City Profile
Schofield Barracks, Hawaii
USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Schofield Barracks is a prominent United States Army installation and census-designated place situated in the central plateau of Oahu, Hawaii. Established in 1908 to provide mobile defense for Pearl Harbor, the base covers over 17,000 acres and serves as the historic home of the 25th Infantry Division, famously known as the Tropic Lightning Division. Surrounded by the scenic Wahiawa district and lush central Oahu valleys, the community blends military infrastructure with a vibrant residential character deeply tied to service life.
The character of Schofield Barracks is defined by its strong sense of community, discipline, and tropical island integration. Because it functions primarily as an active military post alongside civilian residential pockets, life here centers around base amenities, family support networks, and immediate proximity to central Oahu's natural landmarks. Residents enjoy a unique blend of mainland organizational structure paired with the distinct natural beauty, climate, and cultural fabric of the Hawaiian islands.
People typically move to Schofield Barracks due to military assignments, defense contractor positioning, or civil service careers tied to U.S. Army Pacific operations. The area attracts families and personnel looking for secure neighborhood settings within a short drive of Oahu’s world-famous windward and north shore beaches. Over the years, the installation has evolved into a self-sustaining hub with schools, medical facilities, and recreational programs tailored to a young, active population.
Hawaii is characterized by its unique island geography, diverse cultural heritage, and a pervasive "Aloha Spirit" emphasizing love, compassion, and community. The economy is heavily reliant on tourism, which is the largest industry, contributing significantly to the state's gross product. Other major industries include military defense, diversified agriculture, and emerging sectors like healthcare, technology, and renewable energy. Living in Hawaii is notably expensive, with a cost of living index nearly double the national average, primarily driven by high housing, utility, and grocery costs due to its isolated location and dependence on imports. The climate is tropical with year-round warm temperatures, consistent trade winds, and distinct wet and dry seasons, though local variations can range from humid tropical to alpine. The lifestyle is generally laid-back and deeply connected to outdoor activities and nature, with residents enjoying a high life expectancy.
How this 56/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 85 / 100 | 85.0 | 30% | 25.5 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 125.0 | 12.5 | 25% | 3.1 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $80,388 Income needed to live here: $60,000 Unemployment rate: 4.2% | 70.0 | 20% | 14.0 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 0.18% Job growth rate: 1.8% | 42.8 | 15% | 6.4 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 65 / 100 | 65.0 | 10% | 6.5 |
| Overall score | 55.5 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Gemini (Tier 2 (reasoned), q=74), last refreshed
11 October 2026.
They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.
Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.
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Cost of Living
The cost of living in and around Schofield Barracks is notably higher than the continental United States average, largely driven by Hawaii's geographic isolation and heavy reliance on imported goods. Everyday expenses such as groceries, electricity, and fuel routinely outpace mainland benchmarks, reflecting the logistical costs of shipping commodities to an island economy. However, military personnel stationed at the barracks benefit from specialized allowances like Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and commissaries that help offset these steep baseline costs.
For civilians and non-military contractors living adjacent to the base in central Oahu, housing and utility expenses exert the greatest pressure on household budgets. Electricity rates in Hawaii are among the highest in the nation, which heavily impacts monthly utility bills especially when running air conditioning or tropical ventilation systems. While dining out and entertainment options span a wide price range, residents quickly learn to balance local market shopping with base amenities to manage their overall expenses effectively.
Income
Salary Insights
The local economy of Schofield Barracks is overwhelmingly dominated by the United States Department of Defense and federal government contracting. As the headquarters for U.S. Army Hawaii and the 25th Infantry Division, the base supports thousands of active-duty soldiers, family members, and civilian defense personnel. Support services, base operations, logistics, defense engineering, and specialized IT infrastructure represent the primary drivers of employment within the immediate geographic footprint.
Beyond direct military operations, the regional economy benefits from secondary service sectors, including local retail, healthcare, construction, and educational support systems catering to military families. While remote work has grown in popularity across Oahu, the core labor market around Schofield Barracks remains tethered to defense-related contracts and civil service occupations. Economic resilience is traditionally high here due to the steady, federally funded nature of military installations, insulating the area from typical regional downturns.
The average salary in Schofield Barracks is $68,000 per year. You would need approximately $60,000 to live comfortably.
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Mobility
Transport
Getting around Schofield Barracks and the wider island requires an understanding of Oahu's primary highway networks, as car ownership remains a practical necessity for most residents. While public transit options like TheBus connect Wahiawa and central Honolulu, service frequencies and commute times make personal vehicles the preferred mode of transportation. The average commute within the immediate district is relatively short, but peak-hour traffic heading south toward Honolulu or Pearl Harbor can experience heavy congestion.
Walkability is high within the core garrison footprint, where soldiers and families can easily walk to commissaries, schools, clinics, and recreational facilities. However, exploring the rest of Oahu or commuting to external job centers relies heavily on Interstate H-2 and local thoroughfares. Parking on base is generally well-managed, though residential and commercial zones experience peak crowding during standard morning and evening shift changes.
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Community Q&A
Questions about Schofield Barracks
What people ask about living in and moving to Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
What public transportation options are available for commuting to Honolulu?
Public transit to Honolulu from Schofield Barracks is provided by a regional bus service that operates scheduled routes connecting the base to the city’s downtown and major commercial centers. The service runs multiple times daily, with peak‑hour frequencies during weekdays. Buses are equipped with Wi‑Fi and offer discounted fares for students and seniors. For exact schedules and fare information, check the regional...
How does the cost of living in Schofield Barracks compare to Honolulu?
The cost of living in Schofield Barracks is generally lower than in Honolulu, especially for housing and groceries. Utility rates are similar to the national average, but fuel prices can be slightly higher due to transportation logistics on the island. Public transportation costs are modest, and many residents rely on bicycles or walking for short trips. When budgeting, consider that local markets may offer slightly...
What types of employment opportunities exist for civilians in Schofield Barracks?
Civilians in the Schofield Barracks area can find work in support services for the military community, such as logistics, maintenance, and administrative roles. The surrounding region also hosts businesses in healthcare, retail, and hospitality that often seek project managers for operations and improvement initiatives. Many positions are seasonal or contract‑based, reflecting the military’s cyclical needs. Job seeke...
What are the typical housing options for families near Schofield Barracks?
Families near Schofield Barracks often choose single‑family homes in suburban neighborhoods that offer larger yards and more privacy. Condominiums and townhomes are also available, typically featuring shared amenities like parks and playgrounds. Rental options range from modest apartments to larger family units. When searching, look for listings on local real‑estate portals that filter by proximity to the base and in...
How are the public schools near Schofield Barracks rated?
Public schools in the vicinity of Schofield Barracks are part of the island’s district and generally receive moderate to high ratings. Several schools emphasize STEM curricula, offering robotics clubs, coding workshops, and science fairs. They also provide after‑school programs that support academic enrichment. For the latest performance data, consult the district’s annual report and student‑achievement statistics, w...
Is Schofield Barracks a safe place to live?
Schofield Barracks maintains a strong security presence due to its military function, which contributes to lower overall crime rates compared to many civilian areas. The base’s internal security patrols and surveillance systems help deter vandalism and theft. Emergency services, including fire and medical response, are coordinated with the island’s county agencies and typically respond quickly within the base boundar...
What recreational activities are popular near Schofield Barracks?
The surrounding region offers a variety of outdoor pursuits, including hiking trails that lead to scenic overlooks, beach access for swimming and snorkeling, and community parks with playgrounds and picnic areas. Many families enjoy organized sports leagues and community events that take place in local parks during the summer months. The nearby forest preserves also host guided nature walks and educational programs f...
What is daily life like for residents living near Schofield Barracks?
Daily life in the Schofield Barracks area blends a relaxed island rhythm with the structured environment of a military community. Residents often start their days with outdoor activities such as jogging or surfing, followed by commuting to work or school. The base’s community centers host events ranging from cultural festivals to fitness classes, fostering a sense of camaraderie among civilians and service members al...
What medical facilities are nearby for routine care?
The area around Schofield Barracks hosts several outpatient clinics that provide primary care, pediatric services, and preventive health programs. These facilities are staffed by general practitioners and pediatric specialists, and many offer extended hours to accommodate families. For specialists such as dentists or ophthalmologists, patients typically travel to larger medical centers in Honolulu. Appointment schedu...
What is the best time of year to relocate to Schofield Barracks?
Spring and early fall are typically the most favorable periods for moving to Schofield Barracks. During these seasons, weather conditions are mild, reducing the likelihood of rain‑related delays, and traffic volumes are lower than the summer peak. Additionally, the base’s relocation assistance office schedules moving support services more frequently during these months. If you must move during the rainy season, plan...
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