countyscore
47.5
County Score
Property Tax 98.9Income & Jobs 96.3Health 90.7

County Report Card

About Honolulu County, Hawaii

Urban Island Life Meets National Averages

Honolulu County earns a 47.5 composite score, placing it slightly below the national median of 50.0. High economic marks are balanced by the intense cost of living characteristic of major island hubs.

Tied for Second in the Aloha State

At 47.5, Honolulu matches the score of Hawaii County and sits just above the state average of 47.3. It represents a high-income, high-cost alternative to its more rural neighbors.

Elite Incomes and Excellent Health

The county excels with an income score of 96.3, supported by a high median household income of $104,264. A health score of 90.7 further cements its status as a place where residents thrive physically and financially.

High Costs and Low Safety Scores

Affordability is a major hurdle, with a cost score of 1.3 reflecting the $873,000 median home value. The safety score of 8.8 and risk score of 1.2 suggest significant room for improvement in community security and disaster resilience.

Perfect for High-Earning Professionals

Honolulu is the premier choice for career-focused individuals who can leverage six-figure incomes to navigate the high cost of housing. It offers a sophisticated lifestyle for those who value health and income over affordability.

2040608010098.91.38.890.757.496.31.271.9Tax98.9Cost1.3Safety8.8Health90.7Schools57.4Income96.3Risk1.2Water71.9Weather—47.5/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Honolulu County DNA

Foverall

How Honolulu County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Honolulu County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (98.9/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (1.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
98.9+46.900000000000006
Cost
1.3-46.7
Safety
8.8-46.2
Health
90.7+40.7
Schools
57.4
Income
96.3+45.3
Risk
1.2-45.8
Water
71.9+13.900000000000006
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Compare mortgage rates in Honolulu County

Whether buying or refinancing in Honolulu County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$873,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$2,054/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$873,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$82,160/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum8.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $104,264/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

14.5

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Honolulu County with Kodiak Island Borough →Share on X

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Nearby counties

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44.8
Maui County
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Kauai County
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Hawaii County
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Aleutians East Borough
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Mendocino County
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Sonoma County
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Marin County
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Deep Dives

Honolulu County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Honolulu County

via TaxByCounty

Honolulu taxes remain modest by national standards

Honolulu County's effective tax rate of 0.284% ranks among the lowest 10% nationally, well below the national median of 0.92%. Though the median property tax of $2,482 approaches the national median of $2,690, it reflects Honolulu's significantly higher median home value of $873,000.

Honolulu has highest tax rate in Hawaii

Honolulu County's effective tax rate of 0.284% is the highest among Hawaii's four counties, exceeding the state average of 0.241% by 18%. This leads to the highest median property tax collection in the state at $2,482.

Honolulu's rate edges out Hawaii County slightly

Honolulu County (0.284%) and Hawaii County (0.286%) have nearly identical effective tax rates, but Honolulu collects $1,090 more in median annual taxes due to significantly higher property values. Both counties substantially outpace Kauai (0.225%) and Maui (0.168%) in effective rates.

Median Honolulu home: $2,482 per year in taxes

On Honolulu's median home value of $873,000, property owners pay $2,482 annually in property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay slightly less at $2,445, while those without mortgages pay $2,553.

Appeal could save Honolulu homeowners hundreds

Many Honolulu homeowners face overassessed properties, particularly in rapidly appreciating neighborhoods where assessed values lag behind recent sales. Filing a tax appeal if your assessment exceeds fair market value could reduce your annual tax bill significantly.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Honolulu County

via CostByCounty

Honolulu strains household budgets nationwide

Honolulu County's 23.6% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national norm, despite a median household income of $104,264—40% higher than the U.S. average. At $2,054 per month for median gross rent, Honolulu residents pay significantly more just to secure housing.

Most expensive rental market in Hawaii

Honolulu County ranks last among Hawaii's five counties for affordability, with a 23.6% rent-to-income ratio that exceeds the state average of 22.1%. Its $2,054 median monthly rent towers over the state median of $1,688, driven by the urban density and tourism economy of Oahu.

Honolulu rents dwarf other island counties

Honolulu's $2,054 median rent is 46% higher than Hawaii County ($1,411) and 10-15% costlier than Maui or Kauai counties. Even Honolulu's $104,264 median household income barely cushions the blow—renters and buyers here face the steepest affordability challenges in the state.

Nearly a quarter of income goes to rent

Honolulu residents allocate 23.6% of their $104,264 median household income—roughly $2,054 monthly—to rent alone. Homeownership costs even more at $2,236 per month, with median home values of $873,000 placing ownership out of reach for many despite above-average incomes.

Honolulu: premium pricing for island access

Honolulu's high rents and home values reflect its role as Hawaii's urban center, but they demand household incomes well above the $104,264 median to achieve true affordability. If you're considering Oahu, carefully calculate whether your income can sustain the 23.6% housing burden plus other island-specific expenses.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Honolulu County

via IncomeByCounty

Honolulu County: Hawaii's income powerhouse

With a median household income of $104,264, Honolulu County exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by 39%, ranking among the nation's wealthier counties. This income advantage reflects Oahu's status as Hawaii's economic and population center, home to Honolulu's diverse business landscape.

Richest county in Hawaii by far

Honolulu County leads all Hawaiian counties by a wide margin, earning 14% more than the state average of $91,283. The county's $13,000 income premium over the next-highest county (Maui) demonstrates economic concentration in the island's capital and largest metro area.

Significantly outearning neighboring islands

Honolulu County's $104,264 median household income towers over Hawaii County ($77,215) by 35% and Kauai County ($93,612) by 11%. The gap reflects Honolulu's dominance in finance, government, tourism, and military presence compared to the outer islands.

High income meets even higher housing costs

At $873,000, Honolulu County's median home value is the state's highest, and the 23.6% rent-to-income ratio indicates housing still consumes nearly a quarter of household earnings. Despite above-average incomes, residents face the steepest affordability challenges in Hawaii due to constrained housing supply and island economics.

Maximize wealth in Hawaii's richest market

Honolulu County households earning $104,264 should prioritize investment diversification and long-term wealth strategies to offset housing costs and inflation. With higher incomes come opportunities for retirement accounts, real estate portfolios beyond primary residence, and tax-efficient strategies—consult a local financial advisor familiar with Hawaii's unique economy.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Honolulu County

via CrimeByCounty

Safety Trends in Urban Honolulu

Honolulu County reports a total crime rate of 2900.5 per 100,000 people, which is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Even with this volume, the county earns a strong safety score of 95.4 out of 100.

Assessing Honolulu’s State Ranking

Honolulu ranks third for safety among Hawaii’s four major counties, falling just below the state average safety score of 95.8. Its total crime rate of 2900.5 is higher than the state average of 2690.8, reflecting its status as a major urban hub.

Honolulu vs. Neighboring Counties

Honolulu faces more crime than Kauai County, which maintains a much lower rate of 2101.7 per 100,000. However, Honolulu remains safer than Maui County, where the total crime rate climbs to 3203.9.

A Closer Look at the Numbers

Violent crime in Honolulu sits at 272.2 per 100,000, remaining lower than the national average of 369.8. Property crime is the primary concern at 2628.3, exceeding the national property crime rate of 2,015.7.

Proactive Protection for Residents

With property crime as the main driver of local statistics, residential security is a top priority. Installing smart cameras and ensuring mail is collected promptly can help reduce the risk of opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Honolulu County

via SchoolsByCounty

Honolulu’s Expansive Single-District Education Infrastructure

Honolulu County supports 112,849 students across 185 public schools, all managed under the unified Hawaii Department of Education. The island's educational landscape features 126 elementary schools, 26 middle schools, and 25 high schools serving a diverse student population.

Competitive Academic Scores Despite Lean Spending

Honolulu’s 86% graduation rate matches the state average and sits just below the 87% national benchmark. While per-pupil spending of $9,997 is lower than the $13,000 national average, the county’s 57.9 school score remains notably higher than the national median of 50.0.

A Massive Unified District with Charter Options

The Hawaii Department of Education oversees the entire county, making it one of the largest unified districts in the nation. Families have diverse choices, including 16 charter schools that represent nearly 9% of the county's total school inventory.

Urban Centers and Suburban Campuses Across Oahu

Education here is primarily a suburban and city experience, with 169 schools located in these developed locales. While the average school enrolls 610 students, campus sizes vary wildly from small rural sites to the massive James Campbell High School, which serves 3,039 students.

Finding Your Home Near Oahu’s Best Schools

Families researching a move to Honolulu should explore residential areas near high-performing hubs like Mililani or Waipahu. School quality remains a primary driver of home values across the island, making neighborhood selection a critical step for your family's future.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Honolulu County

via RiskByCounty

Honolulu County ranks among America's riskiest areas

With a composite risk score of 98.76, Honolulu County sits at the relatively high risk level — substantially above the national average. This score reflects the convergence of multiple hazards affecting Hawaii's most populated county.

Second-highest risk across Hawaii's counties

Honolulu County's 98.76 score ranks it as the riskiest or nearly riskiest in the state, exceeding Hawaii's average of 74.99 by 32 percent. Only Hawaii County approaches comparable risk levels statewide.

Nearly matches Hawaii County's elevated risk profile

Honolulu County's 98.76 closely mirrors Hawaii County's 98.51, making both counties significantly riskier than Maui County (93.13) or Kauai County (84.45). This concentration of high risk affects the state's urban and population centers.

Flooding, earthquakes, and wildfires dominate hazard landscape

Flood risk scores 99.30 — the highest among all Hawaii counties — while earthquake risk reaches 98.57 and wildfire risk 98.98, creating a triple threat. Hurricane risk of 73.30 adds significant seasonal concern during peak storm months.

Multi-hazard coverage is essential for residents

Honolulu County homeowners need specialized earthquake and flood insurance beyond standard policies, given the county's exceptional exposure to these hazards. Consulting with insurance professionals about wildfire and hurricane coverage ensures comprehensive protection for island living.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Honolulu County

via WaterByCounty

Honolulu maintains elite drinking water standards

With only one health violation in five years, the county maintains a violation rate of 0.1 per 100K residents. This outperforms the Hawaii state average of 0.2 and reflects a Grade A rating.

Watershed assessments are currently unavailable

Honolulu's water bodies are not yet included in the federal §303(d) assessment database. Local authorities continue to manage watershed health outside of the federal reporting cycle.

Robust data collection across 191 sites

The county boasts 184,499 measurements recorded over the last five years, indicating extremely high monitoring density. Scientists prioritize physical, microbiological, and nutrient readings to track quality.

Waikele Stream surges far above normal

The gauge at Waipahu reports a current discharge of 514 cfs, which is 1337% of its long-term mean. This extreme spike indicates a major storm or runoff event currently impacting the area.

Monitor for runoff during extreme flow

While drinking water compliance is excellent, the 1337% surge in streamflow increases the risk of sediment runoff. Residents should watch for local advisories regarding water clarity during these peak events.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Lawn Care in Honolulu County

via LawnByCounty

Constant Care in Honolulu's Tropical Sun

Though a specific difficulty rating is not provided, maintaining a lawn in Honolulu differs greatly from the mainland national average of 50.0. The year-round warmth eliminates winter breaks, requiring a 365-day approach to turf health.

Sunshine and Non-Stop Growing Seasons

Without specific annual precipitation or degree day figures, gardeners must rely on real-time observations to manage their mowing schedules. The high intensity of the sun here means your lawn's water needs can change rapidly from week to week.

Local Testing for Island Soil Success

Data regarding soil pH and clay balance is currently unavailable, so a professional soil test is your best first step. Ensuring proper drainage and organic matter is essential for supporting healthy roots in these unique island environments.

Stable Conditions Amid Minor Dry Spells

Honolulu is currently avoiding severe drought, with 0.0% of the area in D2+ levels and only 8.9% classified as abnormally dry. Even with 50 weeks of minor drought levels in the last year, simple conservation practices are usually enough to keep lawns green.

The Best Turf for Oahu Yards

Zoysia and St. Augustine grasses are popular for their lush texture and ability to thrive in Honolulu's consistent heat. You can begin your lawn project at any time since the lack of frost eliminates the risk of winter damage to young seedlings.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Honolulu County's county score?
Honolulu County, Hawaii has a composite county score of 47.5 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Honolulu County rank among counties in Hawaii?
Honolulu County ranks #3 among all counties in Hawaii on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Honolulu County, Hawaii?
The median annual property tax in Honolulu County is $2,482, with an effective tax rate of 0.28%. This earns Honolulu County a tax score of 98.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Honolulu County?
The median household income in Honolulu County, Hawaii is $104,264 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Honolulu County earns an income score of 96.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Honolulu County, Hawaii a good place to live?
Honolulu County scores 47.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #3 in Hawaii. The best way to evaluate Honolulu County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Honolulu County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.