Bentley (WA)

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census Bentley's population is estimated at around 11,002 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,951 people (21.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,051 people in the Bentley (WA) statistical area (Lv2). The change is inferred from the resident population of 10,659 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS on June 2024 and an additional 36 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,045 persons per square kilometer in the Bentley (WA) (SA2), which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The Bentley's 21.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.7%), along with the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is utilising the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above median population growth of statistical areas across the nation is projected for the Bentley (WA) (SA2), with an expected increase of 1,752 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 11.5% 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 data shows Bentley had approximately 41 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling about 207 homes. As of FY-26, 28 approvals have been recorded. On average, 5.8 people moved to the area per year for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating high demand outstripping supply. New dwellings are developed at an average cost of $519,000, targeting the premium segment.

This financial year has seen $216.7 million in commercial approvals, reflecting significant local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Perth, Bentley has 18.0% less building activity per person but ranks among the 66th percentile of areas assessed nationally. New development consists of 66.0% detached houses and 34.0% townhouses or apartments, offering options across various price points.

Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (37.0% at Census), indicating strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. With around 210 people per dwelling approval, Bentley exhibits growth area characteristics. Future projections estimate Bentley adding 1,268 residents by 2041, with building activity keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may face increased competition as the population grows.

Bentley 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 25 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Sam Kerr Football Centre and Queens Park Regional Open Space, Australian Hockey Centre, Curtin University Net Zero Precinct Digital Twin, Kent Street Weir Precinct Redevelopment. 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 drivers in Bentley are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Bentley has an educated workforce with prominent tourism and hospitality sectors. Its unemployment rate was 5.6% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 3.0%.

As of September 2025, there are 5,953 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 1.6% above Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is lower at 55.1%, compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Dominant sectors include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. The area specializes in accommodation & food with an employment share twice the regional level, while construction employs only 5.0% of local workers, below Greater Perth's 9.3%.

There are 1.3 workers per resident, indicating Bentley functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 3.0%, while labour force grew by 2.3%, leading to a decrease in unemployment of 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 2.9% with marginal unemployment rise. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows WA employment contracted by 0.27%, with an unemployment rate of 4.6%. National forecasts suggest total employment will grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary between sectors. Applying these projections to Bentley's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.1% over ten years.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Bentley had a median taxpayer income of $42,209 and an average income of $50,162 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. These figures are lower than national averages, with Greater Perth's median income being $60,748 and average income $80,248 during the same period. Using a wage growth rate of 9.62%, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $46,270 (median) and $54,988 (average). Census data shows Bentley's household, family, and personal incomes all fall between the 14th to 14th percentiles nationally. Income distribution in Bentley is dominated by the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, with 26.8% of residents (2,948 people). This aligns with metropolitan regions 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

Bentley's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 37.3% houses and 62.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Perth metro had 78.4% houses and 21.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bentley was at 16.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 18.4% and rented ones at 65.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Bentley was $1,555, below Perth metro's average of $1,820. Median weekly rent in Bentley was $320, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Bentley's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 account for 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 make up 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 as of the latest data point. This compares to 27.9% across Western Australia (WA) and 29.9% within the SA4 region. The most common qualification is bachelor degrees, held by 24.8% of Bentley's residents in this age group, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 12.3%, and graduate diplomas at 2.1%. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 27.1% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (15.5%).

Educational participation is high in Bentley, 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.

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 stops are served by 46 different routes, carrying out 7,811 weekly passenger trips in total. The average distance from residents to the nearest stop is 144 meters, indicating excellent transport accessibility.

On average, there are 1,115 trips per day across all routes, which equates to about 83 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 residents showed relatively positive health outcomes with low prevalence of common conditions among the general population, but higher than national averages for older, at-risk cohorts. Private health cover was found to be very low, at approximately 47% of the total population (~5,184 people), compared to 52.4% across Greater Perth and a national average of 55.7%. The most common conditions were mental health issues (7.5%) and arthritis (6.7%), with 73.0% reporting no medical ailments, compared to 76.0% in Greater Perth.

19.3% of residents were aged 65 and over (2,123 people), higher than the 15.9% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors required more attention than the broader population.

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 most culturally diverse populations in Australia, with 48.9% speaking a language other than English at home and 59.2% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Bentley, accounting for 36.0% of its population. Notably, Buddhism is more prevalent in Bentley at 10.3%, compared to 6.7% across Greater Perth.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups in Bentley are Other (25.4%), English (18.5%), and Australian (14.2%). Korean, Chinese, and Sri Lankan ethnicities show notable differences: Korean is slightly overrepresented at 1.1%, while Chinese is underrepresented at 11.9% compared to regional averages of 1.2% and 14.7% respectively; Sri Lankan ethnicity is also slightly underrepresented at 0.6%.

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 significantly 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 projects significant changes in Bentley's age profile. The 75-84 age cohort is expected to expand by 52%, growing from 880 to 1,338 people. Notably, the combined population growth of those aged 65 and above will account for 71% of total population growth, reflecting Bentley's aging demographic trend. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 5-14 age cohorts.