergency drills. Kauai Community College supports adult education and vocational training, enrolling over 1,400 students annually. Educational programs emphasize STEM, Hawaiian culture, and environmental stewardship, providing diverse opportunities for students and residents alike.

As of 2022, Kauai County, HI had an employment rate of approximately 59%. The leading industries were accommodation and food services (21%), retail trade (12%), and health care/social assistance (11%). The most common occupation types were food preparation/serving (13%), sales (11%), and office/administrative support (11%). About 76% of workers commuted by car, with an average commute time of 21 minutes. The majority of employment was located within the county, particularly in Līhu‘e and Kapa‘a.

Kauai County, HI, has a homeownership rate of about 60%, with median home values around $820,000 as of early 2024. Median gross rent is approximately $2,100 per month. Housing types range from single-family homes to condos, with popular neighborhoods including Princeville, Kapa’a, Lihue, and Poipu. Property values have risen over 7% year-over-year, driven by limited inventory and high demand. Property tax rates are relatively low, averaging 0.28%, but high home prices keep overall taxes substantial. The area’s scenic appeal continues to attract both buyers and renters, impacting price trends.

Kauai County, HI, reports a lower crime rate compared to national averages. In 2022, the violent crime rate was approximately 2.0 incidents per 1,000 residents, while property crime stood at about 15.5 per 1,000 residents. The Kauai Police Department emphasizes proactive reporting and community involvement, leading to a clearance rate of 27% for property crimes and 53% for violent crimes. Overall, Kauai remains relatively safe, with consistent efforts in crime prevention and transparent reporting to ensure community trust and security.

Kauai County, HI, had 46,628 registered voters in the 2022 general election, with a turnout of around 53%. Elections include federal, state, county, and special elections, often held by mail since Hawaii adopted all-mail voting in 2020. In 2022, Democrats dominated, winning over 70% of local races. Key issues included affordable housing and environmental protection. The County Clerk’s Office administers elections, with limited polling and voter service centers, such as Lihue Neighborhood Center. Major parties are Democratic and Republican, though nonpartisan candidates often run for county council seats.