Bentley (WA)

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

As of November 2025, Bentley's population is estimated at around 10,905 people. This figure reflects an increase of 1,854 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,051 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 10,869 residents following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 36 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,027 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Bentley's population growth of 20.5% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average of 8.9%. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. 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). Future population dynamics project an above median growth for statistical areas across the nation. The suburb is expected to increase by 1,744 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 12.4% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates that Bentley has received around 46 dwelling approvals per year on average over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 232 homes. As of FY-26, 20 approvals have been recorded. This results in approximately 5.2 people moving to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, demonstrating significant demand exceeding new supply. The average construction value of new dwellings is $519,000.

In FY-26, there have been $99.3 million in commercial approvals, indicating high local commercial activity. Bentley maintains similar construction rates per person compared to Greater Perth, preserving market equilibrium. New development consists of 65.0% detached houses and 35.0% townhouses or apartments.

With around 150 people per dwelling approval, Bentley is considered a growth area. Future projections estimate an increase of 1,357 residents by 2041. Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Bentley has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 25 such projects that could impact the area. Notable among these are the Sam Kerr Football Centre and Queens Park Regional Open Space, Australian Hockey Centre, Curtin University Net Zero Precinct Digital Twin, and Kent Street Weir Precinct Redevelopment. The following list details those considered 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 performance in Bentley has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Bentley's workforce is highly educated, with prominent tourism and hospitality sectors. Its unemployment rate was 5.7% in the past year, showing an estimated employment growth of 3.6%.

As of June 2025, 5,894 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.8% above Greater Perth's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation at 55.1% compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. The dominant employment sectors among residents are health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. Bentley specializes in accommodation & food, with an employment share of 2.0 times the regional level, while construction employs only 5.0% of local workers, below Greater Perth's 9.3%. There were 1.3 workers for every resident as at the Census, indicating Bentley functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 3.6% while labour force increased by 3.0%, resulting in a unemployment fall of 0.6 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 3.7%, labour force growth of 3.8%, with unemployment rising 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer further insight into potential future demand within Bentley. These projections suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Bentley's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.1% over ten years.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

Bentley's median taxpayer income was $42,209 and average income was $50,162 in financial year 2022, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of postcode level ATO data. This is lower than the national average, with Greater Perth having a median income of $58,380 and an average income of $78,020. By September 2025, estimates suggest Bentley's median income will be approximately $48,203 and average income $57,285, based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Bentley fall between the 14th and 14th percentiles nationally. Income distribution reveals that 26.8% of residents (2,922 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, similar to the metropolitan region where this cohort represents 32.0%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Bentley, with only 77.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 10th percentile nationally.

Bentley displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

As evaluated in the latest Census, dwelling structures in Bentley comprised 37.3% houses and 62.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Perth metro had 78.4% houses and 21.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bentley was at 16.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (18.4%) or rented (65.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Bentley was $1,555, compared to Perth metro's $1,820. The median weekly rent figure in Bentley was recorded at $320, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Bentley's median monthly mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while median weekly rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 45.4% of all households, including 15.2% couples with children, 20.4% couples without children, and 7.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 54.6%, with lone person households at 38.9% and group households comprising 15.6%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.7.

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

Educational attainment in Bentley is notably high, with 39.2% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, compared to 27.9% in Western Australia (WA) and 29.9% in the Small Area Level for Planning (SA4) region. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 24.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 12.3% and graduate diplomas at 2.1%. Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 27.1% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 11.6% and certificates at 15.5%. Educational participation is high, with 42.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 23.5% in tertiary education, 5.8% in primary education, and 3.7% pursuing secondary education. Bentley has four schools with a combined enrollment of 744 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1026) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes two primary schools, one secondary school, and one K-12 school. Local school capacity is limited at 6.8 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 14.8, leading many families to travel to nearby areas for schooling. Note: where school enrollments are marked as 'n/a', please refer to the parent campus.

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

Bentley has 93 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These are covered by 42 different routes, serving 7,280 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents on average just 144 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 1,040 trips daily across all routes, equating to around 78 weekly trips per individual stop.

Bentley's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Bentley's health data shows relatively positive results with low prevalence of common health conditions among its general population compared to national averages but higher among older, at-risk cohorts. Approximately 47% (~5,138 people) have private health cover, lower than Greater Perth's 52.2% and the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues (7.5%) and arthritis (6.7%), with 73.0% reporting no medical ailments compared to Greater Perth's 76.0%.

Bentley has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 19.2% (2,093 people) than Greater Perth's 15.9%, presenting specific health challenges requiring additional attention.

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

Bentley has one of the highest linguistic diversities in Australia, with 48.9% of its residents speaking a language other than English at home. Born overseas, 59.2% of Bentley's population contributes to its cultural diversity. Christianity is the predominant religion in Bentley, practiced by 36.0% of the population.

However, Buddhism stands out as particularly prominent, comprising 10.3%, compared to Greater Perth's average of 6.7%. In terms of ancestry, 'Other' is the most represented group at 25.4%, significantly higher than the regional average of 18.7%. English (18.5%) and Australian (14.2%) follow as the next two largest groups. Notable differences exist in the representation of certain ethnicities: Korean (1.1% vs regional 1.2%), Chinese (11.9% vs 14.7%), and Sri Lankan (0.6% vs 0.7%).

Bentley hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Bentley has a median age of 31 years, which is lower than Greater Perth's average of 37 years and Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, Bentley has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (25.2%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (4.3%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is notably higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between 2021 and present, the percentage of residents aged 15-24 has increased from 21.1% to 22.5%, while those aged 35-44 have risen from 11.7% to 12.9%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 85 and above has decreased from 7.2% to 5.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling predicts significant changes in Bentley's age profile. The number of residents aged 75-84 is projected to increase by 469 people (54%), from 861 to 1,331. Notably, the combined population growth for those aged 65 and above will account for 68% of total population growth, reflecting Bentley's aging demographic trend. Conversely, population declines are projected for residents aged 0-4 and 5-14 years.