The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 96772 sells for about $350,000, or $285 per square foot.
Prices are up +2.4% from a year ago, so sellers still have some momentum. Homes take about 112 days to sell, which is slow. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $1,850 a month.
ZIP 96772 — Naalehu
The housing market in 96772 remains stable with low sales volume and limited inventory, typical for this rural region. Prices have seen modest year-over-year growth, driven by limited supply rather than high demand. Most metrics are based on local market observations as specific ZIP-level data for some categories is not published.
This ZIP is best suited for those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle, including retirees and individuals who can work remotely. It is less ideal for traditional commuters due to the extreme distance from major employment centers.
Median prices moved up 2.4% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 112 days on market with 12.0 months of supply — a slower-moving market.
18% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 96.5% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 6.2% · poverty 18.9% — a mixed stability 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 5.8%/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 6.4%/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 96772, Hawaii County, HI
Crime rates in the Naalehu area are generally lower than the Hawaii County average, though property crime remains the primary concern for residents. The area is rural and isolated, which influences local safety dynamics.
Schools serving the area are part of the Hawaii Department of Education, with local facilities often facing challenges related to the rural, dispersed nature of the population. Performance metrics are generally consistent with other rural Hawaii County schools.
The area is subject to significant volcanic hazard risks due to its proximity to active volcanic zones on the Big Island. Residents must also contend with high insurance premiums related to wind, fire, and seismic activity.
Economic momentum is limited, with the area primarily driven by agriculture and small-scale tourism. There is minimal large-scale infrastructure development or corporate expansion currently reported for this ZIP.
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 Naalehu to major employment hubs like Kailua-Kona or Hilo involves long drives on Highway 11, often exceeding 60-90 minutes each way. Public transit options are extremely limited, making personal vehicle ownership essential.
The area offers access to unique natural amenities, including proximity to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and various coastal trails. Local shopping and dining options are sparse, centered primarily on small, community-focused businesses.
The rental market is characterized by low inventory and high demand from local workers and those seeking rural lifestyles. Short-term rental activity is present but regulated by county ordinances.
The local economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, specifically macadamia nut and coffee production, alongside tourism-related services. There are no major corporate headquarters or large industrial employers within the ZIP.
Transportation is almost entirely dependent on Highway 11, which serves as the primary artery connecting the southern part of the island to Hilo and Kona. Public transit is minimal and not a viable option for most daily commuters.
There are no major approved or under-construction commercial developments reported for this rural ZIP code.
The Hawaii County Real Property Tax Division assesses all real property annually based on market value, with tax rates set by the County Council.
Parcels are subject to Hawaii County property taxes and state-level school funding; there are no significant MUD or PID districts common in mainland US markets.
Property insurance is difficult to obtain and expensive due to high volcanic and seismic hazard ratings, with many properties requiring specialized coverage.
Data retrieved from data.census.gov ZCTA 96772 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.
- Punalu'u Black Sand Beach4.77.4 mi
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Kahuku Unit4.86.3 mi
- Kula Kai Cavern4.712.7 mi
- Whittington Beach Park4.55.7 mi
- Punalu'u Black Sand Beach4.77.4 mi
- South Point Park4.612.1 mi
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Kahuku Unit4.86.3 mi
- Whittington Beach Park4.55.7 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.
Famous for its black sand and frequent sea turtle sightings.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.