Is Lihue Safe, Pros and cons of living in Lihue

Lihue, the county seat of Kauai, Hawaii, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and island charm. It serves as a central hub for commerce and government, with a relaxed pace of life that attracts those seeking an escape from the mainland hustle. The town is recognized for its historical significance and its role as a gateway to the island’s many attractions.

This town provides a distinct living experience, characterized by its lush landscapes and proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Lihue’s appeal lies in its ability to offer both the conveniences of a developed area and the tranquility of a tropical paradise. It’s a place where the rhythm of island life is palpable, influencing the daily routines and overall atmosphere.

Is it Safe to Live in Lihue?

The overall crime rate in Lihue presents a mixed picture, with some data indicating it is higher than the national average. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Lihue is reported as 1 in 39 (according to NeighborhoodScout). This suggests that Lihue is not among the safest communities in America when compared to all communities nationwide.

When compared to other communities of similar population size, Lihue’s crime rate is noted as being considerably higher than average (according to NeighborhoodScout). Specifically, the chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 421, while the chance of becoming a victim of a property crime is 1 in 43 (according to NeighborhoodScout). Relative to the state of Hawaii, Lihue’s crime rate is higher than 87% of the state’s cities and towns of all sizes (according to NeighborhoodScout).

Housing Costs and Availability

The housing market in Lihue shows a median home value of $864,446, which has seen a 2.2% increase over the past year (according to Zillow). The median list price for homes in Lihue is $877,333 (according to Zillow). This indicates a competitive market where property values are on an upward trend.

Rental prices in Lihue average $2,650 per month, with a month-over-month decrease of $150 and a year-over-year increase of $300 (according to Zillow). The rental price range for all property types and bedrooms is between $1,600 and $6,500 (according to Zillow). There are currently around 9 rentals available in Lihue (according to Zillow).

Job Market and Economy

The average salary in Lihue, Hawaii, is approximately $69,929 per year, translating to an hourly rate of about $34 (according to SalaryExpert). However, other sources indicate a higher average annual pay for “Highest Pay” positions, reaching $90,270 (according to ZipRecruiter). The majority of these top-paying roles fall between $73,500 and $98,200 annually.

The employment rate in Lihue is notably high, at 99.3%, with a workforce of 3,646 residents (according to Point2Homes). A significant portion of these workers, 87.9%, are in white-collar professions, while 12.1% are in blue-collar roles (according to Point2Homes). Major employers in Lihue include the County of Kauaʻi, Kauai Inn, and Island School, among others (according to Zippia).

Climate and Weather

Lihue experiences a warm, muggy, and windy climate with partly cloudy conditions throughout the year. Temperatures typically range from 66°F to 84°F and rarely fall below 60°F or exceed 85°F (according to Weather Spark). The warmest water temperatures are found in September, averaging around 80°F, while cooler waters are experienced from January to April, with February averaging 75°F (according to Weather Spark).

Rainfall is present year-round in Lihue, with January being the wettest month, averaging 5.4 inches of rain. June is the driest month, with an average of 1.1 inches of precipitation (according to Weather Spark). The best time for hot-weather activities, considering clear and rainless days with temperatures between 75°F and 90°F, is generally from late May to early October (according to Weather Spark).

Education and Schools

In terms of education, Lihue offers both public and private school options. Kauai High School, a public institution, has a B- overall Niche grade and serves students in grades 9-12, with a student-teacher ratio of 15:1 (according to Niche). According to state test scores, 22% of its students are proficient in math and 58% in reading (according to Niche).

Island School is a highly-rated private school in Lihue, serving grades PK-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 8:1 and earning an A+ overall Niche grade (according to Niche). After graduation, 96% of its students go on to attend a four-year college (according to Niche). Tuition for Island School is $20,874 for the highest grade offered (according to Niche).

Demographics

Lihue is home to approximately 7,901 residents, with a nearly even gender distribution: 50.3% male and 49.7% female (according to Point2Homes). The median age in Lihue is 42 years old (according to Data USA). The population is diverse, with a significant portion of residents identifying as Asian (40.7%), followed by those of two or more races (26.6%), and White (19%) (according to Point2Homes).

The median household income in Lihue is $92,850, showing a notable increase of 19.9% from the previous year (according to Point2Homes). Of the residents, 84.2% are U.S.-born citizens, and 15% were born outside the country (according to Data USA). The housing landscape includes 2,963 housing units, with an average of 3 people per household (according to Point2Homes).

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Lihue is significantly higher than the national average. Overall living costs are estimated to be 53% higher than the U.S. national average and 37% lower than Hawaii’s state average (according to Salary.com). Housing costs are a major contributor, being 16.5% higher than the national average for a single person ($1,398/month) and $2,563/month for a family of four (according to Salary.com).

Food expenses in Lihue run about 8.5% above the national average, costing $434 monthly for an individual and $1,410 for a family (according to Salary.com). Energy, transportation, and healthcare costs are also slightly higher, at about 1.7% above average, totaling around $890 per month for one person and $1,923 for a household (according to Salary.com). These combined expenses make Lihue one of America’s more expensive cities.