ZIP Code 96738 in Waikoloa, HI

Data Last Updated: February 1, 2026
City:Waikoloa, Hawaii
County:Hawaii County
Timezone:Hawaii-Aleutian Islands (GMT -10:00)
Local Time:8:05:39 AM
Population:7,447 [See All]
Area Code:808
Classification:Standard [Normal Street Delivery]
Coordinates:19.9353, -155.8137
Land Area:79.848 sq mi
Quick Link:
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Population & Demographics


ZIP Code 96738 has 7,447 residents and 2,784 households (average 2.67 persons per household). The median age is 43.9 years, older than the state (40.8) and older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 50.2% male and 49.8% female, which is slightly higher than the national male share (49.1%). Largest groups are White (44.8%, much higher than the state average of 22.9% and well below the national average of 61.6%) and Asian (16.1%, much lower than the state average of 37.2% and well above the national average of 6.0%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 10.0%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%), and Asian share is much higher than the national average (6.0%) and Native Hawaiian & Other Pacific Islander share is much higher than the national average (0.2%).

Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship

Source: U.S. Census 2020 Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC) and U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates.
2020 Population:7,447Source: Census DHC
2024 ACS Population Estimate:7,862Source: Census ACS
2026 ZC Population Estimate:8,199Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Population Density:93.3 people per sq mile
Average Income:$80,928Source: Census ACS
Households:2,784Source: Census DHC
Average House Value:$813,800Source: Census ACS
Persons Per Household:2.67Source: Census DHC
Average Family Size:2.84Source: Census ACS

Population Over Time (with 2010 & 2020 Census Benchmarks)


Group201020112102201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024
Census ACS Population Estimate--6,6676,3536,7857,0706,6196,5936,3336,7287,0017,7937,8997,7977,4077,862
Decennial Census6,609------------------7,447--------
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP05. DEMOGRAPHIC AND HOUSING ESTIMATES

Population by Age & Gender (Total, Male, Female)


Median Age: 43.9

Male Median Age: 42.8

Female Median Age: 45.5

Group< 55-910-1415-1920-2425-2930-3435-3940-4445-4950-5455-5960-6465-6970-7475-7980-8485+
Male2192802252201351842222502332032642633133202141214327
Female1912372641711151682372471982542703003333232111016427
Total41051748939125035245949743145753456364664342522210754
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Population by Race


White:3,33852.13%
Black:380.59%
Hispanic:*74611.65%
Asian:1,19718.69%
American Indian:430.67%
Hawaiian:86813.56%
Other:1732.70%
Total:6,403100%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)
* NOTE: Hispanic or Latino is an ethnicity, not a race. This means individuals who identify as Hispanic will also be included in one of the race categories (such as White or Black). As a result, the totals shown here may exceed 100% when Hispanic is displayed alongside racial groups.

Gender Breakdown


GenderCount%Median Age
Males:3,73650.17%42.8 years
Females:3,71149.83%45.5 years
Total:7,447100%43.9 years
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Nativity & Citizenship


Native, born in the United States:5,89775.01%
Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad:1752.23%
Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen:4215.35%
Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen:1,36922.77%
Total Population:7,862100%
Total Native Population:6,07277.23%
Total Foreign-born Population:1,79022.77%
Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS
Note: Nativity and Citizenship derived from American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. Total Population listed here will not match official ZIP Code population totals, which are based on the Decennial Census.

Income & Employment


In 2024, the Median household income is $80,928, which is on par with the national median ($80,734), is up $6,861 (9.3%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $6,059. Family households earn a median of $83,214 versus $76,250 for nonfamily households (a difference of $6,964). By gender, male median income is $55,681 and female is $56,226, which is modestly greater than the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $545 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 57.9%, which is lower than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 8.3%, which is much higher than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Service (34.9%).

Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Tables DP02, DP03, DP04 and DP05.

Median Income Over Time (Household, Family, Nonfamily, Male, Female)


Income Type20112012201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024
Median Household Income$74,067$74,046$73,285$76,982$74,747$76,875$73,952$73,891$74,869$77,577$84,063$97,083$90,545$80,928
Median Family Income$75,988$77,353$74,824$76,006$76,378$82,531$82,883$86,076$88,705$90,886$96,583$105,167$94,816$83,214
Median NonFamily Income$59,946$67,450$64,063$72,750$61,852$60,062$58,346$54,659$52,288$53,285$54,674$60,500$73,333$76,250
Median Male Income$51,546$52,211$53,576$54,710$0$60,121$55,232$54,674$56,125$51,257$54,913$60,393$62,226$55,681
Median Female Income$41,616$38,750$38,175$40,222$0$37,926$45,404$47,036$45,152$45,219$44,000$39,786$49,485$56,226
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Average Household Income


Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Employment Status


Employed:3,30253.16%
Unemployed:2974.78%
Not In Labor Force:2,61342.06%
Total:6,212100%
Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Employment by Occupation (Civilian Employed Population, 16 and Over)


Management, business, science, and arts:94428.59%
Service:1,15234.89%
Sales and Office:70721.41%
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance:2838.57%
Production, transportation, and material moving:2166.54%
Total Civilian Employed Population:3,302100%
Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Housing & Affordability


In 2024, the median home value is $813,800, which is much higher than the national median ($332,700), is up $374,200 (85.12%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $372,800. The median gross rent is $2,184, which is considerably higher than the national median ($1,413), is up $617 (39.37%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $619. Of occupied housing, owners make up 69.81% (63.65% with a mortgage, 36.35% free-and-clear) and renters 30.19% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 44.66%, which is far higher than the national rate (10.12%).

Explore More:Compare Home ValueHome Value Over TimeRent & Over TimeHousing Occupancy

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Table DP03, SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Median Home Value (Comparison)


Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Home Value Over Time


Group20112102201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024
Median Home Value$439,600$414,800$387,800$387,400$388,000$381,000$410,100$434,500$441,000$476,200$521,100$627,000$686,700$813,800
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Gross Rent Paid


Less than $500:374.53%
$500 to $999:526.37%
$1,000 to $1,499:404.90%
$1,500 to $1,999:17821.81%
$2,000 to $2,499:14417.65%
$2,500 to $2,999:13015.93%
$3,000 or more:13917.03%
No Rent:9611.76%
Total:816100%
Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Gross Rent Over Time


Group20112102201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024
Median Rent$1,567$1,570$1,601$1,478$1,455$1,466$1,429$1,438$1,565$1,628$1,725$1,722$2,251$2,184
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Occupancy


Owner Occupied (with mortgage):1,20144.43%
Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage):68625.38%
Renter Occupied:81630.19%
Total Occupied Housing Units:2,703100%

Occupied Housing Units:2,70355.34%
Vacant Housing Units (not graphed):2,18144.66%
Total Housing Units:4,884100%
Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Type (Single-Family, Multi-Family, Other)


Single-Family Units:2,36948.51%
Multi-Family Units:2,51551.49%
Other Units:00.00%
Total Housing Units:4,884100%
Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Education, Health & Community


In 2024, 32.50% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is comparable to the national rate (35.70%). High school or higher is 97.10%, which is far higher than the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 3.10%, which is far lower than the national rate (8.40%). Public coverage is 49.80%, which is well above the national rate (36.70%). The share of people in poverty is 10.80%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.80%), up 1.10 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 0.30 percentage points. This points to rising hardship - a weaker consumer base, greater strain on public services, and job-market headwinds. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (48.28%). College enrollment is 11.73%, which is far lower than the national rate (26.70%), indicating the community may be more oriented toward vocational/trade or direct-to-workforce opportunities.

Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Tables DP02 and DP03.

Educational Attainment of Adults (25 and Older)


Less than 9th grade:00.00%
9th to 12th grade, no diploma:1582.86%
High school graduate (includes equivalency):1,64929.81%
Some college, no degree:1,20121.71%
Associate's degree:72813.16%
Bachelor's degree:1,12520.34%
Graduate or professional degree:67112.13%
Total:5,532100%
High school or higher:5,37497.14%
Bachelor's degree or higher:1,79632.47%
Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Health Insurance Coverage by Type (Private, Public, Uninsured)


Private Insurance:4,86653.95%
Public Insurance:3,91343.38%
No Insurance:2412.67%
Total:9,020100%
Has Health Insurance:8,77997.33%
Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Percentage of People in Poverty Over Time (2011-2024)


Group20112102201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024
% of People in Poverty6.0%4.7%5.0%5.5%5.3%5.3%6.6%7.2%6.8%6.5%5.8%9.7%7.1%10.8%
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Note: Counts of Families & People in poverty are not published at the ZIP Code level due to small sample sizes. Percentages shown are survey estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS). They may differ from official poverty statistics. The U.S. Census Bureau defines poverty status by comparing a family's or individual's total income with federal poverty thresholds that vary by family size and composition.

School Enrollment by Education Level (Ages 3 and Older)


Nursery School, Preschool:623.55%
Kindergarten:1106.29%
Elementary school (grades 1-8):84448.28%
High school (grades 9-12):52730.15%
College or graduate school:20511.73%
Total:1,748100%
Early Childhood:1729.84%
K-12 (Primary & Secondary School):1,48184.73%
Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Business & Employment Statistics


ZIP Code 96738 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 226 business establishments, employing about 2,941 people with an annual payroll of $160,779,000. USPS data shows 3,071 residential mailboxes and 173 business mailboxes, reflecting local delivery coverage.

# Residential Mailboxes:3,071Source: USPS
# Business Mailboxes:173Source: USPS
Total Delivery Receptacles:4,560Source: USPS
Single Family Delivery Units:1,524Source: USPS
Multi Family Delivery Units:1,020Source: USPS
# of Businesses:226Source: CBP
1st Quarter Payroll:$41,432,000Source: CBP
Annual Payroll:$160,779,000Source: CBP
# of Employees:2,941Source: CBP

Geography, Land Area, & Statistical Classifications


ZIP Code 96738 is located in Hawaii County, Hawaii, within the Hilo-Kailua, HI Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 25900) and Hawaii's 2nd Congressional District. This Micro area has a population of 185,079 people, about 4.02% of whom live in ZIP Code 96738. It covers 79.848 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.442 sq mi.

CBSA Name:Hilo-Kailua, HISource: Census
CBSA Number:25900Source: Census
CBSA Type:MicroSource: Census
CBSA Division:--Source: Census
CBSA Population:185,079Source: Census
MSA:Source: Census
Land Area:79.848 sq miSource: Census
Water Area:0.442 sq miSource: Census
Congressional District:02Source: USPS
Congressional Land Area:6213.4 sq miSource: Census
PMSA:Source: Census
Intro Date:< 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Place FIPS Code:--Source: Census
Place Name:--Source: Census

Adjacent & Nearby ZIP Codes


96739 | | 96737

Schools in ZIP Code 96738


ZIP Code 96738 is in the Hawaii Department of Education, which serves grades Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 1 public school(s) in this ZIP Code, and we have located 3 private school(s). It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.

Waikoloa Elementary And Middle School 68-1730 Hooko St
Waikoloa, HI 96738
District: Hawaii Department of Education
Hawaii Preparatory Academy 65-1692 Kohala Mountain Rd
Kamuela, HI 96743
District: Private SchoolNearby
Montessori Education Center Of Hawaii 65-1197 Opelo Rd
Kamuela, HI 96743
District: Private SchoolNearby
Waimea Country School 65 1237 Kawaihae Rd
Kamuela, HI 96743
District: Private SchoolNearby

Colleges & Post Secondary Schools near ZIP Code 96738


Mauna Loa Helicopters 73-310 U'u Street
Kailua Kona, HI 96740-2650
Type: Post Secondary
University Of Hawaii At Hilo 200 W Kawili St
Hilo, HI 96720-4091
Type: Post Secondary
Hawaii Community College 1175 Manono Street
Hilo, HI 96720-5096
Type: Post Secondary
Ibs School Of Cosmetology And Massage 110 East Kaahumanu Avenue
Kahului, HI 96732-2118
Type: Post Secondary
University Of Hawaii Maui College 310 W Kaahumanu Ave
Kahului, HI 96732-1617
Type: Post Secondary
Kapiolani Community College 4303 Diamond Head Road
Honolulu, HI 96816-4421
Type: Post Secondary

Sources & References


Our sources include trusted federal and licensed data from the United States Postal Service, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Geological Survey, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the National Center for Education Statistics, along with proprietary datasets created by ZIP-Codes.com. Data last updated on February 1, 2026.

  1. U.S. Postal Service [Last Updated: 2/1/2026], https://www.usps.com
  2. ZIP-Codes.com Proprietary Data Enhancements [Updated: 2/1/2026], https://www.zip-codes.com
  3. U.S. Census [Updated: Varies], https://www.census.gov
    • U.S. Census Office of Management and Budget [Updated: As Released]
    • U.S. Census 2020 Demographic & Housing Characteristics (DHC) [Decennial] [Updated: 5/25/2023]
    • U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-year estimates (ACS) [Annually] [Updated: Annually, As Released]
    • U.S. Census Business Patterns (CBD) [Annually] [Updated: Annually, As Released]
    • U.S. Census American National Standards Institute (ANSI) [Updated: As Released]
  4. U.S. Geological Survey [Updated: Varies], https://www.usgs.gov
  5. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services [Updated: Annually, As Released], https://www.cms.gov
  6. National Center for Education Statistics [Updated: 2/1/2026], https://nces.ed.gov