ZIP Code 96778 in Pahoa, HI

Data Last Updated: October 1, 2025
City:Pahoa, Hawaii
County:Hawaii County
Timezone:Hawaii-Aleutian Islands (GMT -10:00)
Local Time:7:28:38 PM
Population:14,687 [See All]
Area Code:808
Classification:Standard [Normal Street Delivery]
Coordinates:19.4368, -155.0223
Land Area:211.504 sq mi
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Population & Demographics


ZIP Code 96778 has 14,687 residents and 5,636 households (average 2.60 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 51.5% male and 48.5% female, which is slightly higher than the national male share (49.1%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are White (39.2%, much higher than the state average of 22.9% and well below the national average of 61.6%) and Native Hawaiian & Other Pacific Islander (16.5%, much higher than the national average of 0.2%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 14.0%, which is lower than the national average (18.7%), 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 2011-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates.
2020 Population:14,687Source: Census DHC
2023 ACS Population Estimate:14,225Source: Census ACS
2025 ZC Population Estimate:12,480Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Population Density:69.4 people per sq mile
Average Income:$34,863Source: Census ACS
Households:5,636Source: Census DHC
Average House Value:$241,200Source: Census ACS
Persons Per Household:2.60Source: Census DHC
Average Family Size:3.62Source: Census ACS

Population Over Time (with 2010 & 2020 Census Benchmarks)


Group20102011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Census ACS Population Estimate--13,51813,33414,05614,56514,37514,48115,08115,12514,88515,19814,77714,31014,225
Decennial Census14,409------------------14,687------
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 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: 44.3

Female Median Age: 43.6

Group< 55-910-1415-1920-2425-2930-3435-3940-4445-4950-5455-5960-6465-6970-7475-7980-8485+
Male37350853743932735441846542142845847865271254725311278
Female31746250140531135040949641240041553060762744922897111
Total6909701,0388446387048279618338288731,0081,2591,339996481209189
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Population by Race


White:5,75746.28%
Black:1311.05%
Hispanic:*2,05516.52%
Asian:1,61412.98%
American Indian:1341.08%
Hawaiian:2,41919.45%
Other:3292.64%
Total:12,439100%
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:7,56051.47%44.3 years
Females:7,12748.53%43.6 years
Total:14,687100%43.9 years
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Nativity & Citizenship


Native, born in the United States:12,27686.30%
Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad:1831.29%
Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen:1,1227.89%
Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen:64412.41%
Total Population:14,225100%
Total Native Population:12,45987.59%
Total Foreign-born Population:1,76612.41%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 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 2023, the Median household income is $34,863, which is considerably lower than the state median ($98,317), is down $1,398 (3.9%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $4,555. Family households earn a median of $51,065 versus $19,400 for nonfamily households (a difference of $31,665). By gender, male median income is $44,577 and female is $45,000, which is considerably lower than the state female median ($55,345), with a current gap of $423 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 42.7%, which is far less than the state rate (64.0%). The unemployment rate is 11.0%, which is far worse than the state rate (4.7%). The largest occupation group is Management (35.6%).

Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 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 Type2011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Median Household Income$36,261$33,999$31,422$31,462$29,264$27,559$33,820$37,417$39,418$38,244$40,240$39,010$34,863
Median Family Income$45,294$42,984$37,007$36,297$37,708$42,321$46,110$48,731$50,135$49,929$49,145$51,448$51,065
Median NonFamily Income$25,400$24,178$23,011$24,970$20,824$19,691$21,543$21,495$21,777$18,717$21,581$22,458$19,400
Median Male Income$36,471$37,332$32,338$34,125$34,844$39,844$39,606$41,477$41,862$40,580$40,470$41,398$44,577
Median Female Income$28,269$28,351$27,356$30,058$30,557$32,750$34,155$35,515$39,076$41,363$42,543$46,635$45,000
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Average Household Income


Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Employment Status


Employed:4,42938.02%
Unemployed:5454.68%
Not In Labor Force:6,67557.30%
Total:11,649100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 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:1,57635.58%
Service:95121.47%
Sales and Office:89820.28%
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance:4229.53%
Production, transportation, and material moving:58213.14%
Total Civilian Employed Population:4,429100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Housing & Affordability


In 2023, the median home value is $241,200, which is considerably lower than the state median ($808,200), is up $36,600 (17.89%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $54,300. The median gross rent is $1,321, which is far less than the state median ($1,938), is up $332 (33.57%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $192. Of occupied housing, owners make up 79.96% (45.42% with a mortgage, 54.58% free-and-clear) and renters 20.04% - making this ZIP Code more home ownership than the state and under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 14.09%, which is far higher than the national rate (10.43%).

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

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Table DP03, SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Median Home Value (Comparison)


Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Home Value Over Time


Group2011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Median Home Value$204,600$200,000$175,400$176,900$182,600$188,400$193,800$192,100$186,900$199,800$207,700$220,400$241,200
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Gross Rent Paid


Less than $500:13611.59%
$500 to $999:16313.90%
$1,000 to $1,499:49442.11%
$1,500 to $1,999:22319.01%
$2,000 to $2,499:211.79%
$2,500 to $2,999:141.19%
$3,000 or more:171.45%
No Rent:1058.95%
Total:1,173100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Gross Rent Over Time


Group2011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Median Rent$989$1,003$979$984$1,014$1,047$1,105$1,120$1,129$1,148$1,216$1,319$1,321
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Occupancy


Owner Occupied (with mortgage):2,12636.32%
Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage):2,55543.65%
Renter Occupied:1,17320.04%
Total Occupied Housing Units:5,854100%

Occupied Housing Units:5,85485.91%
Vacant Housing Units (not graphed):96014.09%
Total Housing Units:6,814100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

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


Single-Family Units:6,66997.87%
Multi-Family Units:761.12%
Other Units:691.01%
Total Housing Units:6,814100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Education, Health & Community


In 2023, 21.80% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is markedly below the state rate (35.50%). High school or higher is 90.00%, which is generally lower than the state rate (92.90%). The uninsured rate is 6.60%, which is notably higher than the state rate (3.70%). Private coverage is 51.10%, which is generally lower than the state rate (75.60%). Public coverage is 63.00%, which is far higher than the national rate (36.30%). The share of people in poverty is 26.00%, which is markedly above the state rate (6.90%), up 4.90 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 7.40 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 elementary (48.90%). College enrollment is 17.17%, which is markedly below the state rate (27.30%), 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 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Tables DP02 and DP03.

Educational Attainment of Adults (25 and Older)


Less than 9th grade:2702.59%
9th to 12th grade, no diploma:7767.43%
High school graduate (includes equivalency):3,85436.90%
Some college, no degree:2,17220.80%
Associate's degree:1,09810.51%
Bachelor's degree:1,55314.87%
Graduate or professional degree:7216.90%
Total:10,444100%
High school or higher:9,39889.98%
Bachelor's degree or higher:2,27421.77%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

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


Private Insurance:7,27442.37%
Public Insurance:8,95652.17%
No Insurance:9375.46%
Total:17,167100%
Has Health Insurance:16,23094.54%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Percentage of People in Poverty Over Time (2011-2023)


Group2011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
% of People in Poverty21.1%24.8%25.7%24.4%24.2%23.4%18.8%18.5%18.6%19.5%18.8%23.8%26.0%
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 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:953.11%
Kindergarten:1625.30%
Elementary school (grades 1-8):1,49548.90%
High school (grades 9-12):78025.52%
College or graduate school:52517.17%
Total:3,057100%
Early Childhood:2578.41%
K-12 (Primary & Secondary School):2,43779.72%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Business & Employment Statistics


ZIP Code 96778 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2023), there are 132 business establishments, employing about 1,165 people with an annual payroll of $35,395,000. USPS data shows 4,800 residential mailboxes and 74 business mailboxes, reflecting local delivery coverage.

# Residential Mailboxes:4,800Source: USPS
# Business Mailboxes:74Source: USPS
Total Delivery Receptacles:6,859Source: USPS
Single Family Delivery Units:2,879Source: USPS
Multi Family Delivery Units:0Source: USPS
# of Businesses:132Source: CBP
1st Quarter Payroll:$9,012,000Source: CBP
Annual Payroll:$35,395,000Source: CBP
# of Employees:1,165Source: CBP

Geography, Land Area, & Statistical Classifications


ZIP Code 96778 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 203,684 people, about 7.21% of whom live in ZIP Code 96778. It covers 211.504 sq mi of land and a water area of 10.586 sq mi.

CBSA Name:Hilo-Kailua, HISource: Census
CBSA Number:25900Source: Census
CBSA Type:MicroSource: Census
CBSA Division:--Source: Census
CBSA Population:203,684Source: Census
MSA:Source: Census
Land Area:211.504 sq miSource: Census
Water Area:10.586 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:1559900Source: Census
Place Name:Pahoa CDP; HawaiiSource: Census

Adjacent & Nearby ZIP Codes


96779 | | 96777

Schools in ZIP Code 96778


ZIP Code 96778 is in the Hawaii Department of Education, which serves grades Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 4 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.

Pahoa Elementary School 15-3030 Puna Rd
Pahoa, HI 96778
District: Hawaii Department of Education
Keonepoko Elementary School 15-890 Kahakai Blvd
Pahoa, HI 96778
District: Hawaii Department of Education
Hawaii Academy Of Arts & Science Pcs 15-1397 Post Office Rd
Pahoa, HI 96778
District: Hawaii Department of Education
Pahoa High & Intermediate School 15-3038 Puna Rd
Pahoa, HI 96778
District: Hawaii Department of Education
Malamalama Waldorf School 15-1834 Makou Dr
Keaau, HI 96749
District: Private SchoolNearby
Christian Liberty Academy 16-675 Milo St
Keaau, HI 96749
District: Private SchoolNearby
St Joseph School 1000 Ululani St
Hilo, HI 96720
District: Private SchoolNearby

Colleges & Post Secondary Schools near ZIP Code 96778


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
Mauna Loa Helicopters 73-310 U'u Street
Kailua Kona, HI 96740-2650
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 October 1, 2025.

  1. U.S. Postal Service [Last Updated: 10/1/2025], https://www.usps.com
  2. ZIP-Codes.com Proprietary Data Enhancements [Updated: 10/1/2025], 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 2011-2023 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: 10/1/2025], https://nces.ed.gov