Atwell

Atwell has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Atwell is around 10,332, reflecting an increase of 1,045 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 9,287. This change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 10,074 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional validated new address since the Census date. The population density ratio is 2,918 persons per square kilometer, placing Atwell in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Atwell's population growth of 11.3% since the 2021 Census exceeded the national average of 9.9%. Interstate migration contributed approximately 49.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year.

For areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch utilises growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, a significant population increase is forecast for Atwell, with an expected growth of 3,036 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 36.4% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Atwell when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Atwell recorded around 17 residential properties granted approval per year. Approximately 86 homes were approved over the past five financial years, between FY2021 and FY2025, with an additional 18 approved so far in FY2026.

On average, this translates to about 27 new residents per year for every home built during these years. This demand significantly outpaces supply, typically exerting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers. The average construction value of new properties is $467,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. Compared to Greater Perth, Atwell has markedly lower building activity, recording 82.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, though building activity has accelerated in recent years.

Recent development has been entirely comprised of standalone homes, preserving the area's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The location currently has approximately 451 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area. Population forecasts indicate Atwell will gain 3,763 residents through to 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Atwell has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives include Treeby Village, Forrestdale Business Park West, Treeby East Primary School (Planning Name), and Atwell Community Centre Kitchen Upgrade. The following list details those projects expected to be most relevant.

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.

Atwell ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Atwell has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.5% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.1%. As of September 2025, 7,181 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 1.4% lower than Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation was high at 91.2%, compared to Greater Perth's 71.6%. Only 7.6% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The key industries of employment were health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Manufacturing showed notable concentration with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

Conversely, professional & technical services had lower representation at 6.9% compared to the regional average of 8.2%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities. In the 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 4.1%, labour force grew by 4.7%, and unemployment rose by 0.5 percentage points. This compared to Greater Perth where employment grew by 2.9%, labour force expanded by 3.0%, and unemployment rose marginally. 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 Atwell's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch aggregated latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023. In Atwell suburb, median income among taxpayers was $57,025 with average at $68,066. These figures align with national averages of $60,748 and $80,248 across Greater Perth respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $62,511 (median) and $74,614 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household incomes rank at the 88th percentile ($2,404 weekly). Income analysis shows that 34.6% of residents (3,574 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, similar to regional levels where 32.0% occupy this range. Higher earners make up a substantial presence with 37.3% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power. Housing accounts for 14.1% of income, while residents rank within the 88th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Atwell is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Atwell's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.5% houses and 5.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is in contrast to Perth metro's figures of 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Atwell was at 22.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 54.6% and rented ones at 23.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,950, higher than Perth metro's average of $1,907. The median weekly rent figure for Atwell was recorded at $400, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Atwell's mortgage repayments exceed the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are higher than the national figure of $375.

Atwell features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 84.0% of all households, including 49.6% couples with children, 21.4% couples without children, and 11.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 16.0%, with lone person households at 14.0% and group households comprising 2.0% of the total. The median household size is 3.0 people, which is larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

The educational profile of Atwell exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

University qualification levels in Atwell are at 27.6%, slightly below the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 18.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.7%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials are held by 35.4% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 11.2% and certificates at 24.2%.

Educational participation is high, with 34.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.4% in primary education, 11.0% in secondary education, and 6.1% 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 37 active transport stops in Atwell, consisting of bus services. These are covered by four routes, offering a total of 879 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 204 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Car remains dominant at 82%, while train usage stands at 12%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, exceeding regional average.

Only 7.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census). Service frequency averages 125 trips daily across all routes, equating to about 23 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Atwell is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Atwell exhibits superior health outcomes according to AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, with low prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 54% (~5,602 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Perth's 59.0%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 7.7% and 6.5% of residents respectively, while 75.5% claim to be completely free from medical ailments, compared to 71.9% in Greater Perth. The under-65 population shows better than average health outcomes. The area has 10.2% (1,053 people) of residents aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Perth's 16.3%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Atwell was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Atwell's population, as per the census on 3rd August 2016, showed higher cultural diversity with 20.1% speaking languages other than English at home and 33.1% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Atwell, accounting for 43.7%. Notably, Buddhism's representation stood at 2.5%, slightly higher than Greater Perth's 2.7%.

In terms of parental ancestry, the top three groups were English (28.0%), Australian (24.6%), and Other (9.0%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: South African (1.2% vs regional 1.0%), Korean (0.9% vs 0.3%), and New Zealand (1.0% vs 0.8%) were notably overrepresented in Atwell compared to the Greater Perth region.

Atwell's population is younger than the national pattern

Atwell's median age is 36 years, nearly matching Greater Perth's average of 37 years, which is modestly under the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, Atwell has a higher concentration of 45-54 year-olds at 17.4%, but fewer 25-34 year-olds at 9.8%. This 45-54 age group is well above the national average of 12.0%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 55 to 64 age group has grown from 9.7% to 11.2%, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 2.2% to 3.6%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 16.2% to 13.9%, and the 25 to 34 age group dropped from 11.4% to 9.8%. Demographic modeling indicates that Atwell's age profile will significantly evolve by 2041, with the 45 to 54 cohort projected to grow by 46%, adding 821 residents to reach a total of 2,619.