City Profile
Waipahu, Hawaii
USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Waipahu is a historic census-designated place located on the island of Oʻahu in Honolulu County, Hawaii. Originally a thriving plantation community centered around the Oahu Sugar Company, the area has evolved into a vibrant, culturally diverse residential suburb. Today, it serves as a melting pot of Pacific Islander and Asian cultures, deeply preserving its rich plantation heritage while embracing modern suburban growth.
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 47/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 68 / 100 | 68.0 | 30% | 20.4 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 175.0 | 0.0 | 25% | 0.0 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $88,000 Income needed to live here: $75,000 Unemployment rate: 3.5% | 64.0 | 20% | 12.8 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 0.5% Job growth rate: 1.8% | 46.8 | 15% | 7.0 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 65 / 100 | 65.0 | 10% | 6.5 |
| Overall score | 46.7 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Tier 1 (fast) (q=54, partial — below threshold), last refreshed
15 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 Waipahu is significantly higher than the U.S. national average, driven largely by Hawaii's geographic isolation, which inflates the cost of imported goods, energy, and transportation. Housing represents the largest single expense for residents, with both home prices and rental rates ranking well above mainland averages. Additionally, high utility rates and grocery expenses contribute to the overall financial pressure on households living in the area.
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Waipahu's local economy is closely tied to the broader Honolulu metropolitan area, with many residents commuting into downtown Honolulu or nearby employment hubs. Major local employment sectors include healthcare, retail trade, education, and hospitality, alongside construction and public administration. While traditional agricultural dominance has faded, the modern economy benefits from small businesses, service industries, and government employment.
The average salary in Waipahu is $64,000 per year. You would need approximately $75,000 to live comfortably.
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Transportation in Waipahu is heavily car-dependent, though the region is served by the Honolulu TheBus public transit system and the newly developed Skyline rail transit system. Major arterial roadways, particularly the H-1 Freeway and Farrington Highway, connect residents to the rest of Oʻahu. Traffic congestion during peak commuting hours is a common challenge for those traveling toward downtown Honolulu.
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