2026 Scientific Ranking: Best Places to Live in Hawaii
Methodology Brief
Ocity.org’s definitive 2026 ranking of Hawaiian municipalities is the result of a rigorous, data-driven analysis of nine census-designated places (CDPs) and urban districts. Our proprietary algorithm weighted three core metrics: Safety (40%), defined by the violent crime rate per 100,000 residents; Affordability (30%), based on the median monthly rent for a one-bedroom unit; and Economic Output (30%), measured by median household income. This weighted model isolates locations that offer the highest statistical yield for residents seeking a safety-optimized environment, manageable costs, and robust earning potential.
Top 3 Winners Deep Dive
Rank #1: East Honolulu CDP
East Honolulu secures the top position through a statistically superior performance in economic output, a critical factor in our weighted algorithm. The district’s median household income of $158,398 is the highest in the dataset, providing residents with significantly greater purchasing power to offset living costs. While its safety and affordability metrics (violent crime rate of 234/100k and a one-bedroom rent of $2,038) are consistent with the top tier, its economic advantage is decisive. For high-income professionals, East Honolulu represents the most financially optimized environment, offering the highest return on domicile within the analyzed Hawaiian municipalities.
Rank #2: Ewa Gentry CDP
Ewa Gentry achieves the second-highest rank by mirroring the safety and affordability profiles of the top cohort while maintaining a high-yield economic standing. With a median income of $131,755, it trails only East Honolulu in financial metrics, offering a robust economic foundation for its population of 26,738. The district’s violent crime rate of 234/100k and rent of $2,038 are identical to the top performer, indicating a consistent safety-optimized and cost-stable environment. Ewa Gentry’s position is a direct result of its strong economic performance relative to its peers, making it a high-value alternative to the #1 ranked area.
Rank #3: Kaneohe CDP
Kaneohe rounds out the top three, distinguishing itself through a balanced profile that excels in economic output. Its median income of $124,632 is the third-highest in the dataset, providing substantial financial latitude for its 35,945 residents. Like the top two, Kaneohe benefits from a violent crime rate of 234/100k and a stable rent of $2,038. The data indicates that Kaneohe offers a statistically significant combination of safety, affordability, and economic vitality, positioning it as a premier choice for those prioritizing a balanced, high-yield living arrangement.
The 'Hidden Gem'
The dataset reveals a clear 'hidden gem' in Kahului CDP. While not ranking in the top three due to a lower median income ($92,062), Kahului presents the most favorable cost-to-income ratio. Its one-bedroom rent of $1,966 is the second-lowest in the dataset, providing exceptional value. For residents whose income falls within its range, Kahului offers a safety-optimized environment (crime rate of 234/100k) at a cost that maximizes disposable income, representing the highest relative affordability yield among the analyzed locations.
Full Rankings Table
| Rank | City | Population | Median Income | Violent Crime Rate (per 100k) | 1BR Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | East Honolulu CDP | 50,961 | $158,398 | 234 | $2,038 |
| 2 | Ewa Gentry CDP | 26,738 | $131,755 | 234 | $2,038 |
| 3 | Kaneohe CDP | 35,945 | $124,632 | 234 | $2,038 |
| 4 | Mililani Town CDP | 27,495 | $124,123 | 234 | $2,038 |
| 5 | Pearl City CDP | 45,079 | $114,682 | 234 | $2,038 |
| 6 | Waipahu CDP | 39,871 | $98,633 | 234 | $2,038 |
| 7 | Kahului CDP | 27,068 | $92,062 | 234 | $1,966 |
| 8 | Urban Honolulu | 341,753 | $84,907 | 234 | $1,720 |
| 9 | Hilo CDP | 48,223 | $78,713 | 234 | $3,570 |