Waikiki
Statistical Area - sa2

An assessment of population growth drivers in Waikiki reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Waikiki's population, according to AreaSearch's analysis, was approximately 13,506 as of August 2025. This figure represents an increase of 967 people, a rise of 7.7% since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 12,539. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,513 in June 2024 and an additional 13 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,336 persons per square kilometer, placing Waikiki in the upper quartile compared to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Waikiki's growth rate of 7.7% since the census is within 0.9 percentage points of the national average (8.6%), indicating competitive growth trends. Overseas migration contributed approximately 62.2% of overall population gains in 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 and to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch uses growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, Waikiki is expected to grow by approximately 1,279 persons to reach a population of around 14,785 by 2041, an increase of about 9.5% over the 17-year period.

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

Waikiki has averaged approximately 19 new dwelling approvals annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, totalling 95 approvals across the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, with an additional 6 approved in FY-26 so far. Over these five years, an average of 7.2 people moved to the area for each dwelling built. This supply lagging behind demand generally leads to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $350,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY-26, $2.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Perth, Waikiki records significantly lower building activity, at 84.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new properties typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, although building activity has accelerated recently. This is also below the national average, indicating the area's maturity and possible planning constraints.

Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, sustaining Waikiki's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. The location currently has approximately 438 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area. Population forecasts indicate Waikiki will gain 1,286 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Waikiki has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 42ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified five projects likely affecting the region: DHA Defence Housing Program - Rockingham, Schools Upgrade Fund - Rockingham and Kwinana Schools, Safety Bay/Waikiki Foreshore Lighting Replacement Works, Warnbro Shopping Centre Solar Car Park. The following details those most relevant.

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

Employment performance in Waikiki has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Waikiki has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate is 7.0%, and there's been an estimated employment growth of 4.1% over the past year as of June 2025.

Currently, 7,111 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 3.2% higher than Greater Perth's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation stands at 60.9%, lower than Greater Perth's 65.2%. The dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Manufacturing shows notable concentration with 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%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over a 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 4.1% while labour force grew by 5.8%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 1.6 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth had employment growth of 3.7%, labour force growth of 3.8%, and an unemployment increase of 0.1 percentage points. State-level data as of Sep-25 shows WA employment contracted by 0.82% with a state unemployment rate of 4.3%. National comparisons show WA's unemployment rate at 4.3% compared to the national rate of 4.5%, with WA lagging behind national employment growth of 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Waikiki's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.8%% over five years and 12.6% over ten years.

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

Waikiki's median taxpayer income is $56,843 and average is $71,099 based on latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. Nationally, the median income is lower at $58,380 with an average of $78,020 in Greater Perth. By March 2025, estimated median and average incomes in Waikiki are approximately $63,442 and $79,354 respectively, accounting for Wage Price Index growth of 11.61% since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, income ranks modestly in Waikiki, between the 37th and 42nd percentiles. The $1,500 - $2,999 earnings band captures 33.5% of the community (4,524 individuals), similar to regional levels at 32.0%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Waikiki, with only 84.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 44th 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 2.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Perth metro had 90.5% houses and 9.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Waikiki was at 29.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 47.0% and rented ones at 23.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,600, lower than Perth metro's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Waikiki was $320, compared to Perth metro's $330. Nationally, Waikiki's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 74.1% of all households, including 32.0% couples with children, 27.6% couples without children, and 13.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 25.9%, with lone person households at 23.0% and group households comprising 2.8%. The median household size is 2.6 people, aligning with the Greater Perth average.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates of 13.5%, significantly lower than 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 30.3%, including primary education (11.5%), secondary education (9.4%), and tertiary education (3.6%). There are three schools in Waikiki with a combined enrollment of 2,076 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 992). The educational mix includes two primary schools and one K-12 school.

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

Transport analysis indicates 43 active stops operating within Waikiki, comprising a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 6 individual routes, collectively facilitating 1,534 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 221 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 219 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 35 weekly trips per 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 high at approximately 55%, covering about 7428 people. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 9.7% and 8.6% of residents respectively. About 66.1% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.5% across Greater Perth. The area has 18.1% of residents aged 65 and over (2445 people), which is higher than the 15.6% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors present 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 above average, with 9.1% speaking a language other than English at home and 32.2% born overseas. Christianity was the dominant religion at 43.6%. Judaism was significantly overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to 0.0% in Greater Perth.

The top three ancestry groups were English (35.1%), Australian (25.2%), and Scottish (7.6%). Some ethnic groups showed notable divergences: Maori was overrepresented at 1.9% (vs regional 2.0%), New Zealand at 1.1% (vs 1.2%), and South African at 0.9% (vs 1.1%).

Waikiki's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Waikiki is 39 years, which is higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 years but close to the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, the 55-64 age cohort is notably over-represented in Waikiki at 14.6%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 10.6%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75-84 age group has grown from 4.4% to 5.9% of Waikiki's population, and the 65-74 cohort has increased from 9.2% to 10.6%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has declined from 14.3% to 12.6%, and the 25-34 age group has dropped from 12.1% to 10.6%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Waikiki, with the 75-84 age group expected to grow by 80% (from 791 to 1,427 people). Residents aged 65 and older will represent 84% of this anticipated growth. However, the 15-24 and 0-4 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.