Ashby (WA)

Population growth drivers in Ashby are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Ashby's population is estimated at around 3,224 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 374 people (13.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,850 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,218, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 52 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,302 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Ashby's 13.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb of Ashby was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 62.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is utilising the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is projected, with the suburb expected to increase by 621 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 18.2% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Ashby recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Ashby shows approximately 8 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 42 homes. As of FY-26, 6 approvals have been recorded. On average, 7.3 new residents arrived per year per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating supply lagging behind demand and potential buyer competition. Developers focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties, as demonstrated by an average dwelling construction value of $396,000.

In FY-26, $5.6 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting Ashby's residential character. Compared to Greater Perth, Ashby has significantly lower building activity (75.0% below regional average per person), supporting stronger demand and values for established properties. This level is also below national average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent development consists entirely of detached dwellings, maintaining Ashby's suburban identity with family homes suited to buyers seeking space. With around 370 people per dwelling approval, Ashby exhibits a developed market.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Ashby is expected to grow by 586 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Ashby has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 43rdth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely affecting this region: Wanneroo Recreation Centre - New Sports Hub and Community Hub Upgrade, East Wanneroo District Structure Plan, Halcyon Illyarrie, Joondalup Private Hospital Expansion. The following details projects most relevant to the area.

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.

The employment environment in Ashby shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Ashby's skilled workforce is notable, with the construction sector being particularly well-represented. The unemployment rate was 3.1% in September 2025, below Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.8%.

As of September 2025, 1,669 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.9% lower than Greater Perth's. Workforce participation was somewhat below standard at 66.9%, compared to Greater Perth's 71.6%. According to Census responses, only 7.2% of residents worked from home. Key industries for employment among residents were health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Ashby had a particular specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. However, accommodation & food services were under-represented, at 4.2% compared to Greater Perth's 6.8%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the working population count versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 3.8%, while labour force increased by 3.7%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth experienced employment growth of 2.9% and labour force growth of 3.0%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Ashby's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, although this was a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and did not account for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Ashby has a median taxpayer income of $50,218 and an average income of $61,895 based on the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than national averages, with Greater Perth having a median income of $60,748 and an average income of $80,248. As of September 2025, current estimates project the median income to be approximately $55,049 and the average income to be around $67,849, accounting for a 9.62% growth in wages since financial year 2023. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Ashby are modest, ranking between the 30th and 40th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 29.4% of Ashby's population (947 individuals) falls within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, which is consistent with broader trends in the surrounding region where 32.0% of residents are in the same category. Housing affordability pressures in Ashby are severe, with only 81.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 26th percentile. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Ashby is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Ashby's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 93.1% houses and 6.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Perth metro's 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ashby was 35.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 41.2% and rented ones at 23.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,863, below Perth metro's average of $1,907. Median weekly rent in Ashby was $380, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Ashby's mortgage repayments matched the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Ashby features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 67.7% of all households, including 30.2% couples with children, 25.7% couples without children, and 11.3% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 32.3%, with lone person households at 30.8% and group households making up 1.4%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Ashby shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Ashby Trail region has educational qualifications that differ from Australian benchmarks, with 20.8% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to the national average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 15.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 36.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them – advanced diplomas account for 9.9% while certificates make up 26.9%. Educational participation is high in the region, with 27.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.9% in primary education, 6.6% in secondary education, and 4.9% 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 nine active transport stops operating within Ashby. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with two individual routes collectively providing 477 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 204 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode at 84%, with 10% using train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 7.2% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 68 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 53 weekly trips per individual stop.

Ashby's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Ashby's health metrics are close to national benchmarks, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The level of common health conditions among the general population is somewhat typical but higher than the nation's average among older cohorts.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 52% of the total population (~1,669 people), compared to 59.0% across Greater Perth. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.9 and 8.3% of residents respectively, while 67.7% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 24.0% of residents aged 65 and over (773 people), which is higher than the 16.3% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

Ashby was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Ashby's population was found to be more linguistically diverse than most local markets, with 15.3% speaking a language other than English at home as of the latest data available in 20XX. Additionally, 43.7% of Ashby's residents were born overseas. Christianity was identified as the primary religion in Ashby, comprising 47.5% of its population.

However, the category 'Other' showed a notable overrepresentation in Ashby at 2.9%, compared to the regional average of 1.4%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English at 34.5%, Australian at 19.9%, and Scottish at 8.3%. Notably, South African ancestry was overrepresented in Ashby at 1.9% compared to the regional average of 1.0%, Welsh at 1.3% vs 0.7%, and New Zealand at 1.1% vs 0.8%.

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

Ashby's median age is 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Perth's figure of 37 and Australia's average of 38 years. Comparing Ashby's demographics with Greater Perth, the 75-84 age group is notably over-represented at 10.3%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 11.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 9.2% to 10.3% of Ashby's population. Conversely, the 5-14 age group has declined from 12.9% to 10.3%, and the 25-34 age group has dropped from 13.0% to 11.5%. Demographic projections suggest significant changes in Ashby's age profile by 2041. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to grow significantly, increasing by 203 people (61%) from 332 to 536. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 80% of total population growth, reflecting Ashby's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 5-14 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.