Census Information
The U.S. Census Bureau surveys our communities every ten years. Here is some information from recent surveys.
Resident Population Growth
If you feels like population growth is happening rapidly around here, you are correct. Using 1980 as a base year, the South Kohala District is the fastest growing region in the County. By the year 2000, our resident population had increased by 185 percent since 1980.
Diversity
Hawaii County has been designated by the U.S. Census Bureau as the most ethnically-diverse county in the U.S. (according to the 2005 edition of The Source published by the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce). In Waimea, 40 percent of respondents reported that they were at least part Hawaiian (or other Pacific islander), 43 reported they were at least part Asian and 55 percent reported that they were at least part white in the year 2000 census. How can we reach out to all segments of our community?
Our Children
In 2000, a relatively large proportion (one in four) of Waimea's residents were under age 14. About 44 percent (two in five) of our households contained a minor child. Kids are widely distributed in our community. How can we make it easier and safer for them to get to our schools and parks?
Our Elders
In 2000, about 10 percent of our residents were 65 or older. About 22 percent (one in five) of the households in Waimea contained a person age 65 or older. So, our elders are widely distributed, too. About 34 percent (one in three) of Waimea's residents 65 or older reported that they had a disability.
The Census Bureau defines the term "disability" as follows: "A long-lasting physical, mental, or emotional condition. This condition can make it difficult for a person to do activities such as walking, climbing stairs, dressing, bathing, learning, or remembering. This condition can also impede a person from being able to go outside the home alone or to work at a job or business."
Some communities in our region have lower prevalence of disability than others. Why is that? How can we help our older residents maintain their health and independence? How can we design a community that accommodates the unavoidable increase in the prevalence of disability with age?
Our Housing
Median household incomes (half are lower and half are higher) are fairly constant in our region, with higher incomes being reported in the Puako area. Using widely-available affordable home price and rental calculators (assuming a 6 percent interest rate), home prices and rents that are considered affordable by a household with the median household income are presented. Obviously, more affordable multiple family housing is going to be needed in our communities.
Our Future
The State and County have developed projections the describe the demographics of our people in the future.
Our Population is Aging
By the year 2030, about 19 percent of County residents will be age 65 or older and about 20 percent will be age 14 and younger. So, two in five of us will be very young or elderly. This trend of an aging population will continue until at least 2050. What can we do to make our town easier to drive, walk and bike around in?
Our Own Age Wave
As the Baby Boomers age, a much higher proportion of our residents (and visitors) will be older. The percentage of our residents that are age 70-79 will increase by about 55 percent. How can we make it easier for them to get around?
Life Expectancy at Birth
We are fortunate in Hawaii to have longer life expectancies than our Mainland visitors. This chart makes it clear, however, that the age wave is not being caused solely by the Baby Boomers. Our kids will be living longer, adding to the impetus that we create a walkable/bikable/ridable community. Remember that half of our residents and visitors are expected to live longer than the numbers presented.
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