Cost of Living in Kalawao County, Hawaii
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Kalawao County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Kalawao County ranks #2,105 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 33%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Kalawao County, Hawaii
Kalawao punches above national affordability
Kalawao County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.1% ranks well below the national norm, with median household income of $86,250 comfortably supporting modest rents of just $1,300 per month. This small, tight-knit community on Molokai offers some of Hawaii's most affordable housing relative to income.
Hawaii's most affordable county overall
Kalawao County leads all Hawaiian counties with an 18.1% rent-to-income ratio—substantially below Hawaii's 22.1% state average. Its combination of reasonable rents ($1,300) and solid median income ($86,250) makes it the state's housing affordability champion.
Kalawao rents undercut most island neighbors
Kalawao's $1,300 median rent is the lowest in Hawaii, undercutting Hawaii County by $111 and all other counties by wider margins. This remote Molokai community trades urban amenities for genuine housing affordability—a rare advantage in the islands.
Only 18% of income spent on rent
Kalawao residents spend just 18.1% of their $86,250 median household income on rent—approximately $1,300 monthly. Owner-occupied housing data is limited for this small county, but the rental market clearly demonstrates the most tenant-friendly affordability in the state.
Kalawao: Hawaii's affordability sweet spot
If housing affordability is your top priority in Hawaii, Kalawao County's 18.1% rent-to-income ratio and $1,300 median rent are unmatched. The trade-off is geographic isolation on Molokai, but for those embracing a quieter island lifestyle, the financial math works in your favor.
Cost of Living Advisory: Kalawao County
Affordability Verdict
Kalawao County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,300/month representing approximately 18.1% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 25.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Kalawao County has incomplete rent-vs-own data. Median gross rent is $1,300/month and median monthly owner cost is N/A/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $52,000/year. With a median household income of $86,250, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Kalawao County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Kalawao County sits 8% less expensive than Hawaii County ($1,411/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Kalawao County
Rent Burden
18.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,013
per month
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
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Data unavailable
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Data unavailable
Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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