| City: | Volcano, Hawaii |
| County: | Hawaii County |
| Timezone: | Hawaii-Aleutian Islands (GMT -10:00) |
| Local Time: | 8:06:15 AM |
| Population: | 4,125 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 808 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 19.4962, -155.2175 |
| Land Area: | 73.208 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Volcano sits at 4,000 feet elevation on the slopes of Mauna Loa on Hawaii Island, just outside the entrance to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. With 4,125 residents spread across 115.5 square miles of rainforest and volcanic terrain, this is a retirement and remote work community where PO Boxes aren't optional. USPS designated this a PO Box Only Zone, meaning there's no alternative mail delivery for the entire territory.
The Volcano post office maintains 1,319 PO Boxes for 1,901 households. That's a 69% adoption rate, showing that most residents rely on boxes rather than the limited rural delivery available. Two rural carrier routes serve some homes, but across this vast and rugged landscape, PO Box pickup is the practical choice for many. General delivery is also available for those without boxes.
Median age here is 53.4 years, well above Hawaii's statewide average. This isn't a young family community. It's retirees, artists, and remote professionals drawn to cool mountain air and proximity to the park. The work-from-home rate of 30% ranks among the highest in Hawaii, with 495 residents working remotely. Street names like Kalani Honua Loop, Nahelenani Street, and Old Volcano Road mix Hawaiian language with settler history.
Housing here skews toward owner-occupied properties (82% of occupied units). Median home value of $330,500 is moderate for Hawaii, reflecting rural location and distance from employment centers. About 10% of homes (248 units) are used seasonally, likely vacation rentals for tourists visiting the park or second homes for mainland owners seeking Hawaii mountain living.
All mail to Volcano uses either PO Box addresses or the limited rural routes. Format:
Recipient Name
PO Box [number]
Volcano, HI 96785Street names blend Hawaiian language (Kalani Honua, Nahelenani) with settlement history (Old Volcano Road, Pearl Ave).
ZIP Code 96785 has 4,125 residents and 1,901 households (average 2.16 persons per household). The median age is 53.4 years, significantly older than the state (40.8) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 52.9% male and 47.1% female, which is higher than the national male share (49.1%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are White (51.5%, much higher than the state average of 22.9% and well below the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (10.4%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 10.4%, which is much 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
| 2020 Population: | 4,125Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 4,433Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 56.3 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $68,463Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 1,901Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $369,000Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.16Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.30Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 2,361 | 2,589 | 2,597 | 2,674 | 2,506 | 2,580 | 3,145 | 3,322 | 3,622 | 3,926 | 4,785 | 4,220 | 4,224 | 4,433 |
| Decennial Census | 2,646 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 4,125 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 53.4
Male Median Age: 53.2
Female Median Age: 53.5
| 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 | 90 | 110 | 99 | 91 | 70 | 78 | 104 | 146 | 112 | 105 | 145 | 176 | 210 | 269 | 211 | 86 | 43 | 37 |
| Female | 63 | 62 | 85 | 70 | 73 | 77 | 111 | 125 | 113 | 119 | 120 | 154 | 179 | 220 | 184 | 92 | 59 | 37 |
| Total | 153 | 172 | 184 | 161 | 143 | 155 | 215 | 271 | 225 | 224 | 265 | 330 | 389 | 489 | 395 | 178 | 102 | 74 |
| White: | 2,124 | 62.03% |
| Black: | 32 | 0.93% |
| Hispanic:* | 429 | 12.53% |
| Asian: | 314 | 9.17% |
| American Indian: | 46 | 1.34% |
| Hawaiian: | 424 | 12.38% |
| Other: | 55 | 1.61% |
| Total: | 3,424 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 2,182 | 52.90% | 53.2 years |
| Females: | 1,943 | 47.10% | 53.5 years |
| Total: | 4,125 | 100% | 53.4 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 4,133 | 93.23% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 179 | 4.04% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 63 | 1.42% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 58 | 2.73% |
| Total Population: | 4,433 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 4,312 | 97.27% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 121 | 2.73% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $68,463, which is well under the national median ($80,734), is up $23,762 (53.2%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $12,732. Family households earn a median of $98,542 versus $39,761 for nonfamily households (a difference of $58,781). By gender, male median income is $70,988 and female is $54,310, which is a bit under the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $16,678 that has widened from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 48.5%, which is considerably lower than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 3.3%, which is markedly below the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (63.3%).
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 | $44,701 | $50,153 | $43,938 | $38,015 | $50,148 | $34,107 | $30,172 | $39,784 | $55,731 | $58,000 | $65,191 | $68,555 | $64,213 | $68,463 |
| Median Family Income | $49,329 | $51,279 | $50,601 | $50,436 | $50,986 | $43,413 | $54,250 | $62,449 | $62,757 | $68,864 | $84,435 | $79,427 | $80,909 | $98,542 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $36,314 | $38,793 | $20,861 | $17,407 | $0 | $18,058 | $17,389 | $20,459 | $0 | $47,632 | $34,673 | $50,500 | $42,235 | $39,761 |
| Median Male Income | $45,412 | $45,137 | $39,107 | $47,648 | $0 | $41,202 | $54,458 | $54,386 | $53,750 | $44,207 | $60,718 | $49,695 | $66,250 | $70,988 |
| Median Female Income | $38,821 | $38,977 | $31,327 | $31,050 | $0 | $41,250 | $40,540 | $41,693 | $39,144 | $37,264 | $40,547 | $45,214 | $44,306 | $54,310 |
| Employed: | 1,848 | 46.83% |
| Unemployed: | 64 | 1.62% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 2,034 | 51.55% |
| Total: | 3,946 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 1,170 | 63.31% |
| Service: | 356 | 19.26% |
| Sales and Office: | 177 | 9.58% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 50 | 2.71% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 95 | 5.14% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 1,848 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $369,000, which is well above the national median ($332,700), is up $112,200 (43.69%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $142,800. The median gross rent is $1,217, which is far less than the national median ($1,413), is up $162 (15.36%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $30. Of occupied housing, owners make up 83.47% (44.51% with a mortgage, 55.49% free-and-clear) and renters 16.53% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 17.84%, which is considerably 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 | $256,800 | $253,100 | $230,500 | $229,900 | $221,100 | $195,900 | $188,800 | $206,000 | $226,200 | $243,900 | $271,200 | $299,700 | $330,500 | $369,000 |
| Less than $500: | 18 | 5.17% |
| $500 to $999: | 10 | 2.87% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 162 | 46.55% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 76 | 21.84% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 6 | 1.72% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 46 | 13.22% |
| $3,000 or more: | 0 | 0.00% |
| No Rent: | 30 | 8.62% |
| Total: | 348 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $1,055 | $1,084 | $1,083 | $1,080 | $1,083 | $1,022 | $1,002 | $1,018 | $1,247 | $1,256 | $1,272 | $1,163 | $1,292 | $1,217 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 782 | 37.15% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 975 | 46.32% |
| Renter Occupied: | 348 | 16.53% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 2,105 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 2,105 | 82.16% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 457 | 17.84% |
| Total Housing Units: | 2,562 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 2,491 | 97.23% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 7 | 0.27% |
| Other Units: | 64 | 2.50% |
| Total Housing Units: | 2,562 | 100% |
In 2024, 41.50% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is comparable to the national rate (35.70%). High school or higher is 95.40%, which is far higher than the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 6.10%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.40%). Public coverage is 48.90%, which is well above the national rate (36.70%). The share of people in poverty is 10.10%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.80%), down 13.70 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 4.20 percentage points. This points to a pronounced improvement in local conditions - rising incomes, firmer consumer demand, and a stronger tax base. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is college (49.63%). College enrollment is 49.63%, 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: | 95 | 2.52% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 79 | 2.10% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 928 | 24.63% |
| Some college, no degree: | 770 | 20.44% |
| Associate's degree: | 333 | 8.84% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 943 | 25.03% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 620 | 16.45% |
| Total: | 3,768 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 3,594 | 95.38% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 1,563 | 41.48% |
| Private Insurance: | 3,099 | 55.98% |
| Public Insurance: | 2,166 | 39.13% |
| No Insurance: | 271 | 4.90% |
| Total: | 5,536 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 5,265 | 95.10% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 21.2% | 11.4% | 11.2% | 12.9% | 9.9% | 4.9% | 4.5% | 4.1% | 3.3% | 2.6% | 3.7% | 6.2% | 7.5% | 10.1% |
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: | 32 | 4.70% |
| Kindergarten: | 40 | 5.87% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 190 | 27.90% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 81 | 11.89% |
| College or graduate school: | 338 | 49.63% |
| Total: | 681 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 72 | 10.57% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 311 | 45.67% |
ZIP Code 96785 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 26 business establishments, employing about 201 people with an annual payroll of $6,715,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 1,323Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 26Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $1,602,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $6,715,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 201Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 96785 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 2.23% of whom live in ZIP Code 96785. It covers 73.208 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: | 73.208 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: | 1572350Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Volcano CDP; HawaiiSource: Census |
ZIP Code 96785 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.