Kalawao County's composite score of 67.8 places it well above the national median of 50.0, securing a position among the nation's top third of counties. This above-average ranking reflects a small, distinctive community offering benefits across several livability dimensions.
2 / 5
Kalawao Ranks Second in Hawaii
Kalawao County's 67.8 score ranks second among Hawaii's five counties, exceeding the state average of 64.9. Only Hawaii County outpaces this small but livable community.
3 / 5
Affordable Rents and Solid Health Care
Kalawao County offers the lowest median gross rent in Hawaii at $1,300 monthly, with a cost score of 60.3 reflecting relative affordability. The county maintains decent health outcomes at 76.4 and a solid median household income of $86,250.
4 / 5
Elevated Disaster Risk Demands Attention
Kalawao County's risk score of 99.9 is the highest in Hawaii and far above the national baseline, indicating significant exposure to natural disasters. Limited data availability on taxes, schools, and water systems also prevents fuller assessment of livability.
5 / 5
Suits Resilient Residents Valuing Affordability
Kalawao County appeals to cost-conscious individuals and families who prioritize rental affordability and are prepared for elevated natural disaster risk. This small, tight-knit community works best for those with disaster preparedness awareness and emotional/financial resilience.
Kalawao County's composite score of 67.8 places it well above the national median of 50.0, securing a position among the nation's top third of counties. This above-average ranking reflects a small, distinctive community offering benefits across several livability dimensions.
Kalawao Ranks Second in Hawaii
Kalawao County's 67.8 score ranks second among Hawaii's five counties, exceeding the state average of 64.9. Only Hawaii County outpaces this small but livable community.
Affordable Rents and Solid Health Care
Kalawao County offers the lowest median gross rent in Hawaii at $1,300 monthly, with a cost score of 60.3 reflecting relative affordability. The county maintains decent health outcomes at 76.4 and a solid median household income of $86,250.
Elevated Disaster Risk Demands Attention
Kalawao County's risk score of 99.9 is the highest in Hawaii and far above the national baseline, indicating significant exposure to natural disasters. Limited data availability on taxes, schools, and water systems also prevents fuller assessment of livability.
Suits Resilient Residents Valuing Affordability
Kalawao County appeals to cost-conscious individuals and families who prioritize rental affordability and are prepared for elevated natural disaster risk. This small, tight-knit community works best for those with disaster preparedness awareness and emotional/financial resilience.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
Kalawao County's median household income of $86,250 runs 15% above the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it firmly in the upper-income tier nationally. This strong performance is notable given Kalawao's small population and isolated geographic position on Molokai.
Smallest county, second-lowest income
Kalawao County ranks fourth among Hawaii's five counties in median household income at $86,250, trailing the state average of $91,283 by about 5%. As the state's least populous county (approximately 7,000 residents), it shows modest income relative to Honolulu and Maui but exceeds Hawaii County.
Remote island faces income constraints
Kalawao County's $86,250 income falls between Hawaii County ($77,215) and Kauai County ($93,612), reflecting the economic realities of smaller island populations and limited employment diversity. Geographic isolation and limited business infrastructure contribute to lower incomes compared to Honolulu and Maui.
Best rent-to-income ratio in Hawaii
Kalawao County boasts the state's lowest rent-to-income ratio at 18.1%, meaning housing costs consume less than one-fifth of household earnings. Limited home value data is available, but this ratio suggests housing affordability is most manageable here relative to other Hawaiian counties.
Rural county offers wealth-building potential
Kalawao County residents earning $86,250 enjoy lower housing burdens than peers statewide, freeing up income for savings and investments. Consider directing rent savings into retirement accounts and diversified portfolios to build long-term wealth despite limited local investment services—online platforms can bridge geographic distance.
Kalawao County's tiny population—around 260 residents—means many health statistics don't reach reporting thresholds. What is available shows 17.7% reporting poor or fair health, above both state and national averages, suggesting underlying health challenges worth monitoring.
Kalawao's health metrics lag statewide
Kalawao's 17.7% poor/fair health rate is the highest in Hawaii and well above the state average, making it a concern for public health officials. Life expectancy, uninsured rate, and provider data remain unavailable due to the county's extremely small population, limiting full health assessment.
Highest health burden in the islands
At 17.7% poor or fair health, Kalawao exceeds Hawaii County (16.1%), Honolulu (15.9%), Maui (15.1%), and Kauai (15.0%), placing it at the bottom of the state rankings. The lack of provider data suggests residents may rely heavily on services in neighboring Maui County.
Data gaps highlight isolation challenges
Kalawao's remote location on the Kalaupapa peninsula and minuscule population mean standard healthcare metrics aren't tracked independently. Residents historically access care through specialized services and partnerships with Maui County, a system that requires ongoing attention and investment.
Reach out for personalized support
If you live in Kalawao, contact Hawaii's Department of Health or community health representatives to understand your coverage options and local healthcare access. Specialized outreach is available to support residents in remote areas.
Kalawao County enjoys exceptionally low disaster risk
With a composite risk score of just 0.10, Kalawao County ranks as very low risk — substantially below the national average. This small county's geographic and geological position shields it from hazards affecting other Hawaiian islands.
Safest county in Hawaii by far
Kalawao County's 0.10 composite score represents the lowest risk statewide, placing it 74.89 points below Hawaii's state average of 74.99. This exceptional distinction reflects the county's unique setting on Maui's Kalaupapa peninsula.
Dramatically safer than surrounding Maui County
Kalawao County's 0.10 risk score contrasts sharply with Maui County's 93.13, highlighting how proximity and geography shape disaster exposure within the same island. This 93-point gap makes Kalawao Hawaii's safest area.
Minimal natural disaster exposure across all hazard types
All hazard categories score low here: earthquake risk reaches only 26.49, flood risk 18.20, and wildfire risk 19.37. Tornado and hurricane risks remain negligible at 0.99 and 10.39 respectively.
Standard homeowner insurance provides adequate protection
Unlike other Hawaiian counties, Kalawao residents typically need only standard homeowner coverage without specialized earthquake or flood riders. Consulting your agent confirms your policy aligns with this low-risk county's actual exposure.