Top 10 Worst Places and Dangerous Cities to Live in Hawaii. Hawaii may be known for its stunning landscapes and laid-back island life, but it’s not without its challenges. While many towns boast high living standards, some cities struggle with poverty, unemployment, and crime. These places face significant socio-economic difficulties that can impact quality of life for residents. In this article, we highlight some of the most challenging places to live in Hawaii, focusing on factors like poverty rates, unemployment, and crime levels compared to national averages. Top 10 Worst Places to Live In Hawaii . Top 10 Worst Cities In Hawaii to Live, Raise a Family, Job or Retire. Top 10 Worst Towns in Hawaii. Top 10 Worst Villages in Hawaii. If you’re thinking about a move to Hawaii, here are the places you should avoid to live, retire or raise a family. 10 Most Dangerous Cities In Hawaii You Should Never Move To. Top 10 Worst Cities To Live In Hawaii. 10 Places in Hawaii You Should NEVER Move To.

1. HAWAIIAN OCEAN VIEW

Hawaiian Ocean View is a city located in Hawaii, known for its rural setting and proximity to the stunning natural beauty of the islands. With a population of 5,011 residents, it faces significant economic challenges, ranking 1st in Unemployment, 1st in Poverty, and 2nd in Median Income within the state.

The poverty rate in Hawaiian Ocean View is a staggering 55.2%, which is 294.29% higher than the national average. Financial hardship is prevalent, with 1 in every 2 residents living below the poverty line, significantly above the national poverty rate of 14.1%. The typical household earns just $15,654 annually, which is 76.81% lower than the national average. Additionally, more than 1 in every 3 households survives on an income of less than $10,000 a year.

The unemployment rate stands at 22.7%, 382.98% higher than the national rate. This high joblessness contributes to the city’s widespread poverty.

Population: 5,011
Unemployment Rate: 22.7%
Poverty: 55.2%
Median Home Value: $135,000
Median Home Income: $15,654
Overall Score: 4/10

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2. MOUNTAIN VIEW

Mountain View, a small town in Hawaii with a population of 3,381, is characterized by its lush landscapes and community-oriented lifestyle. The city ranks 6th in Median Income and 2nd in Poverty, highlighting the financial challenges its residents face.

The poverty rate in Mountain View is 37%, which is 164.29% higher than the national average. Financial strain is evident as 1 in every 3 residents lives below the poverty line. The typical household income is $42,688, which is 36.76% lower than the national average. Additionally, over 1 in every 8 households earns less than $10,000 annually.

With an unemployment rate of 4%, Mountain View presents a relatively stable job market compared to other areas, although economic disparities persist.

Population: 3,381
Unemployment Rate: 4%
Poverty: 37%
Median Home Value: $197,200
Median Home Income: $42,688
Overall Score: 5/10

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3. MAKAHA

Makaha is a vibrant community with a population of 10,087, known for its beautiful beaches and rich cultural heritage. The city ranks 5th in Unemployment, 3rd in Poverty, and 11th in Median Income, reflecting its economic struggles.

The poverty rate in Makaha is 34.5%, 146.43% higher than the national average. A considerable portion of the population, approximately 1 in every 3 residents, lives below the poverty line. The typical household income is $51,278, which is 24.03% lower than the national average. Furthermore, more than 1 in every 8 households earns less than $10,000 a year.

Makaha's unemployment rate is 10.2%, which is 117.02% higher than the national rate, contributing to the economic challenges faced by residents.

Population: 10,087
Unemployment Rate: 10.2%
Poverty: 34.5%
Median Home Value: $362,500
Median Home Income: $51,278
Overall Score: 5/10

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4. AINALOA

Ainaloa is a peaceful city in Hawaii with a population of 3,279. It ranks 11th in Unemployment, 4th in Median Income, and 4th in Poverty, indicating moderate economic challenges.

The poverty rate in Ainaloa stands at 28.9%, 106.43% higher than the national average. Financial hardship is common, with 1 in every 3 residents living below the poverty line. The typical household income is $40,000, which is 40.74% lower than the national average. Additionally, over 1 in every 6 households earns less than $10,000 annually.

The unemployment rate in Ainaloa is 8.3%, which is 76.6% higher than the national rate, contributing to the city’s financial difficulties.

Population: 3,279
Unemployment Rate: 8.3%
Poverty: 28.9%
Median Home Value: $167,500
Median Home Income: $40,000
Overall Score: 5/10

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5. HAWAIIAN ACRES

Hawaiian Acres is a city in Hawaii with a population of 2,976, known for its rural charm and lush surroundings. It ranks 1st in Median Income and 5th in Poverty, illustrating the economic disparities present in the area.

The poverty rate in Hawaiian Acres is 26.9%, 92.14% higher than the national average. Financial hardship is common, with 1 in every 4 residents living below the poverty line. 

The unemployment rate in Hawaiian Acres is 7.9%, 68.09% higher than the national rate, adding to the economic strain on the community.

Population: 2,976
Unemployment Rate: 7.9%
Poverty: 26.9%
Median Home Value: $214,200
Overall Score: 5/10

 

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6. ORCHIDLANDS ESTATES

Orchidlands Estates is a city in Hawaii with a population of 3,139 residents. It ranks 8th in Unemployment, 9th in Median Income, and 6th in Poverty within the state.

The poverty rate in Orchidlands Estates is 25.2%, which is 80% higher than the national average. Approximately 1 in every 4 residents lives below the poverty line, significantly above the national rate of 14.1%. The typical household income is $49,057, which is 27.32% lower than the national average. Furthermore, over 1 in every 8 households earns less than $10,000 annually, while nearly 52% of households earn less than $50,000 a year, compared to 39% nationwide.

The unemployment rate in Orchidlands Estates stands at 9.1%, which is 93.62% higher than the national rate.

Population: 3,139
Unemployment Rate: 9.1%
Poverty: 25.2%
Median Home Value: $259,300
Median Home Income: $49,057
Overall Score: 5/10

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7. WAIANAE

Waianae is a city in Hawaii with a population of 13,192 residents. It ranks 10th in Unemployment and 8th in Poverty within the state.

The poverty rate in Waianae is 21%, which is 50% higher than the national average. Financial hardship is prevalent, with 1 in every 5 residents living below the poverty line. The typical household income is $67,466, which is 0.05% lower than the national average. Additionally, over 1 in every 10 households earns less than $10,000 annually, while nearly 36% of households earn less than $50,000 a year, compared to 39% nationwide.

The unemployment rate in Waianae is 8.9%, which is 89.36% higher than the national rate. The high cost of living further exacerbates the economic challenges faced by residents.

Population: 13,192
Unemployment Rate: 8.9%
Poverty: 21%
Median Home Value: $389,700
Median Home Income: $67,466
Overall Score: 5/10

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8. HAWAIIAN BEACHES

Hawaiian Beaches is a city in Hawaii with a population of 5,320 residents. It ranks 2nd in Unemployment, 7th in Median Income, and 9th in Poverty in the state.

The poverty rate in Hawaiian Beaches is 18.8%, which is 34.29% higher than the national average. The typical household earns $42,882 annually, which is 36.47% lower than the national average. Financial difficulties are common, with an unemployment rate of 18.5%, which is 293.62% higher than the national rate.

Population: 5,320
Unemployment Rate: 18.5%
Poverty: 18.8%
Median Home Value: $181,900
Median Home Income: $42,882
Overall Score: 5/10

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9. KURTISTOWN

Kurtistown is a city in Hawaii with a population of 1,199 residents. It has a unique economic landscape with a typical household income of $65,417, which is 3.09% lower than the national average.

The unemployment rate in Kurtistown stands at 3.7%, indicating a relatively stable job market. The poverty rate is at 12%, suggesting that while some residents experience financial difficulties, a significant portion of the community manages to maintain a reasonable standard of living.

Population: 1,199
Unemployment Rate: 3.7%
Poverty: 12%
Median Home Value: $308,600
Median Home Income: $65,417
Overall Score: 5/10

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10. HONAUNAU NAPOOPOO

Honaunau Napoopoo is a city in Hawaii with a population of 2,300 residents. It ranks 7th in Unemployment and 10th in Median Income in the state.

The typical household in Honaunau Napoopoo earns $49,869 annually, which is 26.12% lower than the national average. The unemployment rate in this city is 9.2%, which is 95.74% higher than the national rate. The poverty rate is recorded at 10.7%, indicating that while some residents face economic challenges, the majority manage to remain above the poverty line.

Population: 2,300
Unemployment Rate: 9.2%
Poverty: 10.7%
Median Home Value: $446,900
Median Home Income: $49,869
Overall Score: 5/10