What Is the Average Income in Hawaii?

For Hawaii, understanding “average income” involves navigating various statistical measures that paint a detailed picture of the economic realities for its residents. This article clarifies these income levels, providing a comprehensive overview for those seeking to understand earnings in this distinctive state.

Understanding Income Metrics

Income can be measured in several ways, each offering a different perspective. Mean income is the arithmetic average, calculated by summing all incomes and dividing by the number of earners or households. Median income identifies the middle value in a sorted list of incomes, meaning half are above this figure and half are below. The median is often considered more representative for income data because it is less skewed by extremely high or low earners.

Income is also distinguished by the earning unit. Household income includes the total income of all individuals aged 15 and older residing together in a single housing unit, whether related or not. Individual income refers to the earnings of a single person. Per capita income provides an average income per person in a given area, dividing the total income of an area by its total population, including those who may not be working.

Average Income Figures in Hawaii

Hawaii’s income statistics reflect a unique economic environment. The median household income in Hawaii was $98,317 for the period 2019-2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The average household income in Hawaii stands at $128,123, based on 2024 data.

Looking at individual earnings, the median income for single-person households in Hawaii was $48,774. The median individual income across Hawaii was $43,944 in 2023. The per capita income for Hawaii was $44,823, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau for the 2019-2023 period. For full-time workers, the average salary was $77,504, with a median salary of $60,680.

Factors Influencing Hawaii’s Income Landscape

Hawaii’s economy is shaped by several unique factors that influence its income levels. Tourism remains a primary industry, attracting millions of visitors annually and supporting a large segment of the workforce through hospitality, transportation, and retail sectors. The presence of the federal government, particularly the military, also contributes substantially to the state’s economy, providing stable employment and a consistent influx of federal funding. These sectors underpin a significant portion of the state’s income generation.

The high cost of living in Hawaii presents a considerable challenge, impacting the real value of earned income. Housing costs, in particular, are among the highest in the United States, with a median home value of $846,400 in 2023. Limited land availability, coupled with a heavy reliance on imported goods and high energy costs, further contributes to elevated expenses for residents. These economic realities mean that a higher nominal income in Hawaii may not translate to the same purchasing power as it would in other states.

Income Disparities Across Hawaii

While statewide averages provide a general understanding, income levels can vary considerably across Hawaii’s different regions. Geographic disparities are evident, with notable differences in average income between the more densely populated island of Oahu and the Neighbor Islands. Urban areas often present different income profiles compared to rural communities. For example, specific census tracts within Honolulu County on Oahu have reported some of the highest median incomes in the state.

Income also varies by industry and occupation, reflecting the diverse employment opportunities across the islands. For instance, Honolulu County had a median individual income of $45,800 in 2023, while Hawaii County’s median individual income was $37,500 in the same year. These variations highlight that the “average” income serves as a composite figure, and individual financial experiences can differ based on where one lives and works within the state.