In Waimea, a typical home is worth $677,400 and typical rent is $1,867 a month. Compared with all of Hawaii County, the typical home value is 30% higher and typical household income is 27% higher.
Typical home value from Zillow, September 2021 to September 2026: from $864,617 to $1,030,560.
From Zillow (ZHVI), September 2026. The Census figures above are 5-year averages (2020–2024).
Waimea is in Hawaii County. The FHA loan limit ($586,500 for a one-unit home), the fair market rents and the help on this page are those of all of Hawaii County. See the county
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
1
Waimea has the smallest share of rent-burdened renters of the 57 cities in Hawaii with more than 5,000 people: 37%.
2
Nearby, in Kaiminani, the typical rent is $1,202: 36% less than in Waimea ($1,867).
3
Nearby, in Hilo, the typical home value is $483,000: 29% less than in Waimea ($677,400).
4
The typical home in Waimea is worth $677,400,30% more than in Hawaii County as a whole ($519,300).
5
The typical household income in Waimea is $100,198,27% more than in Hawaii County as a whole ($78,639).
6
The typical rent in Waimea is $1,867 a month, 24% more than in Hawaii County as a whole ($1,510).
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).
The homes here
Housing in Waimea
What homes there are in Waimea, what they cost, how that changed and how people live, from Census figures (2020–2024).
What homes there are
U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024
Kind of home
Detached houseAttached houseBuilding of 2 to 4Apartments (5 or more)Mobile homeBoat, RV and otherUnreliable estimate
Waimea
Hawaii County
Hawaii
United States
Kind of home: Waimea and its comparisons
Measure
Waimea
Hawaii County
Hawaii
United States
Detached house
84%
77%
54%
61%
Attached house
Unreliable estimate
4%
9%
6%
Building of 2 to 4
Unreliable estimate
5%
6%
8%
Apartments (5 or more)
Unreliable estimate
14%
31%
19%
Mobile home
Unreliable estimate
0%
0%
6%
Boat, RV and other
Unreliable estimate
Unreliable estimate
0%
0%
In Waimea, 8 in 10 homes are single-family detached houses; in Hawaii County, 8.
Year built
Before 19601960–19791980–19992000–20092010 or later
Waimea
Hawaii County
Hawaii
United States
Year built: Waimea and its comparisons
Measure
Waimea
Hawaii County
Hawaii
United States
Before 1960
9%
10%
14%
26%
1960–1979
19%
25%
36%
24%
1980–1999
37%
35%
28%
25%
2000–2009
24%
21%
12%
14%
2010 or later
12%
10%
9%
11%
Here half of the homes date from 1994 or later; in Hawaii County, from 1989 or later.
What it costs here
U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024
Value of owner-occupied homes
Unreliable estimate
Under $100KUnreliable
$100K–$200KUnreliable
$200K–$300KUnreliable
$300K–$500K16%
$500K–$750K42%
$750K–$1M13%
$1M or more25%
Value of owner-occupied homes: Waimea and its comparisons
Measure
Waimea
Under $100K
Unreliable estimate
$100K–$200K
Unreliable estimate
$200K–$300K
Unreliable estimate
$300K–$500K
16%
$500K–$750K
42%
$750K–$1M
13%
$1M or more
25%
Monthly rent with utilities
Unreliable estimate
Under $500Unreliable
$500–$999Unreliable
$1,000–$1,499Unreliable
$1,500–$1,999Unreliable
$2,000–$2,499Unreliable
$2,500–$2,999Unreliable
$3,000 or moreUnreliable
Monthly rent with utilities: Waimea and its comparisons
Measure
Waimea
Under $500
Unreliable estimate
$500–$999
Unreliable estimate
$1,000–$1,499
Unreliable estimate
$1,500–$1,999
Unreliable estimate
$2,000–$2,499
Unreliable estimate
$2,500–$2,999
Unreliable estimate
$3,000 or more
Unreliable estimate
With a mortgage
$2,382 a month
Hawaii County: $2,157 a month
Without a mortgage
$625 a month
Hawaii County: $477 a month
Owners with a mortgage
69%
Hawaii County: 54%
The typical cost for an owner with a mortgage in Waimea is $2,382 a month, more than in Hawaii County ($2,157); without one, $625.
How it changed
U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2015–2019 and 2020–2024
Change since 2015–2019
Typical home value
Waimea+51%
Hawaii County+48%
Hawaii+36%
United States+53%
Typical rent
WaimeaNo clear change
Hawaii County+28%
Hawaii+22%
United States+33%
Typical household income
WaimeaNo clear change
Hawaii County+26%
Hawaii+24%
United States+29%
Change since 2015–2019: Waimea and its comparisons
Measure
Waimea
Hawaii County
Hawaii
United States
Typical home value
+51%
+48%
+36%
+53%
Typical rent
No clear change
+28%
+22%
+33%
Typical household income
No clear change
+26%
+24%
+29%
From 2015–2019 to 2020–2024, home values in Waimea rose at about the same pace as in Hawaii County: 51% against 48%.
Rent in Waimea moved so little since 2015–2019 that the Census cannot say whether it rose or fell.
How people live
U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024
How people live: Waimea and its comparisons
Measure
Waimea
Hawaii County
Hawaii
United States
Rental vacancy
Unreliable estimate
10.6%
7.4%
5.5%
Homeowner vacancy
Unreliable estimate
1.4%
0.9%
0.9%
More than one person per room
Unreliable estimate
8.4%
8.8%
3.4%
People per household
2.60
2.74
2.85
2.53
Drive alone
67%
68%
65%
69%
Carpool
13%
15%
14%
9%
Public transit
Unreliable estimate
1%
4%
3%
Walk or bike
Unreliable estimate
2%
5%
3%
Work from home
19%
12%
10%
15%
Other means
Unreliable estimate
2%
2%
2%
Typical commute
Unreliable estimate
20 to 29 minutes
20 to 29 minutes
20 to 29 minutes
On average, a household in Waimea has 2.60 people, fewer than in Hawaii County (2.74).
Many people here do not commute at all: 19% work from home; in Hawaii County, 12%.
Do the math
What would you pay each month for a home in Waimea?
A typical home costs more than the typical income allows
We start with a typical home in Waimea, worth $677,400, an FHA loan with 3.5% down and the latest average rate (7.18%). That payment would take 63% of the typical household income in Waimea, which is $100,198 a year. For that payment to be 28% of income, a household would need to earn about $224,334 a year. Note: at that price the loan is above the FHA limit for Hawaii County ($586,500), so FHA would not insure it; the payment is only a reference.
The calculator's FHA and conventional loan limits are those of all of Hawaii County.
Change the price, the down payment or the loan: the payment updates right away.
Your numbers
Local data
$
Starts at the typical home value in Waimea. Change it to the price you have in mind.
Your score changes which loans apply and FHA's minimum down payment. Your real rate also depends on your credit.
Down payment
%
That is $23,709 (3.5% of the price). The usual minimum for this loan is 3.5%.
This week's average ± a quarter or half point.
National average as of November 5, 2026 (Freddie Mac); your rate may be different.
Adjust advanced details⌄
Estimated monthly payment
Local data
$5,234
at 7.18% · 30 years
Loan amount
$665,131
Total interest
$956,967
Paid off in
November 2056
Includes $11,440 FHA upfront mortgage insurance premium.
Does it fit the income?
Comfortable
up to $2,338 a month
Tight
$2,338 to $3,006 a month
Hard
more than $3,006 a month
Your payment · 63%
Compared with the typical household income in Waimea ($100,198 a year). Reference: HUD calls paying more than 30% of income for housing a cost burden.
Monthly payment breakdown
Principal & interest
$4,506
Property tax
$147
Home insurance
$282
FHA mortgage insurance (MIP)
$300
This loan is over the FHA limit
You'd borrow $653,691, but the FHA limit for a one-unit home in Waimea is $586,500. You'd need a bigger down payment or a different loan.
You need at least $23,709 for the down payment, plus closing costs.
This is an estimate to give you an idea, not a loan offer. Your real payment depends on your rate, your credit, and the insurance and taxes on the home you buy.
Total monthly payment $5,234; principal and interest $4,506.
The city and its county
Waimea and Hawaii County
Waimea is in Hawaii County, Hawaii. The U.S. Census Bureau publishes its own numbers for the city: home values, rent, household income, how many households own their home and the property tax. They are American Community Survey estimates (average 2020–2024).
Waimea
Map of Hawaii County, Hawaii, with Waimea marked. Around it, the neighboring counties.
Waimea
Hawaii County
Other cities with a page
Waimea's own numbers
Typical home value
$677,400
Typical monthly rent
$1,867
Typical yearly household income
$100,198
Households that own their home
73%
Effective property tax rate
0.26%
U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (average 2020–2024).
Numbers for all of Hawaii County
FHA limit, one-unit home
$586,500
Conventional limit, one unit
$1,249,125
HUD fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
$2,081
Price change over 5 years (FHFA)
+59%
HUD, FHFA and FEMA don't publish these numbers by city.
Other numbers are not published by city, only for the whole county: FHA and conventional loan limits, HUD’s fair market rents, FHFA’s price index and FEMA’s flood data. On this page, those numbers always say they are for all of Hawaii County.
A typical home in Waimea is worth $677,400: 30% above the county and 19% below Hawaii. With the typical household income in Waimea ($100,198 a year), a typical home costs 6.8 times what the household earns in a year.
Years of income to pay for a typical home
The typical home value divided by the typical household income for one year. The lower it is, the less buying weighs.
Waimea6.8 years
Hawaii6.6 years
Hawaii8.4 years
United States4.1 years
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Average 2020–2024
How prices have changed in Hawaii County
According to FHFA’s house price index, home prices in Hawaii County rose 92% in the 10 years through 2025.
FHFA does not publish this index by city: these are the numbers for all of Hawaii County.
Yearly change in FHFA’s price index in Hawaii County, 2016 to 2025
2016: +2.5% +2.5% 2016
2017: +5.5% +5.5% 2017
2018: +5.3% +5.3% 2018
2019: +3.1% +3.1% 2019
2020: +3.3% +3.3% 2020
2021: +10.3% +10.3% 2021
2022: +23.2% +23.2% 2022
2023: +5.7% +5.7% 2023
2024: +3.9% +3.9% 2024
2025: +6.1% +6.1% 2025
Change in FHFA’s price index in Hawaii County, Hawaii and the United States
Period
County
Hawaii
U.S.
Last year (2025)
+6.1%
+2.9%
+2.9%
5 years (2020–2025)
+59%
+46%
+47%
10 years (2015–2025)
+92%
+73%
+85%
The index follows the price of the same homes over time (sales and appraisals with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans). It is not the average price of a home. FHFA considers its annual county indexes experimental. Source: FHFA, 2025 data
Waimea next to Hawaii County, Hawaii and the U.S.
Three numbers side by side. “Typical” means the median: half are above it and half below.
Typical home value
Waimea$677,400
Hawaii$519,300
Hawaii$839,100
United States$332,700
Typical monthly rent
Waimea$1,867
Hawaii$1,510
Hawaii$1,971
United States$1,413
Typical yearly household income
Waimea$100,198
Hawaii$78,639
Hawaii$100,389
United States$80,734
See the full table
Waimea next to Hawaii County and Hawaii
Measure
Waimea
Hawaii County
Hawaii
U.S.
Typical home value
$677,400 ▲30% above the county
$519,300
$839,100
$332,700
Typical monthly rent
$1,867 ▲24% above the county
$1,510
$1,971
$1,413
Typical yearly household income
$100,198 ▲27% above the county
$78,639
$100,389
$80,734
Households that own their home
73% ▼1 points below the county
74%
63%
65%
Typical yearly property tax
$1,782 ▲22% above the county
$1,459
$2,239
$3,119
Effective property tax rate
0.26% ▼0.02 points below the county
0.28%
0.27%
0.94%
Renters with high rent for their income
37% ▼15 points below the county
52%
57%
51%
“Typical” means the median: half are above and half are below. ▲ and ▼ say whether the city is above or below Hawaii County. “High rent” is the Census measure: renter households that pay 30% or more of their income in rent.
Four ways to pay for a typical home in Waimea
For a typical $677,400 home in Waimea, at Freddie Mac's average rate (7.18% as of November 5, 2026) over 30 years. The monthly payment adds principal and interest, Waimea's typical property tax, an example home insurance and mortgage insurance when it applies.
FHA, 3.5% down$5,234a month
Above the FHA limit for Hawaii County ($586,500)
Down payment
$23,709
Cash to close
$44,031
Rate
7.18%
Mortgage insurance
FHA MIP · $300
Conventional, 5% down$5,110a month
Least cash to close
Down payment
$33,870
Cash to close
$54,192
Rate
7.18%
Mortgage insurance
PMI · $322
Conventional, 20% down, no PMI$4,100a month
Down payment
$135,480
Cash to close
$155,802
Rate
7.18%
Mortgage insurance
None
ITIN, 15% down (example)$4,726a month
Down payment
$101,610
Cash to close
$121,932
Rate
8.18%
Mortgage insurance
None
Four ways to pay for a typical home in Waimea
Loan
Monthly payment
Down payment
Loan amount
Rate
Mortgage insurance
Cash to close
Minimum score
FHA, 3.5% down Above the FHA limit for Hawaii County ($586,500)
$5,234
$23,709
$665,131
7.18%
FHA MIP · $300
$44,031
580
Conventional, 5% down Least cash to close
$5,110
$33,870
$643,530
7.18%
PMI · $322
$54,192
620*
Conventional, 20% down, no PMI
$4,100
$135,480
$541,920
7.18%
None
$155,802
620*
ITIN, 15% down (example)
$4,726
$101,610
$575,790
8.18%
None
$121,932
Set by the lender
The option that asks for the least cash to close is Conventional, 5% down.
Cash to close = down payment plus 3% of the price in closing costs (example).
Minimum score: FHA requires 580 or higher for the minimum down payment (HUD Handbook 4000.1). * Fannie Mae requires 620 when a loan is underwritten by hand; its automated system has no fixed minimum.
The ITIN row is an example with a rate 1 percentage point higher: ITIN loans follow no federal rule and each lender sets its own down payment and rate. Nothing in this table promises an approval.
Typical rent in Waimea is $1,867 a month: 24% above the county. In Waimea, 37% of renter households pay 30% or more of their income in rent.
HUD publishes a fair market rent for all of Hawaii County, by unit size. To pay the 2-bedroom one ($2,081 a month) without spending more than 30% of your income, you would need to earn $40.02 an hour working full time.
What you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income, working full time.
HUD fair market rent in Hawaii County (Fiscal year 2027)
Size
Fair rent a month
Hourly wage
Yearly income
Studio
$1,605
$30.87
$64,200
1 bedroom
$1,615
$31.06
$64,600
2 bedrooms
$2,081
$40.02
$83,240
3 bedrooms
$2,620
$50.38
$104,800
4 bedrooms
$2,910
$55.96
$116,400
Includes basic utilities. It isn't the lowest or highest rent: it's a reference point. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
By ZIP code
Fair market rent by ZIP code in Waimea
HUD also publishes a fair market rent for each ZIP code (Small Area FMR, fiscal year 2027). Waimea is in ZIP code 96743.
For 2 bedrooms it is $2,850: $769 more than the fair market rent for Hawaii County ($2,081).
Fair market rent by ZIP code and size in Waimea, fiscal year 2027.
ZIP code
Studio
1 bd
2 bd
3 bd
4 bd
96743
$2,200
$2,210
$2,850
$3,590
$4,030
ZIP code2 bd3 bd
96743 $2,850$3,590
1 of these ZIP codes crosses the city line: HUD sets the rent by ZIP code, not by city. A ZIP code counts for Waimea when at least 50% of its land is inside the city or it covers at least 15% of the city (Census 2020 boundaries). Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD)Fiscal year 2027Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)Source: Census Bureau ZCTA-to-place relationship fileData from 2020 dataCensus Bureau ZCTA-to-place relationship file (external site)
You do not have to do this alone. A HUD-approved housing counseling agency helps for free or at low cost: getting ready to buy, understanding your credit, or solving a problem with your rent.
There are 2 HUD-approved agencies with an office in Hawaii County; none says it serves in Spanish.
No down payment, repair or rent-help program on our list is for Waimea or Hawaii County. The ones below are statewide in Hawaii: they work in Waimea the same as in the rest of the state.
Hawaii state corporation 30-year fixed mortgage for first-time buyers, with optional down payment assistance whose terms the agency has not yet published.Offered by Hawaiʻi Housing Finance & Development Corporation (HHFDC).
No legal help resource on our list is for Waimea or Hawaii County in particular.
If you have a problem with your landlord, an eviction notice or a scam, the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) search shows the free legal aid offices that serve your area.
Short answers with the numbers for Waimea and all of Hawaii County. If your case is different, a HUD-approved counseling agency can guide you for free or at low cost.
How much does a typical home cost in Waimea?
The typical home value in Waimea is $677,400, according to the U.S. Census Bureau (average 2020–2024). For comparison, in Hawaii County it is $519,300.
How much does it cost to rent in Waimea?
Typical rent in Waimea is $1,867 a month, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. HUD’s fair market rent for 2 bedrooms in Hawaii County is $2,081.
What is the FHA loan limit in Waimea?
Waimea uses the FHA limit for all of Hawaii County (2026): $586,500 for a one-unit home and $1,127,900 for a four-unit home.
How much property tax do owners pay in Waimea?
The typical homeowner in Waimea pays $1,782 a year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That is 0.26% of the home’s value; in Hawaii County, the rate is 0.28%.
Where can I find free help to buy or rent in Waimea?
There are 2 HUD-approved counseling agencies with an office in Hawaii County. They can help you get ready to buy, with your credit, or with rent.
