It was a gold-mining town in the 19th century, starting in 1867 when gold was found.

Waikaka is in an SA1 statistical area which covers 21.20 km2 (8.19 sq mi).

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 41.0% had no religion, 43.6% were Christian, and 5.1% were Hindu.

[2] Waikaka statistical area covers 586.75 km2 (226.55 sq mi)[1] and also includes Chatton and Mandeville.

The percentage of people born overseas was 12.5, compared with 27.1% nationally.

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 42.1% had no religion, 47.5% were Christian, 1.2% were Hindu, 0.2% were Muslim, 0.2% were Buddhist and 1.3% had other religions.