Location: Hawaii County, HI | Metro: Hawaii County, HI
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $2,040 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,060 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,650 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,340 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,710 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $4,304 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,820 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $5,206 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $5,466 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 96726 stands as a market in motion, with its Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $2,550 for the fiscal year 2026. This figure, established by HUD, reflects the rental market's current state but lacks additional metrics such as average market rent or days on market (DOM), which would provide a fuller picture of the rental landscape.
The absence of data regarding the percentage of price-cut share and median home value indicates that there may be limited activity in the sales market, focusing attention on the rental segment. However, the most striking aspect of the data is the 0.0% renter share. This statistic suggests that the area is predominantly composed of homeowners rather than renters, pointing to a stable, possibly affluent community where long-term housing pressures are minimal.
In a market where the renter share is virtually non-existent, it implies that demand for rentals might be low, potentially indicating that supply could easily meet any existing demand. Landlords and small-portfolio investors must consider the implications of this dynamic: while the lack of competition among renters can stabilize rents, it also means that finding tenants might be more challenging due to the limited pool of potential renters.
The snapshot provided does not allow for a definitive conclusion on whether supply outpaces demand or vice versa, but the low renter share suggests a market where homeownership is the norm, reducing the overall demand for rental properties. This characteristic of the ZIP code could mean that rental properties serve niche markets or specific needs, such as short-term stays or seasonal accommodations.
Understanding these dynamics is crucial for investors looking to enter the ZIP 96726 market. They should focus on identifying specific niches or areas where rental demand could be higher, such as near educational institutions, tourist attractions, or temporary employment hubs. Additionally, aligning rental offerings with the local economic conditions and ensuring properties are well-maintained and competitively priced will be key strategies for success in this market.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Demographics from U.S. Census (2024).
About FMR: Fair Market Rent (FMR) is used to determine payment standards for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, initial renewal rents for some expiring project-based Section 8 contracts, and rent ceilings for HOME Investment Partnerships.