Balcatta

An assessment of population growth drivers in Balcatta reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population for the Balcatta statistical area (Lv2) is around 12,421 people. This figure reflects a growth of 1,608 individuals since the 2021 Census, indicating an increase of 14.9%. The resident population estimate of 12,047 by AreaSearch, based on the latest ERP data release from the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 139 validated new addresses since the Census date, supports this growth. This results in a density ratio of 1,761 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The Balcatta (SA2) has shown significant population growth since the 2021 census, with a rate of 14.9% that exceeds the national average of 9.7%. This growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 70.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, to anticipate future population trends. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch employs the 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, the Balcatta (SA2) is expected to increase by approximately 1,301 persons to reach a population of around 19,722 people by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 6.7% over the seventeen-year period.

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

Balcatta has recorded around 61 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past 5 financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 308 homes have been approved, with an additional 24 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, 3.5 people move to the area for each dwelling built over these years.

This indicates a substantial lag between supply and demand, likely leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New properties are constructed at an average value of $439,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, there have been $36.4 million in commercial approvals, indicating strong commercial development momentum.

Compared to Greater Perth, Balcatta shows moderately higher construction activity, at 24.0% above the regional average per person over the past 5 years. This preserves reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. Recent construction comprises 79.0% detached houses and 21.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (53.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. The location has approximately 202 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Future projections show Balcatta adding 833 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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, City of Stirling's Local Planning Scheme No. 4 (LPS4), East Roselea Structure Plan (Mosaic Balcatta), and 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. Its unemployment rate was 2.9% as of September 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.3%. As of September 2025, 6,790 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.1% below Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Balcatta was 62.6%, compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. The dominant employment sectors among residents included health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Construction showed notable concentration with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average, while mining had lower representation at 4.5% versus the regional average of 7.0%. The worker-to-resident ratio was 0.9 as at the Census, indicating substantial local employment opportunities. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 4.3%, while labour force increased by 3.7%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.6 percentage points in Balcatta. In Greater Perth, employment grew by 2.9%, labour force expanded by 3.0%, and unemployment rose marginally. State-level data to 25-Nov showed WA employment contracted by 0.27% (losing 5,520 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.6%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Balcatta's employment mix, local employment is estimated to increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.3% over ten years.

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

The suburb of Balcatta has a median taxpayer income of $56,503 and an average income of $72,134 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is higher than the national average, which was $60,748 median and $80,248 average in Greater Perth during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Balcatta would be approximately $61,939 median and $79,073 average as of September 2025. Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Balcatta rank modestly, between the 37th and 50th percentiles. Income distribution data indicates that 32.6% of individuals (4,049) earn between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to regional levels where 32.0% fall within this range. Housing affordability is severe in Balcatta, with only 83.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 38th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Balcatta's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 53.0% houses and 47.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Perth metropolitan area's 59.6% houses and 40.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Balcatta stood at 32.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.7% and rented ones at 32.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,756, lower than Perth metro's average of $1,950. Median weekly rent in Balcatta was $340, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Balcatta's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 constitute 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 2.4.

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

Balcatta's educational qualifications trail regional benchmarks; 28.0% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees compared to the SA3 area's 37.1%. This gap suggests potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most common at 20.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 33.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.3%) and certificates (22.6%).

Educational participation is 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

Transport analysis shows 86 active transport stops operating in Balcatta, consisting of a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 18 individual routes, collectively providing 2,868 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 173 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 409 trips per day across all routes, 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 shows that Balcatta residents have relatively positive health outcomes, with common conditions seen across both young and old age groups. The rate of private health cover is high at approximately 56% (around 6,935 people), compared to 60.5% in Greater Perth.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.4% and 7.4% of residents respectively. Around 70.9% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 73.0% in Greater Perth. As of the latest data (2016), 20.3% of Balcatta's population is aged 65 and over (around 2,521 people), which is higher than the 18.3% figure for Greater Perth. Overall, these figures align with the general population's health profile.

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 has a high level of cultural diversity, with 39.6% of its population born overseas and 36.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Balcatta, accounting for 57.0% of its residents. However, Hinduism is overrepresented compared to Greater Perth, comprising 4.3% of Balcatta's population versus 2.7%.

The top three ancestral groups based on country of birth of parents are English (18.8%), Australian (16.4%), and Italian (16.2%), the latter being significantly higher than the regional average of 7.2%. Notably, Macedonian (4.5% vs 1.5%), Croatian (2.3% vs 1.1%), and Serbian (1.0% vs 0.5%) ethnic groups are also overrepresented in Balcatta compared to Greater Perth.

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

The median age in Balcatta is 39 years, which is slightly higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 years and close to the national average of 38 years. Compared to the Greater Perth average, the 75-84 age group is notably over-represented in Balcatta at 8.0%, while the 5-14 age group is under-represented at 9.9%. 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 decreased from 16.7% to 15.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Balcatta. The 85+ age group is expected to grow by 84%, reaching 982 people from 534, leading the demographic shift. Residents aged 65 and older are anticipated to represent 66% of this growth. Conversely, the 0-4 and 25-34 age groups are projected to experience population declines.