The Urban Honolulu metro is home to 1,003,666 people (up 1.6% over five years), with a median household income of $104,264. Typical rent of $3,015/month works out to 34.7% of the median household income — above the 30% affordability threshold, a strain signal (Census ACS + Zillow, September 2026).
The share of Urban Honolulu's workforce by sector — the base of tenant demand:
| Sector | % of workforce |
|---|---|
| Education & health care | 23.4% |
| Arts, food & hospitality | 13.1% |
| Professional & management | 10.8% |
| Retail trade | 10.6% |
| Public administration | 9.6% |
Education & health care is the metro's largest employment base — sectors like education and health care are recession-resilient anchors for rental demand.
Rents at 34.7% of median income leave little headroom — expect tenant price sensitivity. Market pricing, yields and the Star Score live on the Urban Honolulu market page; run a deal in the calculator.
At the 30%-of-income affordability rule, typical rent of $3,015/month suggests a household income around $121,000/year. The metro's median household income is $104,264.
By workforce share: Education & health care (23.4%), Arts, food & hospitality (13.1%), Professional & management (10.8%) (Census ACS 5-year).