Waikiki

Waikiki is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of Nov 2025, Waikiki's population is estimated at around 13,423, reflecting an increase of 970 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 7.8% increase from the previous population count of 12,453. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 13,430 residents following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and an additional 13 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,310 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Waikiki's growth rate of 7.8% positions it within 1.1 percentage points of the national average (8.9%). Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 62.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Future population trends suggest a median increase for statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch, with Waikiki expected to grow by 1,268 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 9.5% over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Waikiki when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Waikiki had approximately 19 new homes approved each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 97 homes. As of FY-26, 12 approvals have been recorded. On average, around 7 people moved to the area per dwelling built annually between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand significantly outpacing supply. New homes were constructed at an average expected cost of $349,000, below regional norms, reflecting more affordable housing options.

This financial year, $2.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating Waikiki's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Perth, Waikiki has significantly less development activity, 83.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes, though recent periods show increased development activity. Nationally, development activity is lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. All new construction in Waikiki comprised standalone homes, sustaining its suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space.

The location has approximately 392 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area. Future projections estimate Waikiki adding 1,274 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Waikiki has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified ten projects potentially affecting the region. Notable ones are DHA Defence Housing Program - Rockingham, Schools Upgrade Fund for Rockingham and Kwinana schools, Parkland Heights Baldivis, and Rockingham General Hospital Expansion Stage 2. Relevant projects are listed below.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Waikiki recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Waikiki's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs, with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 7.1% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 4.1% over the previous year, according to AreaSearch data aggregation.

In June 2025, 7,060 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 3.2% higher than Greater Perth's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Waikiki was somewhat lower at 60.8%, compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. The leading employment industries among residents were health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Manufacturing showed a particularly notable concentration, with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average.

However, professional & technical services were under-represented, with only 4.4% of Waikiki's workforce compared to 8.2% in Greater Perth. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 4.1%, while labour force increased by 5.8%, resulting in a rise in unemployment by 1.6 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Perth saw employment grow by 3.7%, labour force expand by 3.8%, and unemployment rise by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 provide further insight into potential future demand within Waikiki. These projections suggest that national employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Waikiki's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, although this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

Waikiki's median taxpayer income was $56,843 and average income was $71,099 in financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is higher than the national average but lower than Greater Perth's median income of $58,380 and average income of $78,020. By September 2025, estimates suggest Waikiki's median income would be approximately $64,915 and average income around $81,195, based on a 14.2% growth in wages since financial year 2022. Census data indicates Waikiki's household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly, between the 37th and 42nd percentiles. The predominant income cohort in Waikiki is 33.4% (4,483 people) earning $1,500 - 2,999 per week, similar to surrounding regions where 32.0% fall into this category. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Waikiki, with only 84.5% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 43rd percentile.

Waikiki is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Waikiki's latest Census showed 97.8% houses and 2.2% other dwellings. Perth metro had 90.5% houses and 9.6% other dwellings. Waikiki home ownership was 29.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 47.1% and rented at 23.4%. Median monthly mortgage repayment in Waikiki was $1,600, below Perth metro's $1,733. Median weekly rent in Waikiki was $320, compared to Perth metro's $330. Nationally, Waikiki's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,600 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were lower at $320 compared to the national figure of $375.

Waikiki has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 74.2% of all households, including 32.0% couples with children, 27.7% couples without children, and 13.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 25.8%, with lone person households at 23.1% and group households comprising 2.8%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with the Greater Perth average.

Educational outcomes in Waikiki fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area has educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 13.5%, significantly below the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 9.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 44.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (33.9%).

Educational participation is high at 30.2%, including 11.4% in primary education, 9.3% in secondary education, and 3.6% pursuing tertiary education. Waikiki's 3 schools have a combined enrollment of 2,076 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 992) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes 2 primary schools and 1 K-12 school.

Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Waikiki has 43 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. Six different routes service these stops, together providing 1,534 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility in Waikiki is rated as good, with residents typically located 222 meters from the nearest transport stop.

On average, there are 219 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 35 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Waikiki is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Waikiki faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 55% of the total population, which is around 7,440 people. Mental health issues are the most common medical condition in the area, impacting 9.8% of residents, followed by arthritis affecting 8.6%. A total of 66.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.5% across Greater Perth. The area has 18.2% of residents aged 65 and over, which is around 2,442 people, higher than the 15.6% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Waikiki was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Waikiki's cultural diversity was found to be above average, with 9.2% of its population speaking a language other than English at home. Born overseas, 32.3% of Waikiki residents were recorded. Christianity dominated religious demographics in Waikiki, comprising 43.7%.

Notably, Judaism had an overrepresentation in Waikiki at 0.1%, compared to the Greater Perth average of 0.0%. Regarding ancestry, English topped the list at 35.1%, followed by Australian at 25.2% and Scottish at 7.6%. Other ethnic groups showed variations: Maori were overrepresented at 1.9%, New Zealand at 1.1%, and South African at 0.9%.

Waikiki's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Waikiki is 39 years, slightly higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 years, which is close to the national average of 38 years. Comparing the two areas, the 55-64 cohort is notably more represented in Waikiki at 14.6%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 10.6%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 4.4% to 5.9%, and the 65 to 74 cohort has risen from 9.2% to 10.6%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 14.4% to 12.6%, and the 25 to 34 group has decreased from 12.2% to 10.6%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Waikiki. The 75 to 84 age group is expected to grow by 79%, adding 625 people and reaching a total of 1,417 from the previous 791. Residents aged 65 and older are anticipated to represent 84% of the population growth, while the 25 to 34 and 15 to 24 age groups are expected to experience population declines.