Waikiki (WA)

Detail

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census the population of the suburb of Waikiki is estimated at around 13,590 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,137 people (9.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,453 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 13,590, estimated by Districts following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 64 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,327 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by Districts. The growth of the suburb of Waikiki of 9.1% since census positions it within 0.2 percentage points of the national average (9.3%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 62.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors.

Detail

Waikiki has a diverse employment base representing both white-collar and blue-collar roles, with a strong presence in essential services sectors and an unemployment rate of 7.4% based on aggregated local data. As of March 2026, 6,764 residents are employed, although unemployment stands 3.2% higher than Greater Perth's level of 4.2% and the participation rate is somewhat soft at 65.9% compared to the regional figure of 70.2%. Census figures show a modest 5.6% of the workforce operated from home, though this may reflect historical pandemic restrictions.

Detail

The median taxpayer income in Waikiki is $56,843, with an average income of $71,099 according to postcode data from the ATO for the 2023 financial year. This exceeds the national average, though it is lower than the Greater Perth median of $60,748 and average of $80,248. Adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates would be approximately $63,056 for the median and $78,870 for the average as of March 2026. According to Census records, household, family, and individual incomes are all relatively modest, placing between the 37th and 42nd percentiles. The figures indicate 33.4% of the population (4,539 individuals) earn between $1,500 - 2,999, which is comparable to the wider region where this bracket accounts for . Housing cost pressures are pronounced, with residents retaining only of their income, which ranks in the rd percentile.

Detail

According to the last Census, residential property in Waikiki consisted of 97.8% detached houses and 2.2% alternative housing types, such as apartments and semi-detached options, compared to the Perth metropolitan average of 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. The home ownership rate was equal to the metropolitan level at 29.5%, with remaining properties divided between mortgaged homes at 47.1% and rental properties at 23.4%. The median monthly mortgage payment of residents was $1,600, while the median weekly rental cost was $320, both of which sit well below the Perth metropolitan averages of $1,907 and $350. Nationally, local mortgage costs are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and local rental rates are below the national figure of $375.

Detail

Families make up 74.2% of all households, consisting of couples with children at 32.0%, couples without children at 27.7%, and single parent households at 13.6%. Non-family households account for the remaining 25.8%, which includes single person homes at 23.1% and group living situations at 2.8%. The average household size is 2.6 people, matching the average for Greater Perth.

Detail

The local community experiences low tertiary attainment, with university completion rates at 13.5%, significantly under the national benchmark of 30.4%. This highlights a potential area for targeted educational strategies. Among university graduates, bachelor degrees are most common at 9.9%, followed by postgraduate studies at 1.8% and graduate diplomas at 1.8%. Vocational education is highly represented, with 44.9% of residents aged 15+ holding practical qualifications, including advanced diplomas at 11.0% and certificates at 33.9%.

Detail

Public transport services in Waikiki include 43 active bus stops. These stops accommodate 6 distinct routes, which together provide 1,524 passenger trips each week. Transport access is rated highly, with the average home located 222 meters from the nearest stop. The area is primarily residential, and the majority of working residents commute to other districts, with 82% travelling by car and 10% utilizing the train network. The average household has 1.5 vehicles. A relatively small 5.6% of residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic regulations.

Detail

Waikiki faces significant health challenges, based on Districts' assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts , and the rate of private health cover found to be very high at approximately 55% of the total population (~7,532 people). This compares to 59.0% across Greater Perth.

Detail

The area has relatively high cultural diversity, with 9.2% of residents speaking a non-English language at home and 32.3% born in another country. Christianity is the primary religion, representing 43.7% of the community. In terms of relative overrepresentation, the Jewish faith accounts for 0.1% of the local population, compared to 0.3% across Greater Perth.

Detail

The median age of 39 years is slightly higher than the Greater Perth average of 37, and close to the national benchmark of 38. The 55 - 64 age bracket is noticeably larger than the regional average, making up 14.6% of the population, while young adults aged 25 - 34 are underrepresented at 10.6%. Since the 2021 Census, seniors aged 65 to 74 grew from 9.2% to 10.9% of the population, and those aged 75 to 84 increased from 4.4% to 5.9%. Conversely, adults aged 45 to 54 declined from 14.4% to 12.6%, and the 25 to bracket decreased from to . Demographic projections for indicate a major shift, led by a increase in the to group (an additional people), growing from to . Aging trends will see residents aged and older account for of total growth, while the to and to age groups are projected to shrink.

Detail

Waikiki currently has an estimated 720 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 432 children aged 0-2 and 288 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 2% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 8% by 2041 (to approximately 662 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,426. Birth rates in the area have averaged 12.1 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a high rate (among the top 30% of areas assessed nationally).