Is Waimalu Safe, Pros and cons of living in Waimalu
Is it Safe to Live in Waimalu?
Waimalu generally presents a safe environment for its residents. The overall crime rates in Waimalu are reported to be 8% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Violent crimes, specifically, are notably lower, occurring 45% less frequently than the national average (according to AreaVibes).
While Waimalu is considered safer than 40% of U.S. cities (according to AreaVibes), it’s important to note that crime rates can fluctuate. Year over year, crime in Waimalu has seen an increase of 17% (according to AreaVibes). The Honolulu Police Department provides crime data for Waimalu, and community crime map platforms can offer more localized insights into recent incidents and patterns.
Cost of Living and Housing
The cost of living in Waimalu is considerably higher than the national average, standing at 155, which means it is 55% higher than the U.S. average (according to AreaVibes). This elevated cost is influenced by several factors, including housing, groceries, and transportation.
Housing expenses in Waimalu are particularly high, being 129% greater than the national average (according to AreaVibes). The median home price in Waimalu was $597,800 as of 2024 (according to Data USA), and the median real estate price is $546,617 (according to NeighborhoodScout). For renters, the average rental price is approximately $3,191 per month (according to NeighborhoodScout).
Groceries and household necessities also contribute to the higher cost of living. Grocery expenses in Waimalu are 27.1% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Similarly, household items are 16% more expensive than the national average (according to AreaVibes).
Job Market and Economy
The employment landscape in Waimalu saw a decline in jobs from 2023 to 2024, with employment decreasing by 8.74% (according to Data USA). The most common employment sectors for residents include Public Administration, Retail Trade, and Educational Services (according to Data USA).
The unemployment rate in Waimalu is reported at 7.0% (according to Zip Atlas), which is higher than the state average. Major employers in the broader Honolulu County area include healthcare systems, educational institutions, and retail companies, though specific major employers within Waimalu itself are not detailed in the provided data.
The median household income in Waimalu was $89,232 in 2024 (according to Data USA), which is higher than the national average. However, 3.8% of families in Waimalu live below the poverty line (according to Data USA).
Climate and Weather
Waimalu experiences a tropical climate with temperatures that generally range from 64°F to 86°F throughout the year (according to myPerfectWeather). The area receives an average of 46 inches of precipitation annually (according to myPerfectWeather).
Summers in Waimalu are typically hot, muggy, and dry, with August being the hottest month, averaging a high of 86°F and a low of 73°F (according to myPerfectWeather). Winters are described as long and comfortable, with January seeing average temperatures between 64°F and 79°F (according to myPerfectWeather).
The air can feel uncomfortably humid during the summer months, from May to November (according to myPerfectWeather). The month with the most rainfall is typically December, while June receives the least (according to myPerfectWeather).
Education and Schools
Waimalu Elementary School serves students from pre-kindergarten to sixth grade. It ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Hawaii for overall test scores, with math proficiency at 40% and reading proficiency between 55-59% (according to Niche and Hawaii Department of Education data). The student-teacher ratio at Waimalu Elementary is 12:1, which is lower than the Hawaii state average (according to Niche and Hawaii Department of Education data).
However, Waimalu Elementary’s statewide ranking has declined over the years, and it has a high chronic absenteeism rate of 23.1% (according to SchoolDigger). While it performs well with English Language Learner students, its performance with White students has been noted as a struggle (according to SchoolDigger).
The Niche platform gives Waimalu Elementary School a B grade, and it holds a GreatSchools Rating of 6 out of 10 (according to Niche and Homes.com).
Demographics and Diversity
Waimalu is home to a population of approximately 13,100 residents (according to Data USA). The demographic makeup is diverse, with Asian residents forming the largest group at 54.8% (according to Census Dots and Data USA). Other significant ethnic groups include those of Two or More Races (18.5%) and White (11.1%) (according to Census Dots and Data USA).
The majority of Waimalu’s residents are U.S. citizens, with 93.6% holding citizenship (according to Data USA). Approximately 18.5% of residents were born outside the United States (according to Data USA).
The median age in Waimalu is 43.9 years (according to Data USA), indicating a population that skews slightly older than the national average. The racial composition is varied, with Asian residents being the most prevalent group, followed by multiracial and White individuals (according to Census Dots and Data USA).