RANK #959 / 996 · POP 164,765 · HI
PROJECTED GROWTH: -3.3%
Maui County, encompassing the islands of Maui, Lānaʻi, and Molokaʻi, offers a distinctive lifestyle rooted in its natural environment and strong community ties. Locals often highlight the island's unique culture and the relaxed pace of life. The county seat, Wailuku, is known for its historic character and cultural sites, while towns like Paia offer a bohemian surf town atmosphere. Commuting across Maui is primarily done by car, though the Maui Bus public transit system provides routes connecting various communities, including Central, South, and West Maui. Outdoor recreation is a significant draw, with opportunities for surfing, kayaking, hiking through bamboo forests to waterfalls, and snorkeling with sea turtles.
Life in Maui County blends modern amenities with a focus on sustainability and connection to the land. The economy, historically reliant on tourism and agriculture, is diversifying with growth in technology, renewable energy, and healthcare sectors. While the county has faced economic challenges, including those from recent wildfires, there is ongoing investment in infrastructure projects to support housing and community development. Educational options include public schools, part of the statewide system, and various private institutions, some offering Hawaiian Language Immersion Programs.
Overvalued relative to economy
No data
Prices declining
No data
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks overvalued at 28.9x — 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 |
|---|---|---|
|
Kūihelani Solar-plus-Storage
AES Hawai'i
|
$240M | Operating |
|
Waena Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
Hawaiian Electric
|
$160M | Under Construction |
|
Single-Family New Construction Program (Affordable Housing)
County of Maui Office of Recovery
|
$92M | Planned |
|
Kaheawa Wind Power I (25-year lease extension)
Kaheawa Wind Power LLC
|
$50M | Planned |
|
Waste-to-Renewable Natural Gas Project
E&K Aloha ʻĀina, LLC
|
$50M | Proposed |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Maui County has a Boom Town Index score of 4/100, ranking #959 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at -0.9% and a median household income of $95,379, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Maui County is $800,100 with median rent at $1,805/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.1192, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.1% year-over-year. Job growth: -0.9%. Home values changed -6.2% in the past 12 months.