| City: | Papaaloa, Hawaii |
| County: | Hawaii County |
| Timezone: | Hawaii-Aleutian Islands (GMT -10:00) |
| Local Time: | 8:06:12 AM |
| Population: | 548 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 808 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 19.8877, -155.2409 |
| Land Area: | 1.772 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Two rural carrier routes handle what street delivery exists here, following Hawaii Belt Road and Old Mamalahoa Highway as they wind through this 2.8 square mile area. The median household income of $24,476 places Papaaloa well below Hawaii's state average, characteristic of former plantation communities along this stretch of coast. With a median age of 47, the population skews older than the state overall, and household sizes average 3.1 people—typical for multi-generational Hawaiian families.
The two streets in Papaaloa's mail system are both historic routes along Hawaii's Hamakua Coast. Hawaii Belt Road serves as the main modern highway, while Old Mamalahoa Highway follows portions of the original route that connected coastal settlements before modern infrastructure. Both roads wind through former sugar plantation lands that now support small farms and rural homesteads.
ZIP Code 96780 has 548 residents and 174 households (average 3.15 persons per household). The median age is 47.0 years, older than the state (40.8) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 50.7% male and 49.3% female, which is slightly higher than the national male share (49.1%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are Asian (35.6%, much higher than the national average of 6.0%) and White (26.6%, much lower than the national average of 61.6%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 12.4%, which is 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: | 548Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 400Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 309.3 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $66,250Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 174Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $496,400Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 3.15Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 4.07Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 559 | 711 | 799 | 813 | 760 | 721 | 738 | 700 | 607 | 659 | 580 | 459 | 425 | 400 |
| Decennial Census | 557 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 548 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 47
Male Median Age: 45.8
Female Median Age: 49
| 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 | 10 | 16 | 32 | 19 | 14 | 6 | 18 | 6 | 15 | 18 | 15 | 17 | 26 | 16 | 19 | 13 | 12 | 6 |
| Female | 8 | 11 | 25 | 14 | 7 | 9 | 27 | 15 | 10 | 10 | 18 | 22 | 21 | 29 | 16 | 10 | 12 | 6 |
| Total | 18 | 27 | 57 | 33 | 21 | 15 | 45 | 21 | 25 | 28 | 33 | 39 | 47 | 45 | 35 | 23 | 24 | 12 |
| White: | 146 | 32.66% |
| Black: | 2 | 0.45% |
| Hispanic:* | 68 | 15.21% |
| Asian: | 195 | 43.62% |
| American Indian: | 2 | 0.45% |
| Hawaiian: | 31 | 6.94% |
| Other: | 3 | 0.67% |
| Total: | 447 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 278 | 50.73% | 45.8 years |
| Females: | 270 | 49.27% | 49.0 years |
| Total: | 548 | 100% | 47.0 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 310 | 77.50% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 11 | 2.75% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 79 | 19.75% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 0 | 19.75% |
| Total Population: | 400 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 321 | 80.25% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 79 | 19.75% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $66,250, which is much lower than the national median ($80,734), is down $6,313 (8.7%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $34,458. Family households earn a median of $0 versus $0 for nonfamily households (a difference of $0). By gender, male median income is $0 and female is $49,432, which is much lower than the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $49,432 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 36.2%, which is far less than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 8.9%, which is markedly higher than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Service (34.5%).
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 | $72,563 | $74,018 | $67,054 | $66,773 | $65,000 | $32,443 | $31,300 | $0 | $31,792 | $0 | $0 | $35,221 | $0 | $66,250 |
| Median Family Income | $73,875 | $76,552 | $75,804 | $68,672 | $46,250 | $50,714 | $31,550 | $62,014 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $63,190 | $65,664 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $19,471 | $30,662 | $27,381 | $32,969 | $29,405 | $53,958 | $0 |
| Median Male Income | $41,667 | $43,417 | $55,250 | $56,141 | $0 | $32,006 | $30,778 | $31,573 | $0 | $36,607 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Female Income | $38,854 | $37,679 | $33,839 | $32,167 | $0 | $29,224 | $31,813 | $0 | $0 | $32,353 | $37,955 | $0 | $0 | $49,432 |
| Employed: | 113 | 32.94% |
| Unemployed: | 11 | 3.21% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 219 | 63.85% |
| Total: | 343 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 14 | 12.39% |
| Service: | 39 | 34.51% |
| Sales and Office: | 24 | 21.24% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 13 | 11.50% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 23 | 20.35% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 113 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $496,400, which is much higher than the national median ($332,700), is up $257,500 (107.79%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $219,200. The median gross rent is $0, which is well under the national median ($1,413), is down $810 (100.00%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $779. Of occupied housing, owners make up 85.53% (80.15% with a mortgage, 19.85% free-and-clear) and renters 14.47% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 0.00%, which is considerably lower 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 | $238,900 | $231,500 | $231,800 | $219,900 | $225,000 | $152,000 | $0 | $258,100 | $277,200 | $297,600 | $417,000 | $419,800 | $539,800 | $496,400 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 13 | 56.52% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 10 | 43.48% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $3,000 or more: | 0 | 0.00% |
| No Rent: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 23 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $810 | $550 | $618 | $617 | $629 | $624 | $657 | $0 | $779 | $694 | $803 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 109 | 68.55% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 27 | 16.98% |
| Renter Occupied: | 23 | 14.47% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 159 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 159 | 100.00% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Housing Units: | 159 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 136 | 85.53% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 23 | 14.47% |
| Other Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Housing Units: | 159 | 100% |
In 2024, 14.80% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is far lower than the national rate (35.70%). High school or higher is 90.60%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 0.00%, which is far lower than the national rate (8.40%). The share of people in poverty is 31.50%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.80%), up 50.00 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 23.50 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 (82.61%). College enrollment is 17.39%, which is comparable to the national rate (26.70%), meaning the community mirrors broader higher-education participation.
Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 8 | 2.42% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 23 | 6.95% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 124 | 37.46% |
| Some college, no degree: | 63 | 19.03% |
| Associate's degree: | 64 | 19.34% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 23 | 6.95% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 26 | 7.85% |
| Total: | 331 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 300 | 90.63% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 49 | 14.80% |
| Private Insurance: | 271 | 56.34% |
| Public Insurance: | 210 | 43.66% |
| No Insurance: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 481 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 481 | 100.00% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 0.0% | 0.0% | 8.4% | 9.0% | 9.7% | 11.4% | 18.9% | 10.4% | 26.5% | 32.6% | 50.0% | 45.3% | 50.0% | 31.5% |
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: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Kindergarten: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 57 | 82.61% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 0 | 0.00% |
| College or graduate school: | 12 | 17.39% |
| Total: | 69 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 0 | 0.00% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 57 | 82.61% |
ZIP Code 96780 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 3 business establishments, employing about 22 people with an annual payroll of $655,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 264Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 3Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $160,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $655,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 22Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 96780 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 0.30% of whom live in ZIP Code 96780. It covers 1.772 sq mi of land and a water area of 0 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: | 1.772 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | --Source: 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 |
We could not locate which school district 96780 belongs to, but we will update this once new district data is released. There are no public schools nor private schools with a mailing address in this ZIP Code. Listing Nearby schools instead. 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 March 1, 2026.