
High scores in the commute category could indicate that this area offers short commute times to work and readily available public transportation options.
This area is characterized by a crime rate, per 100,000 individuals, that falls well below the national average, indicating its potential as a very safe place to live.
This area scores extremely well in the employment category. This is primarily due to the combination of low unemployment rates, higher median home income and income per capita.
It appears that many amenities may not be conveniently situated within walking distance, potentially necessitating the use of a vehicle or public transit.
Residents of this area contend with a high cost of living, resulting in increased expenditures for everyday goods and services, housing, utilities and health care.
Located in the state of Hawaii, Lihue is a small-sized city with a population of 9,314 inhabitants. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Lihue is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 14 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Living in Lihue can be a fulfilling experience for anyone relocating to the city. Having said that, in the state of Hawaii, there are many amazing places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like crime, cost of living, health & safety, employment, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Lihue and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Lihue to Hawaii and the national average.
The livability score in Lihue is 64 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 56th percentile of all cities across America. Based on the scores for each individual category, Lihue has received high marks for crime (B-) and employment (A+). On a more negative note, Lihue does not have favorable ranks for the following: amenities (F) and cost of living (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
The unemployment rate in Lihue has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 1.6%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.
Lihue real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Lihue. Median real estate prices in Lihue come in at $1,141,069, which is 18.6% higher than the Hawaii average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Lihue, the home price to income ratio is 9.5, which is 8% higher than the Hawaii average.

Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Lihue | Hawaii | National |
| Average one way commute | 14min | 27min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 74.7% | 66.6% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 12.9% | 14.1% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.1% | 6.7% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.5% | 1.0% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.6% | 4.4% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 8.2% | 4.6% | 4.6% |