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ZIP Code · HI

ZIP 96720

Part of Hilo, HI
Pop. 52,979·Hawaii County·28th most expensive ZIP in Hawaii
Median rent (all units)
$2,034/mo
Year-over-Year
Stable
Month-over-Month
-3.4%
vs US Median
+$69
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 96720 · $2,034
More expensive than 62% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,460
1 BR
$1,470
2 BR
$1,900
3 BR
$2,440
4 BR+
$2,770
Research median
$1,900/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$24,408/yr
At $2,034/mo median
Location
CityHilo
StateHI
CountyHawaii County
Rent Market Meter
Strong Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are down 0.0% year-over-year. Push hard on price, concessions, and lease terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+0.0% YoY, -3.4% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 96720 (Hilo, HI) is majority owner-occupied, has a large retiree population, 34.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
52,979
Median income
$80,938
Median age
42.8
Renters
33.5%
Age distribution
20.1%
20.6%
23.6%
13.1%
22.6%
Under 1820.1%
18–3420.6%
35–5423.6%
55–6413.1%
65+22.6%
Gender
48.1%
51.9%
Male48.1%
Female51.9%
Race & ethnicity
16%
34.2%
38.2%
White16%
Black0.8%
Hispanic10.8%
Asian34.2%
Other38.2%
Education (25+)
28.5%
31.4%
34.3%
No HS diploma5.8%
HS diploma28.5%
Some college31.4%
Bachelor's+34.3%
Housing tenure
66.5%
33.5%
Owner66.5%
Renter33.5%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 96720 in Hilo, HI has changed in 5 years

Income
$69,984 → $80,938
up 15.7%
Population
49,886 → 52,979
up 6.2%
Renter share
35% → 33.5%
-1.5 pts
Bachelor's+
33.5% → 34.3%
+0.8 pts
Median age
40.1 → 42.8
+2.7 yrs

Census figures show median household income at $80,938 today, compared with $69,984 five years earlier. Headcount in the area went from 49,886 to 52,979 between 2021 and 2024, a 6.2% change. About 33.5% of households rent today, against 35% in 2021.

Community

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Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 96720

About renting in ZIP 96720

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 96720 covers Hilo, HI. The median rent here is $2,034/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $1,470/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $1,900/mo.

At 30% of local median household income ($80,938/yr), ZIP 96720 ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rent prices have stayed steady over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 96720?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 96720 (Hilo, HI) is $2,034. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 96720 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 96720's median rent of $2,034/mo is $69 (4%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 96720 compare to other ZIPs in Hawaii?

ZIP 96720 is among the more affordable ZIP codes in Hawaii, ranking #28 out of 29 ZIPs at $2,034/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 96720?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $81,000/year (~$39/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,034/mo in ZIP 96720. The local median household income is $80,938/yr, meaning the typical household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 96720?

Rent in ZIP 96720 has been relatively stable over the past year, with a 0.0% change year over year as of July 20, 2026.

Is ZIP 96720 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 96720 is considered moderate for renters. At $2,034/mo, rent takes approximately 30% of the local median household income ($80,938/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 96720 slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

What percentage of ZIP 96720 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 33.5% of ZIP 96720 households are renters, while 66.5% are owner-occupied. ZIP 96720 leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does ZIP 96720 compare to the rest of Hilo?

ZIP 96720 is more affordable than Hilo overall. At $2,034/mo, it's $61 below the Hilo citywide median of $2,095/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 96720 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 96720 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
30%
MODERATE

At $2,034/mo, rent takes ~30% of ZIP 96720's median household income ($80,938/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 96720 30%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1.4–11%
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