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Most affordable counties in Hawaii

Ranking of counties in Hawaii by what a typical household can afford at five income brackets. Monthly budget is 30% of gross income compared against Census ACS median owner cost with mortgage.

Hawaii AMI (4-person)
$123,000
HUD Income Limits
Counties with cost data
4
of 5 total
30%+ cost burdened
59.7%
HUD CHAS
Severely burdened (50%+)
28.3%

Hawaii vs national cost burden

Share of households paying 30%+ and 50%+ of income on housing (HUD CHAS).

Top 10 most affordable counties overall

Lowest median monthly owner cost with mortgage.

  1. 1.Hawaii County
    $2,005/mo
  2. 2.Kauai County
    $2,641/mo
  3. 3.Maui County
    $2,730/mo
  4. 4.Honolulu County
    $2,969/mo

Affordability by income bracket

Counties whose median owner cost fits under 30% of gross monthly income at each bracket.

Low income · $35,000/yr
around 50% of AMI · 30% monthly budget $875
0 affordable

No counties in Hawaii fit under 30% at this income. Consider a higher down payment, different bracket, or a neighboring state.

Moderate income · $60,000/yr
around 80% of AMI · 30% monthly budget $1,500
0 affordable

No counties in Hawaii fit under 30% at this income. Consider a higher down payment, different bracket, or a neighboring state.

Middle income · $90,000/yr
around 120% of AMI · 30% monthly budget $2,250
1 affordable
Upper middle · $140,000/yr
well above AMI · 30% monthly budget $3,500
4 affordable
High income · $200,000/yr
top quartile nationally · 30% monthly budget $5,000
4 affordable
Median owner cost statewide
$2,586
Census ACS, with-mortgage households.
Median household income
$89,223
Census ACS, state-level.

Browse other states

All states and the nationwide affordability map →

Frequently asked questions

How many counties in Hawaii are affordable on a $60k income?

At $60k household income, about 0 out of 4 Hawaii counties with reported data keep median owner cost under the 30% rule (roughly $1,500/mo).

What share of Hawaii households are cost burdened?

HUD CHAS 2017-2021 shows 59.7% of Hawaii households pay 30% or more of income on housing, with 28.3% severely burdened at 50% or more.

What counts as median income in Hawaii?

HUD's area median income for a 4-person household in Hawaii is $123,000 (most recent HUD Income Limits release). 80% AMI: $98,400; 50% AMI: $61,500.

How is affordability calculated on this page?

For each county, we compare the Census ACS median monthly owner cost with mortgage against 30% of monthly household income at five income brackets. Counties with monthly costs at or below the budget are counted as 'affordable' at that income.

Data sources

Disclaimer. HomeRule is not a real estate agent, lender, appraiser, or financial advisor. This content is for educational and informational purposes only. Actual costs vary significantly by property, location, and individual circumstances. Consult qualified professionals for personalized advice.