The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 96781 sells for about $545,000, or $412 per square foot.
Prices are down 2.4% from a year ago, which gives buyers more room to negotiate. Homes take about 88 days to sell, which is slow. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $2,150 a month.
ZIP 96781 — Papaikou
The market in 96781 is currently experiencing a period of price stabilization following years of rapid growth. High insurance costs and limited inventory are the primary drivers of current market conditions, leading to a slower pace of sales. Figures for specific metrics like active inventory and price cuts are based on current regional MLS data.
This ZIP is best suited for nature-oriented residents, retirees, and those seeking a rural lifestyle, as it requires significant commute times for traditional urban employment.
Median prices moved down 2.4% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 88 days on market with 7.0 months of supply — a slower-moving market.
19% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 97.2% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 4.5% · poverty 12.4% — 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 7.5%/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 4.3%/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 96781, Hawaii County, HI
Crime rates in this rural Hawaii County area remain low compared to national averages, with property crime being the primary concern.
Schools serving this area are part of the Hawaii Department of Education, generally characterized by small class sizes and community-focused learning environments.
The area faces significant exposure to volcanic activity, seismic events, and high-wind risks, which heavily influence property insurance availability and premiums.
Economic momentum is driven by tourism, agriculture, and local services, with limited large-scale industrial development.
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.
Commutes are primarily car-dependent, with long drive times to major employment hubs in Hilo or Kona.
The area offers extensive access to outdoor recreation, including hiking trails, volcanic parks, and proximity to coastal scenic areas.
The rental market is tight with limited inventory, often influenced by the demand for long-term housing versus short-term vacation rentals.
The economy is anchored by tourism, agriculture, and public sector employment, with a strong emphasis on local small businesses.
Public transit is extremely limited; personal vehicle ownership is essential for all regional travel.
Development is strictly regulated by county land-use policies to preserve rural character and manage environmental risks.
The Hawaii County Real Property Tax Division conducts annual assessments based on market value.
Parcels are subject to Hawaii County property taxes and state-level school funding structures.
Property insurance is difficult to obtain and expensive due to high volcanic and seismic hazard ratings.
Net domestic migration to Hawaii remains sensitive to cost-of-living pressures and housing availability.
Hawaii is a non-judicial foreclosure state, requiring specific notice periods and mediation processes.
Sellers are required to provide a comprehensive disclosure statement regarding property condition and known defects.
Data retrieved from data.census.gov ZCTA-level tables.
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 Hilo54.8 mi
- Countryside Cafe (Kea'au Location)4.512.5 mi
- WSW Steakhouse Restaurant | Whiskey Steak Wine3.95.3 mi
- Palace Theater4.74.9 mi
- Lam's Garden4.35 mi
- ʻAkaka Falls State Park4.65.1 mi
- Hawai‘i Tropical Botanical Garden4.81.8 mi
- Kaūmana Caves4.77.2 mi
- Richardson Ocean Park4.77.5 mi
- Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens4.69.6 mi
- Imiloa Astronomy Center4.56.4 mi
- Pacific Tsunami Museum4.44.8 mi
- Lyman Museum4.84.9 mi
- Mokupāpapa Discovery Center4.74.7 mi
- Wailoa Art Center4.75.5 mi
- ʻAkaka Falls State Park4.65.1 mi
- Hawai‘i Tropical Botanical Garden4.81.8 mi
- Carlsmith Beach Park4.76.8 mi
- Kaūmana Caves4.77.2 mi
- Richardson Ocean Park4.77.5 mi
- Hilo Municipal Golf Course4.28.2 mi
- Hilo Farmer's Market4.45 mi
- Safeway4.37.1 mi
- KTA Super Stores - Puainako4.47.3 mi
- Suisan Fish Market4.65.4 mi
- Island Naturals Market & Deli4.46 mi
- Hilo International Airport4.46.8 mi
- Blue Hawaiian Helicopters4.86.9 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.
Expansive area for hiking and native forest conservation.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.