The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 96776 sells for about $725,000, or $485 per square foot.
Prices are up +3.2% from a year ago, so sellers still have some momentum. Homes take about 92 days to sell, which is slow. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $2,400 a month.
ZIP 96776 — Paauilo
The housing market in 96776 remains stable with low inventory and steady, modest price appreciation. Market activity is limited by the rural nature of the area, resulting in longer days on market compared to urban centers. Demand is primarily driven by local residents and those seeking a rural lifestyle, with few new developments impacting the current supply.
This ZIP is best suited for those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle, including local agricultural workers and families who prioritize community and natural surroundings over proximity to urban employment centers.
Median prices moved up 3.2% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 92 days on market with 7.0 months of supply — a slower-moving market.
12% 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 4.1% · poverty 9.8% — 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 7.3%/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 7.3%/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 96776, Hawaii County, HI
Crime rates in the Paauilo area are generally low and consistent with rural Hawaii County trends, though specific localized data is limited.
Public schools serving the area are part of the Hawaii Department of Education, with local facilities often characterized by small class sizes and community-focused environments.
The area faces risks typical of the Hamakua Coast, including high wind exposure during tropical storms and potential for localized flooding; insurance premiums reflect these environmental factors.
Economic momentum is driven by small-scale agriculture and local services, with limited large-scale commercial development or major infrastructure projects currently underway.
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 Paauilo typically involves travel along the Hawaii Belt Road (Highway 19) toward Hilo or Waimea, with limited public transit options available.
The area offers access to rural hiking trails, scenic coastal views, and proximity to the Hamakua Coast's natural beauty, though major shopping and entertainment hubs are located in larger towns like Honokaa or Hilo.
The rental market is characterized by low inventory and high demand for long-term housing, with limited short-term rental supply due to local zoning and community preferences.
The local economy is anchored by agricultural operations, small businesses, and service-sector jobs supporting the rural community.
Transportation is heavily reliant on private vehicles using Highway 19, which serves as the primary artery for the region.
There are no major large-scale commercial or residential developments currently approved or under construction in this ZIP code.
The Hawaii County Real Property Tax Division assesses properties annually based on market value, with tax rates determined by property classification.
Parcels are subject to Hawaii County property taxes and fall under the jurisdiction of the Hawaii Department of Education for school services.
Property insurance premiums are influenced by the area's exposure to wind and storm hazards, with many residents utilizing state-backed programs for coverage.
Data retrieved from data.census.gov ZCTA 96776 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.
- Laupāhoehoe Beach Park4.88.3 mi
- Kalōpā State Recreation Area4.75.1 mi
- Hāmākua Harvest Farmers Market4.77.1 mi
- Honoka'a People's Theatre4.78.4 mi
- Hāmākua Forest Reserve4.51 mi
- Laupāhoehoe Beach Park4.88.3 mi
- Laupāhoehoe Point4.98.3 mi
- Kalōpā State Recreation Area4.75.1 mi
- Hāmākua Forest Reserve4.51 mi
- Hawaiian Vanilla Co.4.83.3 mi
- Hilo International Airport4.428.8 mi
- Blue Hawaiian Helicopters4.828.9 mi
Theme parks, venues, golf, airports, museums, water and shopping across the area from Google Maps, ranked by popularity within the radius shown.
Scenic coastline offering hiking and nature viewing opportunities.
Local community space for recreation and gatherings.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.