RANK #784 / 996 · POP 73,511 · HI
PROJECTED GROWTH: -0.4%
Kauai County, Hawaii, often called the "Garden Isle," is distinguished by its dramatic natural scenery, including the Nā Pali Coast's emerald cliffs and Waimea Canyon, known as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific." Līhuʻe serves as the county seat, though Kapaʻa is the largest town. The island maintains a slower, intentional pace of life, with a strong sense of community. Public transportation, known as The Kauaʻi Bus, offers routes across the island, though a rental car is often recommended for comprehensive exploration. Outdoor recreation is central to life here, with extensive opportunities for hiking in places like Kōkeʻe State Park, kayaking the Wailua River, and enjoying numerous beaches. Life on Kauai County is characterized by a tight-knit community and a focus on outdoor living. While the cost of living, particularly for housing and food, can be high, residents often prioritize connection to the land and a relaxed lifestyle over urban amenities. The economy is largely driven by tourism, which supports a significant portion of local employment. Beyond tourism, the presence of the Pacific Missile Range Facility provides stable employment, and the agricultural sector is diversifying into areas such as seed corn and coffee. Recent economic developments indicate ongoing investment in sustainable infrastructure, including the introduction of electric buses for public transit.
Overvalued relative to economy
Below national median
Prices declining
No data
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks overvalued at 12.8x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Kaawanui Solar Project
AES Hawai'i
|
$172M | Proposed |
|
Lima Ola Workforce Housing Development (Phases I & II)
County of Kaua'i, Kaua'i Housing Development Corporation
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Kilauea Town Expansion Project (Phase I)
County of Kaua'i
|
$50M | Planned |
|
West Kauai Energy Project
AES Corporation (Client: Kauai Island Utility Company)
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Amazon Distribution Center
Amazon (developed by BH DevCo)
|
$50M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Kauai County has a Boom Town Index score of 21/100, ranking #784 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.6% and a median household income of $88,869, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Kauai County is $742,900 with median rent at $1,686/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.1196, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.4% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.6%. Home values changed -0.6% in the past 12 months.