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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Waikiki has an estimated 13,590 residents, up from 12,453 at the 2021 Census — a change of 1,137 people, or 9.1%. Growth has averaged 1.2% a year over five years. Overseas migration accounts for 62.0% of that increase. That puts 1,327 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
As of Aug 2026, the suburb of Waikiki has an estimated population of around 13,590, according to AreaSearch evaluations combining broader ABS population updates and newly verified addresses since the Census. Compared to the 12,453 people counted during the 2021 Census, this represents an addition of 1,137 people (9.1%). This estimate of 13,590 residents was established by AreaSearch through the ABS's recent ERP release (June 2025) alongside 65 validated new addresses added after the Census date. Consequently, population density stands at 1,327 persons per square kilometer, outpacing the national average across locations evaluated by AreaSearch.
With post-census expansion of 9.1%, the suburb of Waikiki sits within 0.4 percentage points of the 9.5% national benchmark, highlighting sound expansion fundamentals. Overseas migration served as the principal engine of growth by supplying approximately 62.0% of recent population additions, though positive gains were also recorded across interstate migration and natural growth. Population projections adopt the 2024 ABS/Geoscience Australia dataset for individual SA2 regions using 2022 as a base year, while unrepresented SA2s and post-2032 projections across all regions apply age-cohort growth rates from the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region release (grounded in 2022 data). Demographic trajectories suggest the suburb of Waikiki will record expansion slightly lower than the national statistical area median, gaining 1,081 persons to 2041 under aggregated SA2-level figures, which represents an 8.0% cumulative rise over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
97 new dwellings have been approved in Waikiki over the past five years, an average of 19 a year. That places the area in the 62nd percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 1 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Of the 25 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 100% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 36, running ahead of that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Over the past 5 financial years, residential construction approvals in Waikiki have averaged around 19 dwellings per year, delivering an estimated 97 homes according to AreaSearch's review of ABS building approval figures aggregated from statistical areas. In FY-25 to date, 36 approvals have been logged. Inflow over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) has averaged 6.5 people per year for every home constructed, causing demand to outpace new supply considerably, a trend that typically heightens buyer competition and lifts property values, with newly constructed homes averaging a value of $417,000.
Additionally, commercial building approvals have reached $146,000 this financial year, underscoring the locality's primarily residential profile. Building activity in Waikiki sits significantly beneath regional volumes, trailing the Greater Perth per-person rate by 80.0%. While building has gained momentum recently, this restricted flow of new stock typically bolsters demand and values for existing residences. Development levels also track below the national average, pointing to a mature urban landscape and potential planning limitations. Furthermore, detached houses constitute all recent building approvals, preserving the traditional low-density suburban fabric and catering to families prioritizing space. A ratio of around 342 people per approval further underlines the mature character of the market. Projections indicate that Waikiki will add 1,081 residents through to 2041 relative to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If development continues at its present pace, the supply of new dwellings could fall short of demographic expansion, likely intensifying buyer competition and reinforcing upward price pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Waikiki
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 3 current infrastructure and development projects inside Waikiki, worth an estimated $283 million. A further 62 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $31.9 billion. 21 are already under construction and 24 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and communities. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Planning initiatives, infrastructure projects, and capital works play a pivotal role in shaping local community outcomes. AreaSearch has pinpointed 11 major projects expected to influence the district. Prominent developments include Safety Bay/Waikiki Foreshore Lighting Replacement Works, DHA Defence Housing Program - Rockingham, Schools Upgrade Fund - Rockingham and Kwinana Schools, and Parkland Heights Baldivis, with the accompanying catalog highlighting the most significant undertakings.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Schools Upgrade Fund - Rockingham and Kwinana Schools
Commonwealth-funded upgrades to public schools in the Rockingham and Kwinana area under Round 2 of the Schools Upgrade Fund (SUF), a $284.3 million national program administered by the Australian Government Department of Education. WA recipients under this round include Gilmore College (Orelia) and Koorana Education Support Centre (Warnbro), each receiving at least $250,000 for capital works such as administration block upgrades, food technology and home economics classroom improvements, new playground equipment, and sporting facility resurfacing.Delivery is coordinated with the WA Department of Education, with the national funding agreement running through to 31 December 2027.
DHA Defence Housing Program - Rockingham
Approximately 550 new homes for defence personnel and their families in the Rockingham region, delivered under Defence Housing Australia's New Builds Volume Leasing and Build to Lease programs. Parcels will be provided by Parcel Property with homes constructed by local builders including Forma Homes and Plunkett Homes across Wellard, Baldivis, Mundijong and surrounding suburbs. The first dwellings are expected from the 2025-26 financial year with delivery continuing towards 2030.
The Strand at Safety Bay
The Strand at Safety Bay is a premium coastal land estate delivering 48 beachside lots directly opposite the Safety Bay foreshore. Many homesites offer ocean views and all are within walking distance of the beach, yacht club and local cafes, providing a low-rise coastal neighbourhood focused on lifestyle and beach access.
The Rivergums Baldivis
Established masterplanned residential estate by Cedar Woods in Baldivis with schools, parks, lakes and childcare on-site. Final stages are in progress with land and house-and-land packages still selling.
Parkland Heights Baldivis
Masterplanned residential estate of approximately 1,200 dwellings with Pine View Primary School on-site, over 20ha of open space including Peckham Reserve (2.4ha oval) and the Baldivis South Sports Pavilion. Ongoing land releases, with a planned local shopping centre within the estate.
Warnbro Shopping Centre Solar Car Park
A sustainable energy project featuring solar panel installations over the car park at Warnbro Shopping Centre, providing renewable energy and weather protection for vehicles.
Safety Bay and Waikiki Foreshore Lighting Replacement Works
Replacement and modernization of aged public lighting infrastructure along the Safety Bay and Waikiki foreshore reserves. The project includes the installation of new energy-efficient LED luminaires, new light poles, and upgraded underground electrical cabling to enhance pedestrian safety, security, and public amenity across key foreshore carparks and recreational pathways.
Seaside Estate Madora Bay
Seaside Estate is a beachside masterplanned residential community in Madora Bay developed by Satterley Property Group. It features direct beach access, sustainable coastal design, parks, walking trails, a new display village on Maspalomas Drive, and proximity to schools, Mandurah, and transport links.
6,764 residents of Waikiki are employed, from a labour force of 7,306. Unemployment sits at 7.4%, with participation at 65.6%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.8% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 10,712, about 79% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
AreaSearch data aggregated from statistical areas shows Waikiki maintaining a balanced workforce across blue-collar and white-collar roles, supported by solid representation in essential services and an unemployment rate of 7.4%. As of March 2026, employed residents total 6,764, while the jobless rate exceeds Greater Perth's 4.2% by 3.2%, indicating capacity for labor market improvement. The local labor force participation rate stands at 65.6%, below Greater Perth's 69.9%. Meanwhile, Census data shows a modest 5.6% of workers operating from home, though COVID-19 lockdown conditions should be taken into account. Health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade represent the primary sectors employing local residents.
Manufacturing constitutes a notable local specialization, engaging a share of the workforce 1.5 times the regional proportion. Conversely, professional & technical roles account for only 4.4% of resident workers, trailing the 8.2% recorded across Greater Perth. A comparison between Census working numbers and local resident counts indicates that this predominantly residential district provides relatively few jobs internally. During the year to March 2026, ABS and SALM figures aggregated by AreaSearch indicate the local workforce contracted by 0.9% alongside a 1.3% decline in total employment, pushing the unemployment rate up by 0.4 percentage points. Over the identical timeframe, Greater Perth achieved a 2.0% increase in employment and a 2.5% expansion in the labour force, with unemployment rising 0.4 percentage points. Forward-looking labor demand in Waikiki can be evaluated using national employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia as of Mar-26. These five- and ten-year models, when weighted against the local industry baseline, indicate future employment shifts, recognizing that national expansion is projected at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years with broad sector variation. Applying this weighting suggests local job numbers could rise by 5.8% over five years and 12.6% over ten years (serving as an illustrative baseline without incorporating local population projections).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Waikiki is $1,611 a week (about $84,000 a year), with median personal income at $740 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $56,843 a year against an average of $71,099. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
ATO postcode statistics for financial year 2023 compiled by AreaSearch indicate income levels in the suburb of Waikiki exceed national benchmarks, with a median of $56,843 and an average of $71,099, contrasting with Greater Perth's median of $60,748 and average of $80,248. Factoring in a 10.93% rise in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, updated estimates reach approximately $63,056 for median income and $78,870 for average income as of March 2026. The 2021 Census placed personal, family, and household incomes within modest territory, occupying the 37th to 42nd percentiles.
The primary earnings cohort covers 33.4% of residents earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (4,539 residents), closely matching the wider region's 32.0% share in that bracket. Affordability pressures remain pronounced, leaving 84.5% of income uncommitted and placing the area in the 43rd percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Waikiki had 4,516 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 98% detached houses and 0% apartments. 47% are owned with a mortgage, 23% rented and 30% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $320 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,600 a month. Rent absorbs 19.9% of household income here and mortgage repayments 22.9%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the latest Census, separate houses made up 97.8% of the housing stock in Waikiki while apartments, semi-detached properties, and 'other' dwellings accounted for 2.2%, contrasting with the Perth metro distribution of 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Outright home ownership stood at 29.5%, matching Perth metro proportions, with mortgaged properties comprising 47.1% and rental housing representing 23.4%. Median monthly mortgage payments of $1,600 and weekly rents of $320 were markedly lower than Perth metro figures of $1,907 and $350 respectively. On a national scale, Waikiki retains significantly lower accommodation expenses than the Australian median mortgage repayment of $1,863 and median rent of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Waikiki counted 4,516 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 4,928 today, averaging 2.6 people each. 32% are couples with children, against 28% couples without children. 23% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.8 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up 74.2% of households, led by couples with children (32.0%), couples without children (27.7%), and single parent families (13.6%). Non-family living arrangements account for the other 25.8%, consisting of lone person households (23.1%) and group households (2.8%). The median household size stands at 2.6 people, mirroring the Greater Perth average.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
13.5% of adults in Waikiki hold a university qualification, including 9.9% with a bachelor degree and 1.8% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 33.9% hold a vocational qualification. 3 schools serve the area, with 2,076 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 992 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Tertiary qualification levels highlight educational gaps in the area, with 13.5% of residents holding a university degree compared to the 30.4% Australian benchmark, presenting opportunities for targeted learning programs. Bachelor degrees form the largest higher education category at 9.9%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 1.8% and graduate diplomas at 1.8%. Vocational qualifications are prominent, with 44.9% of people aged 15+ possessing technical credentials, divided into certificates (33.9%) and advanced diplomas (11.0%). A substantial 30.2% of the local population is enrolled in an educational course, reflecting strong participation. Enrolments are distributed across primary schools (11.4%), secondary schools (9.3%), and tertiary institutions (3.6%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Waikiki reaches 43 stops on 6 routes, timetabled for about 1,500 services a week. The typical home sits about 220 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.5 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport connectivity across Waikiki features 43 operational transit stops served by bus routes. Across 6 dedicated routes, these facilities provide 1,514 weekly passenger trips. Access to public transit is favorable, with residents situated an average distance of 222 meters from their closest stop. Due to the area's residential orientation, outgoing commuting dominates, with private vehicles carrying 82% of travelers and trains accommodating 10%. Households maintain an average of 1.5 vehicles. Working from home accounted for 5.6% of residents during the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 circumstances.
Across all active transit routes, services run at an average rate of 216 trips per day, which translates to approximately 35 weekly trips per transport stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
66.2% of residents in Waikiki report no long-term health condition. 5.5% need daily assistance with core activities, and 55.4% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.7 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Mortality and chronic disease data compiled by AreaSearch indicates noticeable health challenges in Waikiki, where common medical conditions show elevated prevalence across younger and older demographics alike. Private health insurance coverage is extensive, encompassing approximately 55% of residents (~7,532 people), compared to 59.0% across Greater Perth. Mental health conditions and arthritis represent the primary diagnosed ailments, affecting 9.8 and 8.6% of residents respectively, whereas 66.2% reported being free of medical conditions compared to 71.9% in Greater Perth. Working-age cohorts experience chronic conditions at above-average rates. Residents aged 65 and over total 2,432 people (17.9% of the population), exceeding the 15.9% recorded for Greater Perth, with senior health indicators reflecting national general population levels.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
32.3% of Waikiki residents were born overseas and 9.2% speak a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (35.1%) and Australian (25.2%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity in Waikiki tracks above average, with 32.3% of residents born overseas and 9.2% using a language other than English in the home. Christianity represents the leading faith, accounting for 43.7% of the community. Judaism exhibits the most pronounced relative divergence, comprising 0.1% of residents compared to 0.3% regionally across Greater Perth. Ancestry records based on parental birthplace identify English heritage as the largest background at 35.1%, substantially higher than the 28.0% regional level, followed by Australian ancestry at 25.2% and Scottish at 7.6%. Other backgrounds also show distinct local representation, including Maori at 1.9% (compared to 0.9% across the region), New Zealand at 1.1% (versus 0.8%), and South Australian at 0.9% (versus 1.0%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Waikiki is 39. 25.1% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
Age distributions in Waikiki align closely with Greater Perth, showing a maximum variance of 7.5 percentage points across the four broad cohorts. As at August 2026, the estimated median age is 39, remaining identical to the 2021 Census and sitting 2 years higher than the Greater Perth median of 37 at that Census. Since the Census, the share of seniors and retirees (65+) has risen from 15.0% to an estimated 17.9%. Projections to 2041 indicate the 65+ cohort will see the strongest numerical expansion, increasing by 1,317 residents (54%) to 3,750, while young to middle-aged adults along with children and young adults are expected to decline.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Waikiki
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · Jun 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 last month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Jul 2026 2 months ago all 3 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Jul 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 6 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 2 months ago all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 65 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (12,453 at the 2021 Census → 13,590 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL51502). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.