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

Analysis of ABS demographic revisions for the surrounding region combined with new address validations performed by AreaSearch indicates that the population of the suburb of Ashby (WA) stands at approximately 3,301 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 451 residents (15.8%) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented 2,850 inhabitants. This demographic shift is calculated from the resident population of 3,301, estimated by AreaSearch using the ABS Estimated Resident Population release from June 2025 alongside an additional 53 validated new addresses since the Census date. Such a population size results in a density of 2,357 persons per square kilometer, placing the suburb in the top quartile of domestic locations evaluated by AreaSearch. The 15.8% expansion rate of the suburb of Ashby (WA) since the 2021 census was higher than the national benchmark of 9.3% and the broader SA4 region, establishing the suburb as a local growth leader. Overseas migration was the primary driver of these gains, accounting for roughly 62.0% of the overall population increase over recent timeframes.

AreaSearch incorporates projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia for every SA2 region, published in 2024 using 2022 as the baseline. For SA2 territories lacking this coverage, and to project demographic change across all localities past 2032, AreaSearch applies growth rates by age group from the latest ABS Greater Capital Region projections, which were released in 2023 and based on 2022 figures. Looking at future demographic trends, the suburb of Ashby (WA) is projected to experience population growth above the median of statistical areas studied by AreaSearch, with an expected rise of 440 residents by 2041 according to consolidated SA2 projections, representing an overall expansion of 13.3% across the 16 years.

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

According to AreaSearch analysis of ABS residential building approvals mapped from statistical divisions, Ashby averages approximately 8 new dwelling approvals annually, with a total of 44 residential approvals registered over the preceding 5 financial years. In the current financial year of FY-26, 11 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 9.1 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), the volume of new housing is lagging behind demand, a scenario that typically intensifies buyer competition and exerts upward pressure on prices. Newly built residences carry an average development value of $396,000, which highlights a focus by developers on premium, upscale properties. Additionally, commercial approvals worth $5.6 million have been documented in the current financial year, which underscores the predominantly residential profile of the locality.

Ashby exhibits low levels of building approvals relative to Greater Perth, tracking 73.0% below the metropolitan average per person. This restricted volume of new supply generally helps support demand and values for existing real estate. This activity level is also below the national average, indicating a mature market and potential planning constraints. Furthermore, recent construction has consisted entirely of separate houses, reinforcing the suburban character of the area with a pool of family residences suited to buyers looking for space. With a ratio of approximately 592 people for every single dwelling approval, the local property market shows high maturity.

Looking forward, the population is projected to expand by 440 inhabitants by 2041 based on the most recent quarterly estimate from AreaSearch. If development rates persist at current levels, the addition of new housing may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and driving up property values.

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

Local infrastructure projects, major developments, and planning schemes are major drivers of regional performance. In total, AreaSearch has identified a single project expected to influence the area. Significant local projects include the Wanneroo Recreation Centre - New Sports Hub and Community Hub Upgrade, the East Wanneroo District Structure Plan, Halcyon Illyarrie, and the Joondalup Health Campus Development Stage 2, with the list below highlighting the developments most likely to be relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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

The local workforce is characterized by high skill levels, with the building and construction sector showing exceptionally strong representation. The unemployment rate sits at a low 3.5%, and employment grew by an estimated 4.2% over the last year, according to AreaSearch aggregations of regional data. In March 2026, 1,763 residents were employed, and the local unemployment rate was 0.7% lower than the Greater Perth average of 4.2%. Participation in the labor force is somewhat lower than the metropolitan norm, standing at 66.6% compared to 70.2% across Greater Perth. Census records show that a modest 7.2% of working residents performed their duties from home, though this figure may have been influenced by COVID-19 restriction measures.

The primary employment sectors for local residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The workforce shows a clear specialization in construction, employing residents at a rate 1.5 times the regional average. Conversely, the accommodation & food sector is underrepresented, employing only 4.2% of the local workforce compared to 6.8% across Greater Perth. The heavily residential nature of the suburb appears to offer few local jobs, as reflected in the balance between the Census working population and the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS statistics aggregated from broader regional divisions, employment rose by 4.2% and the labor force expanded by 4.6% during the 12 months ending March 2026, resulting in a 0.4 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate. Over the same period, Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 2.0% and labor force growth of 2.5%, also resulting in a 0.4 percentage point rise. National employment forecasts from May-25 published by Jobs and Skills Australia provide additional context on future demand in the area. These five and ten-year projections have been applied to the local workforce profile to estimate future growth. While national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, the rates of change vary widely by industry. Projecting these industry-level trends onto the local employment profile indicates that employment among residents is set to rise by 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, assuming a basic weighted extrapolation that does not account for localized population changes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Taxpayer data from the ATO for the 2023 financial year, aggregated by AreaSearch at the postcode level, shows a median taxpayer income of $50,218 and an average of $61,895. These figures are below the national average, contrasting with a median of $60,748 and an average of $80,248 in Greater Perth. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since the 2023 financial year, current income estimates would stand at approximately $55,707 for the median and $68,660 for the average as of March 2026. According to Census data, household, family, and individual incomes all rank modestly, placing between the 30th and 40th percentiles. Distribution statistics show that 29.4% of the population (970 people) earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, which is comparable to the surrounding region where 32.0% of the population falls into this bracket. Housing affordability pressure is high, with residents retaining only 81.2% of their income, placing the area in the 26th percentile, while the SEIFA income index ranks the suburb in the 5th decile.

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

At the time of the latest Census, the local housing mix consisted of 93.1% separate houses and 6.8% other dwelling types, such as townhouses, apartments, and alternative options, compared to the Perth metropolitan average of 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. The rate of home ownership was significantly higher than the Perth metropolitan average, standing at 35.4%, with the remaining properties either under mortgage (41.2%) or occupied by renters (23.5%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,863 was lower than the Perth metropolitan average of $1,907, whereas the median weekly rent of $380 was higher than the metropolitan average of $350. Nationally, local mortgage repayments align with the Australian average of $1,863, while weekly rents exceed the national average of $375.

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

Families make up the majority of households at 67.7%, consisting of couples with children at 30.2%, couples without children at 25.7%, and single parents at 11.3%. Non-family households account for the remaining 32.3%, with single-person households representing 30.8% and group households comprising 1.4% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 residents is slightly 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

Educational attainment levels trail regional averages, with 20.8% of residents aged 15 and older holding a university degree compared to 30.4% across Australia, pointing to opportunities for further academic and professional training. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 15.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 3.7% and graduate diplomas at 1.7%. Vocational education is highly represented, with 36.8% of residents aged 15 and over possessing trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas at 9.9% and certificates at 26.9%.

Participation in education is high, with 27.7% of the population currently enrolled in formal studies. This enrollment includes 10.9% of residents attending primary school, 6.6% in high school, and 4.9% undertaking tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis identifies 9 active passenger stops operating locally, consisting of bus services. These stops are serviced by 2 routes, which combine to provide 477 passenger trips per week. Transport access is rated as good, with residents living an average of 204 meters from their nearest transit stop. Given the residential nature of the suburb, the majority of working residents commute to other areas, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode of travel at 84%, followed by train travel at 10%. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.2 cars per dwelling, which is below the metropolitan average. A relatively low 7.2% of residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-related conditions.

Bus routes provide an average of 68 services per day, which translates to approximately 53 weekly services at each 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

Health indicators are close to national averages, according to AreaSearch evaluations of mortality statistics and chronic health conditions, with overall illness rates tracking at typical levels, though older age groups exhibit higher rates of chronic conditions than the national average. Private health insurance coverage is relatively low, held by approximately 52% of the population (~1,709 people), compared to 59.0% across Greater Perth.

Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent health issues in the area, affecting 8.9% and 8.3% of residents respectively. Conversely, 67.7% of residents reported having no long-term medical conditions, compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. Residents under the age of 65 experience better health outcomes than average. Seniors aged 65 and older make up 24.4% of the population (805 people), which is higher than the Greater Perth proportion of 16.1%. While health metrics for this older group present some challenges, their national health ranking is lower than that of the general local 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

The local population displays greater cultural diversity than most markets, with 15.3% of residents using a language other than English at home and 43.7% born outside of Australia. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 47.5% of the population. The most pronounced religious divergence is in the Other category, which accounts for 2.9% of local residents compared to 1.4% across Greater Perth.

English ancestry is the most common, claimed by 34.5% of the population, which is notably higher than the regional average of 28.0%. This is followed by Australian ancestry at 19.9% and Scottish ancestry at 8.3%. There are also notable differences in the representation of other backgrounds: South Australian ancestry is overrepresented at 1.9% (compared to 1.0% regionally), Welsh ancestry stands at 1.3% (compared to 0.7%), and New Zealand ancestry is at 1.1% (compared to 0.8%).

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

The median age of 40 is slightly higher than the Greater Perth median of 37 and marginally above the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, the 75 - 84 age group is overrepresented, making up 10.1% of the local population, while the 25 - 34 cohort is underrepresented at 12.5%. Since 2021, the 15 to 24 age bracket has increased from 10.0% to 11.6%, and the 55 to 64 group has grown from 9.3% to 10.5%. Meanwhile, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 12.9% to 10.4%. Demographic models indicate significant changes in the age structure by 2041, with the 75 to 84 cohort projected to increase by 179 people (54%), rising from 333 to 513. The combined cohorts aged 65 and over will account for 78% of the total population growth, reflecting a rapidly aging profile. In contrast, the 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 age brackets are projected to contract.