The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 96771 sells for about $450,000, or $325 per square foot.
Prices are up +2.4% from a year ago, so sellers still have some momentum. Homes take about 88 days to sell, which is slow. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $2,100 a month.
ZIP 96771 — Mountain View
The 96771 housing market remains stable, characterized by low inventory and steady demand for rural properties. While price growth has moderated, the market is supported by limited supply and the unique appeal of the Puna district. Note that specific figures for months of supply and sale-to-list ratios are based on current market observations as official ZIP-level reports are not published by major portals.
This ZIP code is best suited for those seeking a rural, off-grid, or nature-oriented lifestyle, including retirees and remote workers who prioritize proximity to volcanic landscapes over urban convenience. It is less suitable for traditional commuters or those requiring high-density suburban amenities.
Median prices moved up 2.4% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 88 days on market with 7.2 months of supply — a slower-moving market.
18% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 97.5% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 5.8% · poverty 14.2% — a stable, low-distress profile.
Researched annual trajectory for this ZIP, from published historical series
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 8.6%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
Median annual property tax paid on this ZIP's residential parcels
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 9.0%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
net influx — more people moved in than out
ZCTA 96771, Hawaii County, HI
Crime rates in the Pahoa area are generally consistent with rural Hawai'i County, with property crime being the primary concern. Regional comparisons indicate lower violent crime rates than major urban centers, though local law enforcement presence is limited by the vast geography.
Schools serving the 96771 ZIP code are part of the Hawai'i Department of Education, with performance ratings generally reflecting the challenges of a rural, geographically dispersed student population.
This area is subject to significant volcanic hazard risks due to its proximity to Kīlauea, as well as potential for tropical storm and heavy rainfall flooding. Property insurance availability and premiums are heavily influenced by these specific geological and environmental risk factors.
Economic momentum is driven by local agriculture, tourism, and small-scale service industries, with limited large-scale industrial development. Infrastructure expansion is primarily focused on road maintenance and utility resilience in a challenging volcanic landscape.
Composed from the ARED governance burden registry — tier-native tax structure (state + county + city + special districts), never averaged. State (Hawaii) — Real Property Tax: Tax is calculated by applying county-specific tax rates to the assessed value of the property. The formula is (Assessed Value - Exemptions) * Tax Rate. Exemptions include homestead exemptions for owner-occupants, which vary by county.
Commuting from 96771 typically involves long drive times to Hilo, the primary employment and commercial hub of the island, via Highway 130 and Highway 11.
The area offers unique access to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, coastal trails, and black sand beaches. Local amenities are concentrated in Pahoa Village, featuring small-scale shopping, dining, and community markets.
The rental market is characterized by limited inventory and high demand, with a notable presence of short-term vacation rentals. Vacancy pressure remains low due to the scarcity of modern housing stock.
The local economy is anchored by agriculture, including macadamia nuts and papaya, alongside a significant tourism sector focused on eco-travel and volcanic sightseeing. Employment is largely decentralized, with many residents working in Hilo or operating small home-based businesses.
Public transit is limited to the Hele-On bus system, which provides infrequent service to Hilo. The area is heavily dependent on private vehicle ownership due to the lack of alternative transit infrastructure.
Development is strictly regulated by county zoning and the inherent risks of the volcanic zone, limiting large-scale residential or commercial projects.
The Hawai'i County Real Property Tax Division assesses properties annually based on market value, with specific classifications for agricultural and residential land use.
Parcels in this ZIP are subject to Hawai'i County property tax and may fall under specific agricultural or conservation zoning districts.
Property insurance is highly specialized due to lava zone designations; many standard carriers exclude volcanic damage, necessitating coverage through the Hawai'i Property Insurance Association (HPIA) for some residents.
Net domestic migration to Hawai'i has been characterized by a balance of retirees moving to the state and younger residents leaving due to the high cost of living.
Hawai'i is a non-judicial foreclosure state, allowing lenders to foreclose on properties without court intervention if the mortgage contract includes a power-of-sale clause.
Sellers are required to provide a comprehensive disclosure statement regarding the condition of the property, including any known material defects or environmental hazards.
Data retrieved from data.census.gov using ZCTA 96771 profile.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment.
- Escape Hilo514.5 mi
- Countryside Cafe (Kea'au Location)4.510.1 mi
- WSW Steakhouse Restaurant | Whiskey Steak Wine3.915.2 mi
- Palace Theater4.714.5 mi
- Lam's Garden4.314.4 mi
- Kīlauea Visitor Center4.69.3 mi
- Kaūmana Caves4.711.3 mi
- Devastation Trail4.610.3 mi
- Keanakako'i Overlook4.911.1 mi
- Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens4.610.4 mi
- Nāhuku Lava Tube4.69.3 mi
- Imiloa Astronomy Center4.512.9 mi
- Pacific Tsunami Museum4.414.6 mi
- Lyman Museum4.814.3 mi
- Mokupāpapa Discovery Center4.714.6 mi
- Nāhuku Lava Tube4.69.3 mi
- Kaūmana Caves4.711.3 mi
- Devastation Trail4.610.3 mi
- Keanakako'i Overlook4.911.1 mi
- Kīlauea Iki Trailhead-lava tube4.89.4 mi
- Volcano Golf Course4.410 mi
- Hilo Municipal Golf Course4.211.7 mi
- Maku'u Farmer's Market4.711.9 mi
- Ohana Ranch4.94.8 mi
- Keaau Shopping Center4.210 mi
- Hilo International Airport4.415.2 mi
- Blue Hawaiian Helicopters4.815 mi
Theme parks, venues, golf, airports, museums, water and shopping across the area from Google Maps, ranked by popularity within the radius shown.
World-renowned volcanic landscape and hiking destination.
Historic town center with local shops and restaurants.
Notable coastal attraction formed by volcanic activity.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.