Is Waipio Safe, Pros and cons of living in Waipio

Is it Safe to Live in Waipio?

Waipio Gentry generally experiences low crime rates, with overall crime being 17% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Violent crimes are significantly lower, reported as 51% below the national average (according to AreaVibes). Residents have a 1 in 57 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Waipio (according to AreaVibes).

While Waipio is considered safer than many other cities in the United States, ranking in the 44th percentile for safety, it’s worth noting that year-over-year crime has seen an increase of 17% (according to AreaVibes). This trend suggests a need for continued awareness among residents.

Pros and Cons of Living in Waipio

Community and Lifestyle

Waipio Gentry is a master-planned community known for its family-friendly atmosphere and strong sense of community (according to OahuRE.com). It offers a diverse population and is a pet-friendly environment, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for all residents. The community boasts numerous amenities, including a clubhouse, swimming pool, tennis courts, and a playground, enhancing the quality of life for its inhabitants (according to OahuRE.com).

The community is designed with walkability in mind, featuring extensive bike paths that allow residents to safely navigate to schools, shopping centers, and parks without crossing major roads (according to YouTube). This focus on pedestrian and cyclist safety makes it an attractive option for families with children, providing peace of mind for parents concerned about their children’s safety during their daily commutes.

Housing Market

The housing market in Waipio Gentry presents a range of options, with median sales prices for homes around $955,000 and for condos around $480,000 (according to Hawaii House). The median listing price for Waipio is $513K, with homes for sale spending an average of 32.50% longer on the market compared to the previous year (according to Redfin). This indicates a shift towards a slightly slower sales pace.

Rental prices in Waipio show a median rent of $2.5K per month, with an 8.70% year-over-year increase in rental costs (according to Redfin). For a 1-bedroom apartment, renters can expect to pay around $2,000, while 2-bedroom units are typically around $2,300 (according to Rentometer). Three-bedroom houses often rent between $3,400 and $3,500 (according to Rentometer).

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Waipio is notably higher than the national average, standing at 77% higher overall (according to AreaVibes). Housing costs are a significant factor, being 171% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes).

While general sales tax and state income tax in Hawaii are lower than the national average, the overall expenses for goods and services, groceries, and utilities contribute to the elevated cost of living in Waipio. For instance, grocery prices are 31.6% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes).

Climate and Weather in Waipio

Temperatures and Seasons

Waipio experiences a warm climate year-round, with temperatures typically ranging from 65°F to 86°F (according to WeatherSpark). The hot season spans from late June to mid-October, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 84°F, and August being the hottest month with highs around 86°F (according to WeatherSpark).

Conversely, the cool season lasts from early December to early April, with average daily high temperatures below 80°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows around 65°F and highs around 78°F (according to WeatherSpark). The temperature variations between day and night are generally limited throughout the year.

Rainfall and Humidity

Waipio experiences significant seasonal variation in rainfall, with rain occurring throughout the year. The wet season extends from mid-October to late March, with January having the most rainfall, averaging 2.5 inches (according to WeatherSpark). A wet day is defined as receiving at least 0.04 inches of precipitation.

The drier season runs from late March to mid-October, with June having the fewest wet days, averaging only 2.3 days (according to WeatherSpark). During the summer months, from May to November, the air can feel uncomfortably humid (according to myPerfectWeather).

Education and Schools in Waipio

School District and Ratings

Waipio Gentry is served by highly-rated public schools, contributing to its appeal as a family-friendly community (according to OahuRE.com). Schools such as Mililani Waena Elementary School, Mililani Waena Intermediate School, and Mililani High School are noted for their quality education.

Kanoelani Elementary School, located centrally within the community, is consistently rated as one of the top elementary schools on the island and in the state (according to YouTube). The school is praised for its great teachers, strong programs, and dedicated alumni, making it a desirable educational institution for local families.

Educational Environment

The educational environment in Waipio Gentry is designed with student safety and convenience in mind. The community’s layout, with its extensive bike paths, allows children to safely walk or bike to Kanoelani Elementary School without crossing major streets (according to YouTube). This feature provides parents with reassurance about their children’s commute to school.

The proximity of schools within the community fosters a strong connection between students, families, and the educational institutions. This integrated approach to education supports a positive learning atmosphere and reinforces the community’s commitment to providing a nurturing environment for its younger residents.

Demographics and Lifestyle in Waipio

Population and Diversity

Waipio is home to approximately 10,870 residents, with a median age of 45.9 years (according to Point2Homes). The population is diverse, with a significant Asian demographic at 57.8%, followed by Pacific Islanders at 7.7%, and White residents at 6% (according to Point2Homes). A notable portion of the population, 25.9%, identifies with two or more races.

The gender distribution is nearly balanced, with 49.6% males and 50.4% females (according to Point2Homes). The community is composed of 4,145 households, with an average of three members per household, and 67.4% of these are families (according to Point2Homes).

Income and Economic Profile

The average annual household income in Waipio was approximately $130,781 in 2024 (according to Point2Homes). Households led by individuals aged 45 to 64, who are often professionally established, report a median income of $137,386 (according to Point2Homes). The median income for renters in Waipio was $73,346 in 2022 (according to Point2Homes).

A significant majority of residents, 94.2%, live above the poverty line (according to Point2Homes). The rent-to-income ratio in the area is 36.3%, indicating the proportion of earnings dedicated to housing expenses (according to Point2Homes).

Job Market and Major Employers

Employment Landscape

The employment landscape in Waipio is influenced by its proximity to larger employment hubs and the presence of various service industries. The most common sectors for residents include Accommodation & Food Services, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Retail Trade (according to Data USA). The job groups most frequently held by Waipio residents are Office & Administrative Support Occupations, Sales & Related Occupations, and Building & Grounds Cleaning & Maintenance Occupations (according to Data USA).

Major employers in the broader Honolulu County area include the City and County of Honolulu itself, which employs over 10,000 individuals and has been recognized as one of America’s Best Employers (according to Forbes). Other significant employers in Hawaii include the Hawaii State Department of Education and various healthcare systems like Queen’s Medical Center (according to Livability.com).

Salary and Unemployment

The average annual salary in Waipio is reported to be around $41,633, which translates to approximately $20.02 per hour (according to ZipRecruiter). Most salaries in Waipio fall between $29,297 and $46,750 annually (according to ZipRecruiter).

The unemployment rate for Honolulu County, which includes Waipio, was 2.1% in January 2026 (according to USAFacts). This rate is lower than the state average of 2.3% for February 2026 (according to USAFacts), indicating a relatively healthy job market in the region.