Bentley (WA)

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

Analysis of ABS demographic updates for the wider region combined with new address validations by AreaSearch since the Census indicates the population of the suburb of Bentley (WA) is approximately 11,213 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 2,162 people (23.9%) from the 2021 Census, which counted 9,051 residents. The adjustment is based on a resident population of 11,201 estimated by AreaSearch using the June 2025 ABS ERP release, supplemented by 40 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population size corresponds to a density of 2,084 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical figure for national locations analyzed by AreaSearch. The 23.9% expansion rate of the suburb of Bentley (WA) since the 2021 census outpaced the national benchmark of 9.3% and the local SA3 region, positioning the suburb of Bentley (WA) as a leading growth area. This population growth was almost entirely supported by net overseas migration, which served as the exclusive driver of demographic gains in recent times.

AreaSearch incorporates ABS and Geoscience Australia demographic projections for individual SA2 units, published in 2024 using 2022 as the base point. For SA2 areas lacking this data, and to project growth trajectories beyond 2032, AreaSearch applies age-cohort growth rates from the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections, which rely on 2022 data. Looking at future demographic trends, the suburb of Bentley (WA) is projected to experience population expansion above the national median, with aggregated SA2 projections indicating an increase of 1,703 persons by 2041, representing a total gain of 15.1% across the 16 years.

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

AreaSearch evaluations of building approvals from statistical area files show Bentley averages roughly 38 residential approvals each year. A total of 191 dwellings were approved across the last 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), with an additional 53 recorded during FY-26 so far. Because the area added 8.9 new residents for every built dwelling over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), local demand heavily outstrips new supply, a dynamic that commonly triggers price appreciation and heightened buyer interest. Newly constructed homes average an estimated value of $519,000, showing that developers are prioritizing upscale, premium properties. Furthermore, commercial building approvals have reached $216.7 million in this financial year, pointing to robust business investment locally.

Per capita building approvals in Bentley run at approximately three-quarters the rate seen in Greater Perth, placing the locality in the 63rd percentile of all areas evaluated across Australia. Residential construction is split between 61.0% freestanding houses and 39.0% attached dwellings or apartments, offering diverse choices at various price ranges to suit both families and those seeking smaller, more economical options. Developers are currently constructing a higher share of standard houses than the existing housing stock suggests (which stood at 37.0% at the Census), reflecting a sustained preference for family residences despite density trends. With roughly 230 individuals for every new home approval, the local property sector is actively evolving.

Long-term forecasts suggest Bentley will welcome an additional 1,691 residents by 2041, based on the most recent quarterly estimates from AreaSearch. Under current construction trends, residential supply might struggle to keep pace with this population expansion, which could intensify competition among buyers and support upward pressure on property values.

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

Local infrastructure projects, planning choices, and development initiatives are major drivers of regional performance. AreaSearch has tracked 24 projects that are likely to influence the local area. Notable projects include the Australian Hockey Centre, Sam Kerr Football Centre, Queens Park Regional Open Space, Curtin University Net Zero Precinct Digital Twin, and Heartwood Bentley - Bentley Redevelopment Project, with details of the most significant works listed below.

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 features a highly educated local workforce with a strong presence in hospitality and tourism. The local unemployment rate stands at 6.0%, and jobs grew by an estimated 2.6% over the preceding year based on AreaSearch statistical area aggregations. As of March 2026, there are 6,315 employed locals. The jobless rate is 1.8% higher than the Greater Perth benchmark of 4.2%, while workforce participation is slightly low at 65.6% compared to 70.2% in Greater Perth. Census records indicate a minor 4.8% of employed residents worked from home, though this figure should be interpreted in light of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.

The primary sectors employing local residents are healthcare & social assistance, accommodation & food services, and retail trade. The neighborhood exhibits a clear concentration in accommodation & food services, where its employment share is 2.0 times the metropolitan baseline. Conversely, construction accounts for only 5.0% of local jobs, trailing the Greater Perth average of 9.3%. Having 1.3 jobs for every resident at the time of the Census, the locality serves as a employment node, importing commuters from neighboring suburbs to fill its surplus positions.

According to AreaSearch computations of SALM and ABS statistics aggregated from regional datasets, employment grew by 2.6% over the 12 months ending March 2026, while the local labor force expanded by 2.8%, causing the unemployment rate to tick up by 0.1 percentage points. Over the same timeframe, Greater Perth saw jobs rise by 2.0%, the labor pool grow by 2.5%, and unemployment increase by 0.4 percentage points. National forecasts released in May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia provide further context on expected long-term employment demand. These five-year and ten-year projections have been applied to the local workforce profile to model potential outcomes. While country-wide employment is predicted to rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, trends vary widely by sector. Projecting these industry-specific rates onto the local job mix indicates employment in Bentley would rise by 6.3% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, representing a basic weighted extrapolation that does not incorporate local population forecasts.

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

Taxpayer statistics for the 2023 financial year, compiled by AreaSearch at the postcode level, reveal Bentley has a median taxpayer income of $42,209 and an average of $50,162. These figures sit below the national average and contrast with the Greater Perth median of $60,748 and average of $80,248. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since the 2023 financial year, current figures are estimated at roughly $46,822 for the median and $55,645 for the average as of March 2026. According to the Census, household, family, and individual incomes in Bentley all rank in the 14th percentile nationally. Income distribution data shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket is the largest, containing 26.8% of residents (3,005 people), which resembles the wider metropolitan area where this cohort accounts for 32.0%. Housing costs present a heavy burden, leaving residents with only 77.4% of their income, which places the area in the 10th percentile for affordability.

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

The local housing stock at the time of the last Census consisted of 37.3% separate houses and 62.7% alternative housing options like townhouses, units, and apartments, differing from the metropolitan Perth split of 77.8% separate houses and 22.1% alternative dwellings. The home ownership rate stood at 16.6%, which was lower than the metropolitan average, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with mortgages (18.4%) or tenants renting their homes (65.0%). Typical monthly mortgage payments were $1,555, which is lower than the Perth metropolitan average of $1,907, while typical weekly rent was $320 compared to the metropolitan average of $350. Nationally, mortgage costs in Bentley are below the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are lower than the national median of $375.

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

Families make up 45.4% of local households, consisting of 15.2% couples with children, 20.4% couples without children, and 7.0% single parent households. The remaining 54.6% are non-family households, including lone persons at 38.9% and group households at 15.6%. The typical household size of 2.3 individuals is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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

Educational qualifications in Bentley are high relative to regional baselines, with 39.2% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 27.9% across WA and 29.9% in the SA4 region. This profile positions the locality well for knowledge-intensive industries. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 24.8%, followed by postgraduate study at 12.3% and graduate diplomas at 2.1%. Practical and vocational training is also well represented, with 27.1% of the population aged 15+ holding vocational qualifications, split between advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (15.5%).

A high share of the population is engaged in learning, with 42.7% of residents enrolled in some form of study. This group is made up of 23.5% in higher education, 5.8% in primary school, and 3.7% in high school.

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

Analysis of local transit shows Bentley has 95 active stops, including both train stations and bus stops. These locations are served by 46 separate routes, which support a total of 7,811 weekly passenger trips. Public transport accessibility is strong, with residents living an average of 144 meters from their nearest transit stop. Given the residential nature of the suburb, most workers commute out of the area. Private vehicles remain the primary transit mode at 72%, while 15% of commuters travel by bus and 7% use the train. Households own an average of 1.1 cars, which is below the metropolitan average. A small proportion of residents (4.8%) worked from home, according to 2021 Census data, which was likely affected by pandemic restrictions.

Transit services average 1,115 trips each day across all routes, which translates to roughly 82 weekly trips for each stop in the network.

Health performance in Bentley is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

The locality presents notable health challenges based on AreaSearch assessments of mortality rates and chronic health conditions, with various ailments common across the community, particularly within older cohorts. Private health insurance coverage is low, with approximately 47% of residents (~5,283 people) holding cover. This compares to 59.0% in Greater Perth and a national average of 55.7%.

Mental health concerns and arthritis represent the most common medical diagnoses in the area, affecting 7.5 and 6.7% of the population, respectively. However, 73.0% of residents reported having no long-term health conditions, which is slightly higher than the 71.9% average across Greater Perth. The working-age population is generally healthy with a low rate of chronic disease. Residents aged 65 and over make up 18.5% of the population (2,074 people), compared to 16.1% in Greater Perth. While senior residents experience some health challenges, their outcomes rank lower nationally than the rest of the local community.

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 ranks among the most culturally diverse localities in the nation, with 48.9% of residents using a language other than English at home and 59.2% born outside of Australia. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 36.0% of the population. A notable divergence from metropolitan trends is seen in Buddhism, which is practiced by 10.3% of the community compared to the Greater Perth average of 2.7%.

Ancestry details show that the three most common backgrounds are Other at 25.4% (well above the regional average of 11.2%), English at 18.5% (lower than the regional average of 28.0%), and Australian at 14.2% (lower than the regional average of 21.2%). Significant differences also exist for other backgrounds: Korean background is represented at 1.1% (compared to 0.3% regionally), Chinese at 11.9% (compared to 4.0% regionally), and Sri Lankan at 0.6% (compared to 0.2% regionally).

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

The median age of 30 years in Bentley is younger than the Greater Perth median of 37 and the national average of 38. Compared to the wider metropolitan area, Bentley has a higher share of people aged 15 - 24 (24.3%) and a lower share aged 5 - 14 (5.6%). The proportion of 15 - 24 year-olds is higher than the national figure of 12.7%. Since the 2021 Census, the median age has decreased by 1.5 years to 30. During this time, the 15 to 24 age bracket rose from 21.1% to 24.3% of the population, and the 25 to 34 age bracket increased from 24.3% to 26.1%. Meanwhile, the cohort aged 85 and over declined from 7.2% to 5.1%, and the 55 to 64 group fell from 5.2% to 4.1%. Population projections for 2041 point to significant changes, with the 75 to 84 cohort expected to grow the fastest at 55%, adding 486 residents to reach a total of 1,372. Older residents aged 65 and over will account for 61% of total population growth, highlighting local aging trends, whereas the 5 to 14 and 35 to 44 cohorts are projected to shrink.