Balcatta

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

As of February 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Balcatta is around 12,424. This figure represents a 14.9% increase from the 2021 Census population of 10,813 people. The latest resident population estimate by AreaSearch, following examination of June 2024 ABS ERP data release and additional validated new addresses since the Census date, stands at 12,047. This results in a population density ratio of 1,762 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Balcatta's growth rate since the 2021 Census exceeded the national average of 9.9%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 70.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch projections for Balcatta are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data. By 2041, the suburb is expected to increase by 1,318 persons, reflecting a total increase of 6.8% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Balcatta among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Balcatta has recorded around 61 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, between FY21 and FY25, approximately 308 homes were approved, with an additional 24 so far in FY26. This results in an average of 3.5 people moving to the area per dwelling built over these years, indicating significant demand outpacing supply.

Consequently, this typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers. The average expected construction cost value for new homes being built is $439,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In terms of commercial activity, Balcatta has registered approximately $36.4 million in approvals this financial year, demonstrating high levels of local commercial development.

Compared to Greater Perth, Balcatta records somewhat elevated construction, at 24.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. New building activity shows 79.0% detached dwellings and 21.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (53.0% at Census), reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes amid densification trends. With around 202 people per dwelling approval, Balcatta shows characteristics of a growth area. Population forecasts indicate Balcatta will gain approximately 843 residents through to 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 28 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include the Trackless Tram System along Scarborough Beach Road, the City of Stirling's Local Planning Scheme No. 4 (LPS4), the East Roselea Structure Plan (Mosaic Balcatta), and the Stephenson Avenue Extension. The following list details those 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.

Employment conditions in Balcatta demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Balcatta has a well-educated workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.9% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 4.3% over the past year. There are 6,797 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.1% below Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation is 68.8%, compared to Greater Perth's 71.6%. According to Census responses, 7.0% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area has a particular specialization in construction with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level, while mining has limited presence at 4.5%, compared to 7.0% regionally.

There is one worker for every resident, indicating substantial local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.3% and labour force increased by 3.7%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Perth saw employment growth of 2.9%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Balcatta's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Balcatta had an income level above the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year ended June 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Balcatta was $56,503 and the average income stood at $72,134. In comparison, Greater Perth's median income was $60,748 and average income was $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since June 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $61,939 (median) and $79,073 (average). According to the Census conducted in August 2021, household, family, and personal incomes in Balcatta ranked modestly, between the 37th and 50th percentiles. The earnings profile showed that 32.6% of locals (4,050 people) fell into the $1,500 - $2,999 income category, similar to the broader trend across the surrounding region where 32.0% were in the same category. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 83.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 38th percentile. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 5th decile.

Balcatta displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Balcatta, as evaluated at the 2016 Census, comprised 53.0% houses and 47.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Perth metro had 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Balcatta was at 32.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.7% and rented ones at 32.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,756, compared to Perth metro's $1,907. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $340, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Balcatta's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 61.3% of all households, including 24.6% couples with children, 24.5% couples without children, and 10.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 38.7%, with lone person households at 35.2% and group households comprising 3.6%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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

Educational qualifications in Balcatta trail regional benchmarks with 28.0% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 37.1% in SA3 area. Bachelor degrees lead at 20.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 5.3% and graduate diplomas at 2.4%. Trade and technical skills feature prominently with 33.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 11.3% and certificates at 22.6%. Educational participation is notably high with 26.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 8.5% in primary education, 6.3% in secondary education, and 5.3% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.5% in primary education, 6.3% in secondary education, and 5.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Balcatta has 86 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 18 different routes that collectively facilitate 2,868 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these stops is rated as excellent, with residents living an average of 173 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 84%, while trains account for 7% and buses for 5%. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling in Balcatta, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 7% of residents work from home, a figure that may have been influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 409 trips per day, equating to approximately 33 weekly trips per individual stop.

Balcatta's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health data for Balcatta shows positive outcomes overall. Mortality rates and health conditions are largely similar to national benchmarks.

Common health conditions are seen across both young and old age groups. Private health cover is high, at approximately 56% of the total population (~6,937 people), compared to 59.0% in Greater Perth. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (8.4%) and mental health issues (7.4%). About 70.9% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 71.9% in Greater Perth. Under-65 residents have better than average health outcomes. Balcatta has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over (20.7%, or 2,571 people), compared to Greater Perth's 16.3%. National rankings for the area are broadly in line with the general population.

Balcatta is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Balcatta's cultural diversity is notable, with 39.6% of its population born overseas and 36.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity dominates the religious landscape in Balcatta, making up 57.0% of people, while Hinduism is overrepresented at 4.3%, compared to Greater Perth's 2.5%. The top three ancestry groups are English (18.8%), Australian (16.4%), and Italian (16.2%).

Notably, Macedonian (4.5%) Croatian (2.3%), and Serbian (1.0%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Balcatta compared to regional averages of 0.4%, 0.8%, and 0.3% respectively.

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

The median age in Balcatta is 39 years, which is higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 years and close to Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, the 75-84 age group is over-represented in Balcatta at 8.3%, while the 15-24 age group is under-represented at 10.2%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 35-44 age group has increased from 15.8% to 16.6% of Balcatta's population, while the 25-34 age group has declined from 16.7% to 14.8%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Balcatta. The 85+ age group is expected to grow by 80%, reaching 984 people from 546. This growth will be led by residents aged 65 and older, who are anticipated to represent 66% of the total population growth. Conversely, the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups are expected to experience population declines.