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, the suburb of Ashby's estimated population is around 3,248 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 398 people (14.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,850 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,248, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS on Jun 2024 and an additional 44 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,320 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Ashby's 14.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (8.9%), along with the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area 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, 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. The suburb of Ashby is expected to increase by 564 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 15.9% 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 7 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 38 homes. As of FY26, 6 approvals have been recorded. On average, 8.1 new residents arrive per year for each dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25. This indicates substantial supply lagging behind demand, potentially leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

The average development value for new dwellings is $396,000, aligning with broader regional development figures. In FY26, $42,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Perth, Ashby has significantly lower building activity, at 77.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. Nationally, Ashby's level is also below average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints.

Recent development in Ashby has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, sustaining its suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. With around 393 people per dwelling approval, Ashby indicates a developed market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Ashby is expected to grow by approximately 515 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Ashby has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 47thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one project expected to affect the region: Wanneroo Recreation Centre - New Sports Hub and Community Hub Upgrade. Other notable projects include East Wanneroo District Structure Plan, Halcyon Illyarrie, and Joondalup Private Hospital Expansion. The following list highlights those 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

Ashby's workforce is skilled, with the construction sector prominent. The unemployment rate was 3.1% in June 2025, below Greater Perth's 3.9%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.0%. As of June 2025, 1,651 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.8% lower than Greater Perth's. Workforce participation was 61.0%, compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Key industries for employment are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Ashby has a high specialization in construction (1.5 times the regional level), but accommodation & food services are under-represented (4.2% vs Greater Perth's 6.8%). Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 4.0%, while labour force grew by 3.9%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 3.1%. In contrast, Greater Perth saw employment growth of 3.7% and labour force growth of 3.8%, with a slight rise in unemployment to 3.8%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-2022 suggest Ashby's employment could increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Ashby's employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Ashby's median taxpayer income was $50,218, with an average of $61,895 according to AreaSearch's postcode level ATO data for the financial year 2022. This is lower than national averages, contrasting with Greater Perth's median income of $58,380 and average income of $78,020 in the same period. By September 2025, based on a 14.2% growth since financial year 2022, estimated incomes would be approximately $57,349 (median) and $70,684 (average). Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly in Ashby, between the 30th and 40th percentiles. Income distribution shows 29.4% of residents (954 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. Housing affordability is severe, with only 81.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 26th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

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

As of the latest Census evaluation in Ashby, 93.1% of dwellings were houses while 6.8% consisted of other types such as semi-detached properties, apartments and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Perth metro's figures of 92.2% houses and 7.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ashby stood at 35.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 41.2% and rented ones at 23.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,863, lower than Perth metro's average of $1,898. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure in Ashby was $380, higher than Perth metro's $350 but still below the national average of $375 for rents. Nationally, Ashby's mortgage repayments were similar to the Australian average of $1,863.

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

Family households account for 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 make up the remaining 32.3%, with lone person households at 30.8% and group households comprising 1.4%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.8.

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

Ashby Trail region has 20.8% of residents aged 15 and above holding university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. The most common qualification is bachelor degrees at 15.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 3.7% and graduate diplomas at 1.7%. Vocational credentials are held by 36.8% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 9.9% and certificates at 26.9%. Current educational participation is high, with 27.7% of residents enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.9% in primary, 6.6% in secondary, and 4.9% in tertiary education. Educational facilities may be located outside immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

Analysis of public transport data shows nine active stops operating in Ashby, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are served by two individual routes, collectively offering 477 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 204 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 68 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 53 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Ashby is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Ashby faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 52% of the total population (~1,681 people), slightly lagging behind the average SA2 area at 53.8%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (impacting 8.9%) and mental health issues (8.3%), while 67.7% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 73.0% across Greater Perth. The area has 23.2% of residents aged 65 and over (753 people), higher than the 13.6% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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, as per the 2016 Census, showed high cultural diversity with 15.3% speaking a language other than English at home and 43.7% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 47.5%. The category 'Other' religions had an overrepresentation in Ashby at 2.9%, compared to 1.0% across Greater Perth.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (34.5%), Australian (19.9%), and Scottish (8.3%). Notable differences existed for South African (Ashby: 1.9%, regional: 1.8%), Welsh (Ashby: 1.3%, regional: 0.9%), and New Zealand (Ashby: 1.1%, regional: 1.1%) ancestry groups.

Ashby's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Ashby has a median age of 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Perth's figure of 37 and Australia's figure of 38 years. Compared to the Greater Perth average, Ashby has a notably higher proportion of people aged 75-84 (9.9%) but a lower proportion of those aged 25-34 (12.1%). Between 2021 and present, the percentage of people aged 75-84 has increased from 9.2% to 9.9%, while the percentage of those aged 5-14 has decreased from 12.9% to 10.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Ashby's age profile will change significantly. The number of people aged 75-84 is projected to grow by 215 (an increase of 67%) from 321 to 537. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above are expected to account for 83% of total population growth, reflecting Ashby's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the populations aged 0-4 and 5-14 are projected to decline.