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

By February 2026, the population of Waikiki is estimated to be around 13,431. This figure represents an increase of 978 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,453. The recent resident population estimate of 13,429 by AreaSearch, following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and validation of 14 new addresses since the Census date, indicates this growth. This results in a density ratio of 1,311 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Waikiki's population growth rate of 7.9% since the census is within 2.0 percentage points of the national average (9.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 62.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth post-2032, 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 Waikiki, with an expected growth of 1,268 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 9.4% 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 shows Waikiki had approximately 19 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 97 homes. As of FY26, 18 approvals have been recorded. This results in an average of seven people moving to the area per year for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating demand outpaces supply, which typically drives up prices and intensifies competition among buyers. The average construction cost value of new homes is $349,000, higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development.

In FY26, commercial development approvals totalled $146,000, demonstrating Waikiki's residential nature. Compared to Greater Perth, Waikiki has significantly less development activity, with 83.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes, though recent periods show increased activity. Nationally, development activity is lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. All new construction in Waikiki consists of standalone homes, maintaining its suburban identity with a concentration of family homes.

The location has approximately 392 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established area. Future projections estimate Waikiki will add 1,266 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 48thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified ten projects that could affect this region. Notable ones include DHA Defence Housing Program - Rockingham, Schools Upgrade Fund - Rockingham and Kwinana Schools, Parkland Heights Baldivis, and Rockingham General Hospital Expansion Stage 2. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

Waikiki's workforce comprises a mix of white and blue-collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate was 7.3% in September 2025, showing room for improvement compared to Greater Perth's 4.0%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.0%.

As of September 2025, 6,902 residents were employed, with a workforce participation rate of 67.6%, below Greater Perth's 71.6%. Only 5.6% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Manufacturing is notably concentrated, with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average.

However, professional & technical services are under-represented, at 4.4% compared to Greater Perth's 8.2%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the working population vs resident population count. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 3.0%, labour force by 4.2%, resulting in a 1.0 percentage point rise in unemployment. In Greater Perth, employment grew by 2.9%, labour force expanded by 3.0%, with a marginal unemployment rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Waikiki's employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Waikiki's employment mix.

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

The suburb of Waikiki had a median taxpayer income of $56,843 and an average income of $71,099 in financial year 2023, according to AreaSearch's postcode level ATO data. This is higher than the national average at that time. In Greater Perth, the median income was $60,748 with an average income of $80,248 during the same period. Based on a 9.62% growth in wages since financial year 2023, estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $62,311 (median) and $77,939 (average). Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Waikiki rank modestly, between the 37th and 42nd percentiles. The predominant income cohort spans 33.4% of locals (4,485 people), falling within the $1,500 - 2,999 category. This is similar to the surrounding region where 32.0% occupy this range. 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 dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 97.8% houses and 2.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Perth metro had 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Waikiki was at 29.5%, similar to Perth metro's level. Mortgaged dwellings were 47.1%, with rented ones at 23.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Waikiki was $1,600, below Perth metro's average of $1,907. Median weekly rent in Waikiki was $320, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Waikiki's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,600 vs Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households are the majority, accounting for 74.2% of all households. They include couples with children (32.0%), couples without children (27.7%), and single parent families (13.6%). Non-family households make up 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's university qualification rate is 13.5%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 9.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 44.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (33.9%). Educational participation is high, with 30.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 11.4% in primary education, 9.3% in secondary education, and 3.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Waikiki shows that there are currently 43 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with six individual routes providing service collectively resulting in 1,524 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 222 meters from their nearest transport stop. As Waikiki is primarily residential, most residents commute outward for work or other purposes. The dominant mode of transportation remains the car at 82%, while 10% use the train. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling in the area.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 5.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect conditions related to COVID-19. The service frequency averages approximately 217 trips per day across all routes, equating to around 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, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 55% of the total population (~7,444 people), compared to 59.0% across Greater Perth. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 9.8 and 8.6% of residents respectively, while 66.2% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 19.1% of residents aged 65 and over (2,565 people), which is higher than the 16.3% 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

Waikiki's cultural diversity is above average, with 9.2% speaking a language other than English at home and 32.3% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Waikiki at 43.7%. Judaism, however, is slightly overrepresented compared to Greater Perth, comprising 0.1% versus 0.3%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups are English (35.1%), Australian (25.2%), and Scottish (7.6%). Notably, Maori (1.9%) and New Zealanders (1.1%) are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.9% and 0.8%, respectively. South Africans also show a slight divergence at 0.9%.

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

Waikiki has a median age of 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Perth's figure of 37 years. This is also marginally higher than Australia's median age of 38 years. Comparing the two areas, Waikiki has a notably larger proportion of people aged 55-64 (14.8%) compared to Greater Perth's average. Conversely, the 25-34 age group is under-represented in Waikiki at 10.2%. Between 2021 and present, the population of those aged 75-84 has grown from 4.4% to 6.3%, while the 65-74 cohort increased from 9.2% to 11.0%. During this period, the 25-34 age group declined from 12.2% to 10.2%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 14.4% to 12.4%. Demographic projections suggest significant changes in Waikiki's age profile by 2041. The 75-84 age cohort is expected to grow significantly, increasing by 571 people (68%) from 846 to 1,418. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above are projected to account for 81% of total population growth, reflecting Waikiki's aging demographic trend. Meanwhile, the 15-24 and 0-4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.