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 was around 13,506 as of November 2025. This reflected an increase of 967 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,539 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,513 in June 2024 and an additional 13 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equated to a density ratio of 2,336 persons per square kilometer, placing Waikiki in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Waikiki's growth rate of 7.7% since the census positioned it within 1.2 percentage points of the national average (8.9%). Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 62.2% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch utilized 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 was expected to grow by just below the median of national areas, with an increase of 1,279 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, resulting in a total increase of 9.5% over the 17-year period.

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

Waikiki averaged approximately 19 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 95 homes. As of FY26, 12 approvals have been recorded. Between FY21 and FY25, an average of 7.2 people moved to the area per year for each dwelling built. This has led to a significant imbalance between demand and supply, typically putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $292,000. In FY26, $2.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Perth, Waikiki shows substantially reduced construction, with 84.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. However, development activity has picked up in recent periods.

Nationally, this activity is also below average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. All new construction between FY21 and FY25 comprised detached dwellings, maintaining Waikiki's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes. At around 438 people per approval, Waikiki indicates a mature market. Looking ahead, Waikiki is expected to grow by 1,286 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, 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 42ndth percentile nationally

Seven projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area's performance: DHA Defence Housing Program - Rockingham, Schools Upgrade Fund - Rockingham and Kwinana Schools, Safety Bay/Waikiki Foreshore Lighting Replacement Works, The Strand at Safety Bay.

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 spans white and blue collar jobs, with notable representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 7.0% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 4.1% over the past year.

As of this date, 7,111 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 3.2%, higher than Greater Perth's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was lower in Waikiki at 60.9%, compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. The dominant employment sectors among Waikiki residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Manufacturing stands out with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average.

However, professional & technical services are under-represented, with only 4.4% of Waikiki's workforce compared to Greater Perth's 8.2%. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment in Waikiki increased by 4.1%, while labour force grew by 5.8%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 1.6 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 3.7%, labour force growth of 3.8%, with unemployment rising by only 0.1 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) project a national employment expansion of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Waikiki's employment mix suggests potential local growth of approximately 5.8% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

Waikiki's median taxpayer income was $56,843 and average income was $71,099 in financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is higher than national averages but lower than Greater Perth's median of $58,380 and average of $78,020. By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $64,915 and average income $81,195, based on a 14.2% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. In Waikiki, household incomes ranked at the 37th to 42nd percentiles in 2021 Census figures. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 captured 33.5% of individuals (4,524), similar to regional levels at 32.0%. Housing affordability was severe, 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 recorded in 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 stood 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. 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, 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 has lower university qualification rates at 13.5%, compared to the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both challenges and opportunities 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%). Waikiki's 3 schools have a combined enrollment of 2,076 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes 2 primary schools and 1 K-12 school.

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

Waikiki has 43 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by six different routes that together facilitate 1534 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is considered good, with residents on average being located 221 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, there are an average of 219 trips per day, 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 prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 55% of the total population, which amounts to around 7,428 people. Mental health issues impact 9.7% of residents, while arthritis affects 8.6%. About 66.1% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 68.5% across Greater Perth. The area has 18.1% of residents aged 65 and over, totaling 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 above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Waikiki's cultural diversity was found to be above average, with 9.1% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 32.2% born overseas. Christianity was the main religion in Waikiki, comprising 43.6% of its people. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented in Waikiki, making up 0.1% compared to 0.0% across Greater Perth.

The top three ancestry groups were English at 35.1%, Australian at 25.2%, and Scottish at 7.6%. Maori (1.9%) was notably overrepresented compared to the regional figure of 2.0%. New Zealand (1.1%) and South African (0.9%) also showed notable divergences from their respective regional percentages of 1.2% and 1.1%.

Waikiki's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Waikiki is 39 years, slightly higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 years, which is close to Australia's national average of 38 years. Comparing with the Greater Perth average, the cohort aged 55-64 is notably over-represented at 14.6% in Waikiki, while those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 10.6%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 75 to 84 age group grew from 4.4% to 5.9%, and 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 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Waikiki, with the 75 to 84 age group expected to grow by 80% (635 people), reaching 1,427 from 791. Residents aged 65 and older are anticipated to represent 84% of this growth. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.