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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census the population of the suburb of Waikiki is estimated at around 13,590 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,137 people (9.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,453 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 13,590, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 64 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,327 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The growth of the suburb of Waikiki of 9.1% since census positions it within 0.2 percentage points of the national average (9.3%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed 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, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is utilising the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation is expected, with the area expected to expand by 1,129 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting with an increase of 8.3% in total over the 16 years.

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

According to AreaSearch's evaluation of ABS building approval statistics distributed from broader statistical zones, Waikiki averages roughly 19 residential approvals annually, culminating in approximately 97 newly approved dwellings over the preceding 5 financial years. Thus far during FY-26, 35 approvals have been registered. Given that 8.3 individuals relocated to the sector annually for each constructed home during the 5 financial years spanning FY-21 to FY-25, demand vastly outstrips supply, which generally drives values upward and intensifies buyer rivalry, even as new residences carry an average construction value of $349,000—slightly above regional standards—suggesting a focus on quality. Furthermore, $146,000 in commercial building approvals have been logged during the current financial year, underlining the local area's predominantly residential character.

In contrast to Greater Perth, Waikiki exhibits highly subdued construction development, tracking 83.0% below the metropolitan average per resident. This restricted volume of new building typically supports demand and valuations for existing properties, although development velocity has accelerated of late. This rate also sits below national levels, indicating a mature market and highlighting potential geographic or regulatory constraints. Furthermore, recent development has consisted entirely of detached houses, maintaining a suburban aesthetic dominated by spacious family homes. The area currently records about 397 people per residential approval, indicating a mature community.

Projections indicate that Waikiki will welcome an additional 1,129 residents by 2041, based on the most recent quarterly estimate by AreaSearch. If development remains at current levels, housing additions could fall short of demographic expansion, which is likely to intensify buyer competition and bolster price growth.

Waikiki has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 45thth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure projects, planning initiatives, and major developments have a significant impact on local performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects expected to influence the local area. Key developments include the DHA Defence Housing Program - Rockingham, the Schools Upgrade Fund - Rockingham and Kwinana Schools, Parkland Heights Baldivis, and the Safety Bay/Waikiki Foreshore Lighting Replacement Works, with details on the most relevant projects provided in the following list.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

AreaSearch assessment indicates Waikiki faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Waikiki has a diverse employment base representing both white-collar and blue-collar roles, with a strong presence in essential services sectors and an unemployment rate of 7.4% based on aggregated local data. As of March 2026, 6,764 residents are employed, although unemployment stands 3.2% higher than Greater Perth's level of 4.2% and the participation rate is somewhat soft at 65.9% compared to the regional figure of 70.2%. Census figures show a modest 5.6% of the workforce operated from home, though this may reflect historical pandemic restrictions.

The primary employment sectors for local workers are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The district shows an exceptionally high concentration of manufacturing workers, running at 1.5 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical roles account for only 4.4% of employment, which is under the Greater Perth average of 8.2%. The area's heavily residential nature appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as shown by the comparison of working residents to local job numbers.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, aggregated from broader statistical areas, during the year to March 2026, the labour force decreased by 0.9% alongside a 1.3% employment decline, resulting in the unemployment rate rise by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth experienced employment growth of 2.0% and labour force growth of 2.5%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Waikiki. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, 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 (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

The median taxpayer income in Waikiki is $56,843, with an average income of $71,099 according to postcode data from the ATO for the 2023 financial year. This exceeds the national average, though it is lower than the Greater Perth median of $60,748 and average of $80,248. Adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates would be approximately $63,056 for the median and $78,870 for the average as of March 2026. According to Census records, household, family, and individual incomes are all relatively modest, placing between the 37th and 42nd percentiles. The figures indicate 33.4% of the population (4,539 individuals) earn between $1,500 - 2,999, which is comparable to the wider region where this bracket accounts for 32.0%. Housing cost pressures are pronounced, with residents retaining only 84.5% of their income, which ranks in the 43rd percentile.

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

According to the last Census, residential property in Waikiki consisted of 97.8% detached houses and 2.2% alternative housing types, such as apartments and semi-detached options, compared to the Perth metropolitan average of 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. The home ownership rate was equal to the metropolitan level at 29.5%, with remaining properties divided between mortgaged homes at 47.1% and rental properties at 23.4%. The median monthly mortgage payment of residents was $1,600, while the median weekly rental cost was $320, both of which sit well below the Perth metropolitan averages of $1,907 and $350. Nationally, local mortgage costs are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and local rental rates are below the national figure of $375.

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

Families make up 74.2% of all households, consisting of couples with children at 32.0%, couples without children at 27.7%, and single parent households at 13.6%. Non-family households account for the remaining 25.8%, which includes single person homes at 23.1% and group living situations at 2.8%. The average household size is 2.6 people, matching the average for Greater Perth.

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

The local community experiences low tertiary attainment, with university completion rates at 13.5%, significantly under the national benchmark of 30.4%. This highlights a potential area for targeted educational strategies. Among university graduates, bachelor degrees are most common at 9.9%, followed by postgraduate studies at 1.8% and graduate diplomas at 1.8%. Vocational education is highly represented, with 44.9% of residents aged 15+ holding practical qualifications, including advanced diplomas at 11.0% and certificates at 33.9%.

Enrolment rates are high, with 30.2% of the local population engaged in study. This includes 11.4% of residents attending primary school, 9.3% in secondary school, and 3.6% studying at the tertiary level.

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

Public transport services in Waikiki include 43 active bus stops. These stops accommodate 6 distinct routes, which together provide 1,524 passenger trips each week. Transport access is rated highly, with the average home located 222 meters from the nearest stop. The area is primarily residential, and the majority of working residents commute to other districts, with 82% travelling by car and 10% utilizing the train network. The average household has 1.5 vehicles. A relatively small 5.6% of residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic regulations.

Across all active routes, service frequency averages 217 daily trips, which translates to approximately 35 weekly trips for each transport 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, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts , and the rate of private health cover found to be very high at approximately 55% of the total population (~7,532 people). This compares to 59.0% across Greater Perth.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 9.8 and 8.6% of residents, respectively, while 66.2% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 18.5% of residents aged 65 and over (2,514 people), which is higher than the 16.1% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

The area has relatively high cultural diversity, with 9.2% of residents speaking a non-English language at home and 32.3% born in another country. Christianity is the primary religion, representing 43.7% of the community. In terms of relative overrepresentation, the Jewish faith accounts for 0.1% of the local population, compared to 0.3% across Greater Perth.

English heritage is the most common ancestry at 35.1% of the population, notably higher than the regional average of 28.0%, followed by Australian ancestry at 25.2% and Scottish ancestry at 7.6%. Certain minor ethnic demographics show higher local concentrations than the surrounding region, with Maori ancestry at 1.9% (compared to 0.9% regionally), New Zealand ancestry at 1.1% (compared to 0.8%), and South Australian ancestry at 0.9% (compared to 1.0%).

Waikiki's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age of 39 years is slightly higher than the Greater Perth average of 37, and close to the national benchmark of 38. The 55 - 64 age bracket is noticeably larger than the regional average, making up 14.6% of the population, while young adults aged 25 - 34 are underrepresented at 10.6%. Since the 2021 Census, seniors aged 65 to 74 grew from 9.2% to 10.9% of the population, and those aged 75 to 84 increased from 4.4% to 5.9%. Conversely, adults aged 45 to 54 declined from 14.4% to 12.6%, and the 25 to 34 bracket decreased from 12.2% to 10.6%. Demographic projections for 2041 indicate a major shift, led by a 69% increase in the 75 to 84 group (an additional 550 people), growing from 801 to 1,352. Aging trends will see residents aged 65 and older account for 80% of total growth, while the 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 age groups are projected to shrink.