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

Waikiki's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 13,506. This figure represents an increase of 967 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 12,539. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,513 in June 2024 and the addition of 13 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 2,336 persons per square kilometer, placing Waikiki in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch's assessments. The area's 7.7% growth since the Census is within 1.2 percentage points of the national average (8.9%), indicating strong growth fundamentals. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 62.2% of population gains, with all drivers contributing positively.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, growth rates by age cohort from the ABS's Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are utilized. Based on projected demographic shifts, Waikiki is expected to grow by approximately 1,279 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of around 9.5% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Waikiki when compared nationally

Waikiki averaged approximately 19 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 95 homes. In FY26 so far, 16 approvals have been recorded. Between FY21 and FY25, an average of 7.2 people moved to the area per year for each dwelling built, indicating significant demand outpacing supply. New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $292,000.

This financial year, $2.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting Waikiki's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Perth, Waikiki shows substantially reduced construction activity, with 84.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. However, development activity has picked up in recent periods, though it remains below national averages, suggesting possible planning constraints. All new construction in Waikiki has been comprised of detached dwellings, maintaining its traditional suburban character focused on family homes.

With around 438 people per approval, Waikiki indicates a mature market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Waikiki is expected to grow by 1,286 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Waikiki has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 20thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified seven projects likely affecting the region. Notable projects include DHA Defence Housing Program - Rockingham, Schools Upgrade Fund - Rockingham and Kwinana Schools, Safety Bay/Waikiki Foreshore Lighting Replacement Works, and The Strand at Safety Bay. Below is a list of most relevant projects.

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.

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

Waikiki's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate was 7.3% in September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 3.0% over the past year.

As of that date, 6,949 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 3.4%, higher than Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation was lower at 60.9% compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade are dominant employment sectors among residents. Manufacturing stands out 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 appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data on working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 3.0% while labour force grew by 4.2%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.0 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 2.9%. State-level data from WA to 25-Nov shows employment contracted by 0.27% (losing 5,520 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.6%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Waikiki's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider localized population projections.

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

The Waikiki SA2 median taxpayer income was $56,843 and average was $71,099 in financial year 2022 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is higher than national averages of $55,526 median and $72,327 average. Greater Perth had a median income of $58,380 and average income of $78,020 in the same period. As of September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $64,915 median and $81,195 average based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data from 2021, Waikiki's household income percentile rank was between the 37th and 42nd percentiles. Income brackets showed that 33.5% of individuals earned between $1,500 - 2,999 per annum (4,524 individuals). This is consistent with regional levels where 32.0% fell into the same income category. Housing affordability pressures were severe in Waikiki, with only 84.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 43rd percentile nationally.

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). 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 in Waikiki was $1,600, below Perth metro's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Waikiki was $320, compared to Perth metro's $330. Nationally, Waikiki's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian 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 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, 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 Australia's average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the 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, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.5% in primary education, 9.4% 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

Public transport analysis shows 43 active transport stops in Waikiki. These are served by a mix of buses along six different routes. Together, these routes provide 1,534 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 221 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 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 being 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 (~7,428 people). The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 9.7% and 8.6% of residents respectively. 66.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 68.5% across Greater Perth. As of June 2021, 18.1% of residents are aged 65 and over (2,445 people), which is 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 slightly 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 predominant religion at 43.6%. Judaism was overrepresented in Waikiki at 0.1%, compared to none across Greater Perth.

The top three ancestry groups were English (35.1%), Australian (25.2%), and Scottish (7.6%). Notable divergences included Maori (1.9% vs regional 2.0%), New Zealand (1.1% vs 1.2%), and South African (0.9% vs 1.1%) groups.

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

The median age in Waikiki is 39 years, which is higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 years and close to the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, Waikiki has a notably higher proportion of the 55-64 cohort (14.6% locally vs. average) and a lower proportion of 25-34 year-olds (10.6%). Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75 to 84 age group grew from 4.4% to 5.9%, while the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 9.2% to 10.6%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 14.3% to 12.6%, and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 12.1% to 10.6%. Population forecasts for Waikiki indicate substantial demographic changes by 2041. The 75 to 84 age group is expected to grow by 80%, reaching 1,427 people from 791. Residents aged 65 and older will represent 84% of the anticipated population growth. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.