| City: | Paauilo, Hawaii |
| County: | Hawaii County |
| Timezone: | Hawaii-Aleutian Islands (GMT -10:00) |
| Local Time: | 8:06:09 AM |
| Population: | 1,782 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 808 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 19.7848, -155.5043 |
| Land Area: | 56.586 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Paauilo sits on the northeastern Hamakua Coast of Hawaii's Big Island, spanning nearly 80 square miles of rural territory. The post office serves 1,782 residents spread across 603 households in this PO Box Only Zone, where no alternative mail delivery exists. With 514 PO Boxes and an adoption rate of 85%, most households rely on post office boxes rather than street delivery.
This isn't a tourist destination. It's a working community with a median age of 46.8 years and household incomes averaging $74,536. The area includes two rural carrier routes serving scattered homes along roads like Paauilo Mauka Road and Kalapahapuu Road. However, the majority of residents pick up mail at the post office, driving from across the territory to collect packages, bills, and correspondence.
Paauilo's demographics show Hawaii's characteristic diversity. Of 1,782 residents, 34.5% identify as two or more races (614 people), while 37.4% are White (666), 19.3% are Asian (344), and 6.5% are Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander (116). Nearly 32% of workers commute from home, and 17% work in agriculture. The median home value of $409,500 reflects Big Island real estate patterns.
The postal facility dates to before October 2004, when ZIP tracking began. Street names combine Hawaiian words (Mamalahoa Highway, Koholalele Road) with agricultural references (Puualaea Homestead Road), telling the story of homestead lands and rural settlements. Mail addressed to Paauilo must use PO Box numbers since there's no carrier delivery across most of the ZIP's 80 square miles.
Street names combine Hawaiian language (Koholalele, Kalapahapuu) with homestead references, showing the area's agricultural settlement history.
ZIP Code 96776 has 1,782 residents and 603 households (average 2.96 persons per household). The median age is 46.8 years, older than the state (40.8) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 49.4% male and 50.6% female, which is about the same as the state male share (50.0%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are White (37.4%, much higher than the state average of 22.9% and well below the national average of 61.6%) and Asian (19.3%, much lower than the state average of 37.2% and well above the national average of 6.0%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 9.3%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%), and Asian share is much higher than the national average (6.0%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 1,782Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 1,355Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 31.5 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $93,241Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 603Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $440,900Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.96Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.27Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 1,996 | 1,987 | 1,646 | 1,448 | 1,667 | 1,489 | 1,407 | 1,302 | 1,458 | 1,315 | 1,323 | 1,507 | 1,629 | 1,355 |
| Decennial Census | 1,490 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 1,782 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 46.8
Male Median Age: 47.1
Female Median Age: 46.5
| Group | < 5 | 5-9 | 10-14 | 15-19 | 20-24 | 25-29 | 30-34 | 35-39 | 40-44 | 45-49 | 50-54 | 55-59 | 60-64 | 65-69 | 70-74 | 75-79 | 80-84 | 85+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 49 | 37 | 62 | 61 | 47 | 48 | 43 | 26 | 47 | 49 | 42 | 67 | 69 | 90 | 75 | 35 | 20 | 13 |
| Female | 45 | 56 | 51 | 52 | 39 | 48 | 47 | 42 | 53 | 55 | 65 | 77 | 84 | 71 | 57 | 23 | 14 | 23 |
| Total | 94 | 93 | 113 | 113 | 86 | 96 | 90 | 68 | 100 | 104 | 107 | 144 | 153 | 161 | 132 | 58 | 34 | 36 |
| White: | 666 | 49.93% |
| Black: | 14 | 1.05% |
| Hispanic:* | 166 | 12.44% |
| Asian: | 344 | 25.79% |
| American Indian: | 14 | 1.05% |
| Hawaiian: | 116 | 8.70% |
| Other: | 14 | 1.05% |
| Total: | 1,334 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 880 | 49.38% | 47.1 years |
| Females: | 902 | 50.62% | 46.5 years |
| Total: | 1,782 | 100% | 46.8 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 1,158 | 85.46% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 3 | 0.22% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 131 | 9.67% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 63 | 14.32% |
| Total Population: | 1,355 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 1,161 | 85.68% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 194 | 14.32% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $93,241, which is markedly greater than the national median ($80,734), is up $38,866 (71.5%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $43,241. Family households earn a median of $111,250 versus $39,868 for nonfamily households (a difference of $71,382). By gender, male median income is $70,714 and female is $52,250, which is generally lower than the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $18,464 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 64.1%, which is roughly equal to the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 4.0%, which is lower than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (43.1%).
Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation
| Income Type | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $54,375 | $56,590 | $55,351 | $48,510 | $49,620 | $56,050 | $49,688 | $45,598 | $50,000 | $42,175 | $60,921 | $67,951 | $74,536 | $93,241 |
| Median Family Income | $49,193 | $49,425 | $49,000 | $51,375 | $56,083 | $60,903 | $55,938 | $46,964 | $46,538 | $47,813 | $69,000 | $85,547 | $89,228 | $111,250 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $41,406 | $42,500 | $42,443 | $41,071 | $42,348 | $42,188 | $0 | $29,333 | $30,833 | $35,234 | $38,300 | $40,991 | $43,152 | $39,868 |
| Median Male Income | $52,823 | $46,691 | $45,966 | $41,875 | $36,458 | $35,592 | $40,313 | $40,208 | $38,000 | $36,500 | $50,833 | $56,806 | $59,773 | $70,714 |
| Median Female Income | $30,208 | $27,639 | $40,625 | $29,875 | $31,932 | $35,000 | $37,750 | $32,404 | $34,135 | $26,319 | $28,605 | $40,500 | $42,250 | $52,250 |
| Employed: | 642 | 58.95% |
| Unemployed: | 28 | 2.57% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 419 | 38.48% |
| Total: | 1,089 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 277 | 43.15% |
| Service: | 142 | 22.12% |
| Sales and Office: | 34 | 5.30% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 83 | 12.93% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 106 | 16.51% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 642 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $440,900, which is much higher than the national median ($332,700), is up $101,500 (29.91%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $110,600. The median gross rent is $2,205, which is markedly greater than the national median ($1,413), is up $1,440 (188.24%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $1,310. Of occupied housing, owners make up 80.62% (41.35% with a mortgage, 58.65% free-and-clear) and renters 19.38% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 16.91%, which is much higher than the national rate (10.12%).
Explore More:Compare Home ValueHome Value Over TimeRent & Over TimeHousing Occupancy
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $339,400 | $365,200 | $283,700 | $262,900 | $291,100 | $281,100 | $269,600 | $324,000 | $330,300 | $345,700 | $377,000 | $402,300 | $409,500 | $440,900 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 7 | 7.00% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 23 | 23.00% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 39 | 39.00% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 21 | 21.00% |
| $3,000 or more: | 2 | 2.00% |
| No Rent: | 8 | 8.00% |
| Total: | 100 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $765 | $767 | $847 | $1,008 | $990 | $929 | $962 | $1,065 | $895 | $1,135 | $1,263 | $1,333 | $0 | $2,205 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 172 | 33.33% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 244 | 47.29% |
| Renter Occupied: | 100 | 19.38% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 516 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 516 | 83.09% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 105 | 16.91% |
| Total Housing Units: | 621 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 581 | 93.56% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 40 | 6.44% |
| Other Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Housing Units: | 621 | 100% |
In 2024, 35.90% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is comparable to the national rate (35.70%). High school or higher is 91.80%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 7.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.40%). The share of people in poverty is 11.10%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.80%), up 15.60 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 11.40 percentage points. This signals a sharp increase in hardship - a shrinking consumer base, heavy pressure on public services, and job-market contraction risks. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is college (50.17%). College enrollment is 50.17%, which is far higher than the national rate (26.70%), indicating the community is likely a college hub with student-driven housing and services.
Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 19 | 1.84% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 66 | 6.39% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 217 | 21.01% |
| Some college, no degree: | 233 | 22.56% |
| Associate's degree: | 127 | 12.29% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 238 | 23.04% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 133 | 12.88% |
| Total: | 1,033 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 948 | 91.77% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 371 | 35.91% |
| Private Insurance: | 995 | 63.99% |
| Public Insurance: | 467 | 30.03% |
| No Insurance: | 93 | 5.98% |
| Total: | 1,555 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 1,462 | 94.02% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 6.9% | 5.5% | 3.5% | 8.4% | 6.9% | 7.5% | 7.2% | 5.8% | 11.1% | 17.5% | 17.7% | 19.1% | 22.5% | 11.1% |
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.
| Nursery School, Preschool: | 25 | 8.71% |
| Kindergarten: | 18 | 6.27% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 55 | 19.16% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 45 | 15.68% |
| College or graduate school: | 144 | 50.17% |
| Total: | 287 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 43 | 14.98% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 118 | 41.11% |
ZIP Code 96776 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 15 business establishments, employing about 56 people with an annual payroll of $2,965,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 537Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 15Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $596,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $2,965,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 56Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 96776 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 0.96% of whom live in ZIP Code 96776. It covers 56.586 sq mi of land and a water area of 8.08 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: | 56.586 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 8.08 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: | 1559300Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Paauilo CDP; HawaiiSource: Census |
ZIP Code 96776 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.
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.