Bassendean (WA)

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

According to ABS demographic updates for the wider region and new home locations verified by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Bassendean (WA) has an estimated resident count of 12,068 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 1,231 individuals (11.4%) relative to the 2021 Census, which registered 10,837 residents. This projection is derived from a resident count of 12,066 estimated by AreaSearch using the ABS June 2025 ERP release, combined with an extra 89 validated new addresses registered after the Census. The current resident count corresponds to a density of 1,646 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the typical density of national reference areas analyzed by AreaSearch. The 11.4% expansion rate in the suburb of Bassendean (WA) since the 2021 census outpaced the national benchmark of 9.3%, positioning the locality as a regional growth leader. This expansion was driven mostly by net arrivals from abroad, which accounted for approximately 65.0% of the overall population rise over the observed periods.

Projections developed by Geoscience Australia and the ABS for each SA2 unit are applied by AreaSearch, using 2022 as the baseline year and published in 2024. For SA2 areas lacking these figures, and to project demographic changes past 2032, AreaSearch applies age cohort growth trends from the ABS Greater Capital Region projections published in 2023 utilizing 2022 data. Future demographic patterns point to a population rise trailing slightly behind the national midpoint, with aggregated SA2 projections indicating the suburb of Bassendean (WA) will add 1,244 residents by 2041, representing a total expansion of 10.3% over the 16 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Bassendean when compared nationally

AreaSearch evaluations of building approvals compiled by the ABS show that Bassendean averages approximately 47 residential permits annually, representing an estimated 235 residential starts over the preceding 5 financial years. In the current FY-26 period, 71 construction permits have been logged. Since approximately 4 new residents arrived for every completed home built between FY-21 and FY-25, demand is running well ahead of construction volume, which commonly puts upward pressure on values and intensifies homebuyer competition. Newly built homes carry an average estimated construction cost of $502,000, showing that developers are targeting the higher-end sector with upscale properties. Furthermore, $12.3 million in commercial construction approvals have been registered during this financial year, showing ongoing commercial investment.

Per capita construction activity in Bassendean matches the wider Greater Perth region, supporting market stability in line with metropolitan trends, although development momentum has slowed recently. The recent pipeline consists of 89.0% separate houses and 11.0% multi-unit dwellings, reinforcing the traditional local setting centered around spacious family properties. With approximately 385 residents per building permit, the local market exhibits characteristics of maturity.

Based on the most recent quarterly estimates from AreaSearch, demographic projections show Bassendean will add 1,242 citizens by 2041. Ongoing building volumes appear well-balanced with this future demand, fostering stable market conditions without generating sharp price pressures.

Bassendean has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 39thth percentile nationally

Local performance is heavily shaped by infrastructure developments, planning decisions, and major works. AreaSearch has identified a total of 11 projects likely to impact the locality. Key initiatives include the WA Government Social Housing Program - Bassendean, the Bassendean Oval Redevelopment Concept Masterplan, the Jubilee Reserve Redevelopment, and the 1 Park Lane Affordable Apartments project, with the details of the most significant projects listed below.

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

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AreaSearch analysis places Bassendean well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Bassendean has a well-educated labor force with strong representations in key service industries, an unemployment rate of just 3.3%, and an estimated job growth of 4.2% over the previous year, according to AreaSearch regional aggregations. In March 2026, working residents numbered 7,174, while the local jobless rate sat 0.9% below the 4.2% recorded across Greater Perth. The participation rate is relatively typical, standing at 73.4% compared to 70.2% for Greater Perth. According to Census data, a modest 10.8% of the workforce operated from home, though this period was affected by pandemic restrictions.

The primary employment sectors for local citizens are health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Public administration & safety shows a distinct local specialization, employing workers at 1.3 times the wider metropolitan average. Conversely, retail trade accounts for only 7.9% of employment locally, which is lower than the 9.3% average for Greater Perth. The imbalance between Census workers and residents indicates that this highly residential suburb offers limited local employment opportunities.

AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data for wider regions shows that during the 12 months leading to March 2026, the employed population grew by 4.2% and the labor force expanded by 4.3%, leaving overall unemployment virtually unchanged. Conversely, Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 2.0% and labor force expansion of 2.5%, corresponding to a 0.4 percentage point increase in unemployment. National forecasts released by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25 provide a guide for future labor demand trends. These five-year and ten-year national outlooks are mapped against local profiles to project employment trajectories. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though individual sectors vary widely. Applying these industry projections directly to the local workforce mix suggests employment in the suburb could rise by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though this is a simple weighted projection and does not incorporate local population forecasts.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Taxpayer statistics from the ATO for financial year 2023, compiled by AreaSearch, show that Bassendean residents earn above the national average. The local median taxpayer income is $59,974, and the average income is $72,825, compared to Greater Perth metrics of $60,748 and $80,248. Adjusted for the 10.93% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, current estimates stand at roughly $66,529 for median income and $80,785 for average income as of March 2026. The 2021 Census placed individual incomes in the 68th percentile ($910 weekly) and household incomes in the 51st percentile. The dominant income group contains 31.6% of residents, representing 3,813 individuals who earn between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, which is similar to the 32.0% share across the region. After housing costs are met, 84.9% of income is available for other purchases, and the area is situated in the 6th decile of the SEIFA income index.

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

Housing profiles from the latest Census show that standalone houses make up 75.0% of local properties, while 25.0% consist of other structures like townhouses and apartments, compared to 77.8% houses and 22.1% alternative dwellings across Greater Perth. Home ownership rates in the suburb are high, with 31.0% of properties owned outright, while the remaining homes are either under a mortgage (41.1%) or occupied by tenants (27.9%). The median monthly home loan payment was $1,850, and the median weekly rent stood at $330, compared to Perth metropolitan averages of $1,907 and $350. Nationally, local mortgage costs sit below the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are well below the national figure of $375.

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

Family units constitute the majority of households at 65.1%, including couples with offspring at 28.1%, childless couples at 25.4%, and single-parent households at 10.1%. The remaining 34.9% are non-family arrangements, consisting of single-person households at 31.7% and group housing at 3.2%. The typical household size of 2.3 individuals is smaller than the Greater Perth median of 2.6.

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

The local academic profile is highly distinctive, with 32.3% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, exceeding the SA4 regional average of 24.3% and the state average of 27.9%. Bachelor degrees represent the largest category at 21.4%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 6.8% and graduate diplomas at 4.1%. Vocational skills are also prominent, with 33.8% of individuals aged 15+ holding trade credentials, comprising 11.2% with advanced diplomas and 22.6% with certificates.

Learning engagement is high, with 26.6% of the population enrolled in an educational program. This includes 8.8% in primary schools, 6.6% in secondary schools, and 5.3% enrolled in tertiary institutions.

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

Public transport services in the suburb are supported by 81 active stops, consisting of bus and train links. These locations are serviced by 22 separate routes, providing 3,951 weekly passenger journeys. Commuter convenience is high, with residents living an average of 197 meters from their nearest transit stop. As a residential hub, most workers commute out of the suburb, with private cars representing the main transport mode at 79% and trains accounting for 12%. Average motor vehicle ownership is 1.3 per household, which is lower than the metropolitan average. A relatively modest 10.8% of workers operated from home, as recorded in the 2021 Census, which may reflect the pandemic conditions of the time.

Transit service frequency averages 564 journeys daily across the network, which equates to approximately 48 weekly departures for every stop.

Health outcomes in Bassendean are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Health assessments indicate below-average status locally, with mortality rates and chronic health conditions slightly elevated across both younger and older cohorts, though private health insurance coverage is high, representing approximately 56% of the population (~6,771 people) compared to 59.0% across Greater Perth.

The most prevalent health issues reported locally were mental health challenges and arthritis, affecting 9.9% and 7.8% of citizens respectively. Those reporting no chronic illnesses accounted for 67.1% of the population, compared to 71.9% throughout Greater Perth. Working-age cohorts experience higher-than-average rates of chronic conditions. Residents aged 65 and older represent 19.9% of the local population (2,401 people), which is higher than the Greater Perth benchmark of 16.1%, with national health comparisons matching the general community.

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

The suburb displays above-average cultural diversity, with 12.9% of residents using a non-English language at home and 28.0% born in other countries. Christianity is the dominant religious affiliation, representing 43.8% of the community. The most distinct relative overrepresentation is found in Judaism, which accounts for 0.1% of residents compared to 0.3% across Greater Perth.

Regarding ancestral backgrounds, the top three declared heritages are English (30.0%), Australian (23.3%), and Irish (8.9%). There are also specific differences in other ancestries: Croatian backgrounds represent 1.2% of residents compared to 0.8% across the region, Polish backgrounds represent 1.0% compared to 0.7%, and French backgrounds make up 0.7% compared to 0.5%.

Bassendean's population is slightly older than the national pattern

With a median age of 40, residents are slightly older than the Greater Perth median of 37 and the national figure of 38. Compared to the capital city average, the 55 - 64 age bracket is overrepresented locally at 12.7%, while the 15 - 24 group is underrepresented at 9.6%. Since 2021, the 75 to 84 cohort expanded from 5.2% to 6.9% of the population, and the 35 to 44 cohort grew from 14.9% to 16.2%, while the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 14.0% to 12.9%. Projections suggest significant shifting of the age structure by 2041, with the 75 to 84 cohort expected to grow by 55%, adding 455 people to rise from 832 to 1,288. Citizens aged 65 and over will account for 67% of total growth, illustrating the aging demographic, while the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.