CountyScore

Honolulu County

Hawaii · HI

#5 in Hawaii
60.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Honolulu County, Hawaii

Honolulu Ranks Above National Median

Honolulu County's composite score of 60.5 surpasses the national median of 50.0, positioning it solidly in the middle-to-upper tier of U.S. counties. While above the national average, the score reflects a county balancing significant economic advantages with serious affordability challenges.

Honolulu Falls Below Hawaii State Average

Honolulu County scores 60.5, trailing the state average of 64.9 and ranking fourth of five Hawaii counties. This below-average state performance is driven primarily by the costliest housing market in Hawaii, not economic weakness.

High Incomes and Strong Health Systems

Honolulu leads Hawaii in median household income at $104,264, with an income score of 51.4 reflecting the islands' economic hub status. The county also excels in health services with an 81.7 health score and maintains favorable tax treatment at 94.3.

Hawaii's Most Expensive Housing Market

Honolulu's cost score of 36.3 is the lowest among Hawaii counties, reflecting a median home value of $873,000 and median rent of $2,054 monthly. Even with the state's highest incomes, housing affordability remains severely constrained for most residents.

Ideal for High-Earning Professionals

Honolulu suits well-compensated professionals, executives, and established families who can afford premium island living. The county offers robust employment opportunities, excellent healthcare, and favorable taxes—but only for those with six-figure household incomes who accept the highest housing costs in the state.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax94.3Cost36.3SafetyComing SoonHealth81.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome51.4Risk1.2WaterComing Soon
🏛94.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠36.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼51.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤81.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡1.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Honolulu County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Bureau County
Illinois
60.5
Median income: $65,894
Madison County
New York
60.5
Median income: $73,141
Summit County
Ohio
60.5
Median income: $71,016
Erath County
Texas
60.5
Median income: $65,351
Hood County
Texas
60.5
Median income: $86,802

Deep Dives

Honolulu County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Honolulu County

via HealthByCounty

Honolulu tops national life expectancy benchmarks

Honolulu residents enjoy 81.7 years of life expectancy, beating the U.S. average of 76.4 years by more than five years—a striking advantage anchored by strong healthcare infrastructure and economic stability. Just 15.9% report poor or fair health, below the national 13% benchmark and suggesting resilient overall wellbeing.

Honolulu leads Hawaii on most measures

At 81.7 years, Honolulu matches or exceeds most state comparisons and ranks as one of Hawaii's healthiest counties. The county's 4.0% uninsured rate sits significantly below the state average of 4.8%, reflecting strong employer-based coverage and access to marketplace options in the state's largest metropolitan area.

Only Kauai edges ahead on longevity

Kauai's 82.4 years slightly outpaces Honolulu's 81.7, though both counties lead Hawaii overall. Honolulu compensates with 93 primary care providers per 100,000—the highest in the state—ensuring residents enjoy unmatched routine care access.

Best-insured county in the state

Honolulu's 4.0% uninsured rate is the lowest in Hawaii, meaning nearly 96% of residents have health coverage. With 93 primary care providers and 322 mental health providers per 100,000, the county delivers robust access to both routine and specialized mental healthcare.

Confirm your coverage is current

Even in well-insured Honolulu, it's worth checking that your plan still meets your needs during annual enrollment. Visit Hawaii's marketplace or speak with a local insurance broker to ensure you have the right coverage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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