Bicton

Population growth drivers in Bicton are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

According to data from the ABS and fresh address verification by AreaSearch, the suburb of Bicton is home to approximately 7,602 individuals as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 641 people (9.2%) from the 2021 Census, when the count stood at 6,961 residents. This trend is calculated from the local population estimate of 7,593, which AreaSearch formulated using the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) plus 12 validated new addresses registered post-Census. With these figures, the density of the area reaches 2,444 persons per square kilometer, placing the location in the top quartile of all areas evaluated nationwide by AreaSearch. The post-Census expansion rate of 9.2% in the suburb of Bicton lags the nation's average (9.3%) by only 0.1 percentage points, indicating solid growth characteristics. The main factor driving this population rise has been international migration, which accounted for roughly 68.0% of the overall population increases recently.

Projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024 (using 2022 as the base year) are utilized for SA2 regions. For areas missing this data, or for projections extending beyond 2032, growth is modeled using cohort growth rates from the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (published in 2023, based on 2022 data). Looking at future demographic trends in the suburb of Bicton, the population is set to expand faster than the national median, with a projected rise of 1,259 individuals by 2041 based on compiled SA2 models, representing a total increase of 16.4% over 16 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Bicton recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Analysis of building approval statistics reveals that the suburb of Bicton averages approximately 15 new home approvals annually, with a total of 77 dwellings approved over the last 5 financial years. For the current FY-26 period, 8 approvals have been registered. An average of 6.4 people moved to the neighborhood for every single home constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, showing that demand is far outstripping construction. This imbalance typically drives up property prices and increases competition among buyers, especially as new homes carry an average construction value of $731,000, indicating a focus by developers on high-end, premium residences. Commercial approvals reached $2.2 million this financial year, confirming that the area remains mostly residential.

In comparison to the wider Greater Perth region, construction activity in the suburb of Bicton is exceptionally low, sitting at 66.0% below the metropolitan average per resident. This constrained pipeline of new stock tends to bolster the value of established residences. This building rate is also lower than the national benchmark, reflecting the mature nature of the suburb and potential zoning constraints. Detached houses make up 92.0% of the new approvals, while attached dwellings comprise 8.0%, maintaining the suburban feel and focus on spacious family residences. Interestingly, developers are focusing more on standalone houses than historical metrics suggest (67.0% at Census), pointing to sustained appetite for larger family blocks despite broader density drives. The area has approximately 579 people for every home approval, highlighting its established profile.

Demographic forecasts point to an increase of 1,250 residents in the suburb of Bicton by 2041, according to the latest quarterly estimates from AreaSearch. If current building rates do not accelerate, residential supply will lag behind this population influx, which is likely to heighten competition among buyers and support upward pressure on house prices.

Bicton has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 44thth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure projects and planning changes significantly impact area dynamics. AreaSearch has identified 9 projects that are expected to influence the local area. Key developments include the Blackwall Reach Precinct Redevelopment, The Point Attadale, the Point Walter Recreation and Conference Centre Redevelopment, and Bicton Central, with details on the most relevant changes provided 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.

Bicton ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

The local workforce is characterized by high levels of qualification and strong representation in key public sectors, alongside an unemployment rate of only 2.0% according to statistical area data. As of March 2026, employed residents count 4,262, with unemployment sitting 2.2 percentage points lower than the Greater Perth rate of 4.2%. Participation in the labor force is slightly subdued, standing at 67.1% compared to 70.2% across Greater Perth. According to the Census, a modest 11.9% of the workforce operated from home, though this figure was likely influenced by pandemic containment measures.

The primary sectors employing local residents are healthcare & social assistance, education & training, and professional & scientific services. The representation of workers in education & training is particularly high, reaching 1.5 times the metropolitan average. Conversely, food services and accommodation are underrepresented, accounting for only 5.3% of the local workforce compared to 6.8% across Greater Perth. The mismatch between the working population and local jobs suggests this is a residential enclave offering relatively few local employment opportunities.

Analysis of SALM and ABS data from AreaSearch, which combines figures from wider statistical regions, shows that over the 12 months to March 2026, the labour force in the area shrank by 1.5% and employment fell by 1.4%, leaving the unemployment rate largely unchanged. In contrast, Greater Perth saw employment grow by 2.0% and the labour force rise by 2.5%, while unemployment increased by 0.4 percentage points. For context on future demand in Bicton, Jobs and Skills Australia published national employment forecasts in May-25. These forecasts span five and ten-year horizons and have been overlaid onto Bicton's current employment structure to project growth trends. The national outlook anticipates a 6.6% rise in employment over five years and a 13.7% increase over ten years, though expansion varies considerably across different industries. When these sector-specific growth rates are applied to Bicton's job composition, local employment is projected to grow by 6.7% over five years and by 13.9% over ten years, with the caveat that this is a basic weighted extrapolation meant for illustration and ignores localized population trends.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

ATO records from the financial year 2023 indicate that taxpayers in the suburb of Bicton registered a median income of $62,685 and an average income of $87,726. These numbers are high on a national scale and exceed the Greater Perth median of $60,748 and average of $80,248. Factoring in a Wage Price Index rise of 10.93% since financial year 2023, local incomes are estimated at roughly $69,536 for the median and $97,314 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census placed household, family, and individual earnings in the suburb of Bicton around the 71st percentile nationwide. The most common weekly earning band contains 24.9% of local residents (1,892 people) earning between $1,500 and $2,999, which is comparable to the wider region where 32.0% fall into this bracket. A significant cohort of 34.0% of earners make over $3,000 weekly, highlighting local purchasing power that benefits high-end retail. Housing costs consume 13.4% of local incomes, and residents place in the 70th percentile for disposable funds, with a SEIFA income score in the 8th decile.

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

At the time of the latest Census, the housing stock in the suburb of Bicton consisted of 67.0% detached houses and 33.0% multi-unit dwellings, apartments, or other structures, contrasting with the Perth metropolitan ratio of 77.8% detached houses and 22.1% alternative dwellings. Homeownership was high, with 43.2% of households owning their properties outright, while 33.7% had a mortgage and 23.1% rented their homes. The median monthly mortgage payment of $2,383 was higher than the metropolitan median of $1,907, and the median weekly rent was $360 compared to the Perth average of $350. Nationally, the monthly mortgage burden in the suburb of Bicton is higher than the Australian median of $1,863, while weekly rents are lower than the national median of $375.

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

Families make up 67.1% of households in the suburb of Bicton, consisting of couples with children (30.2%), couples without children (27.9%), and single parents (7.6%). The remaining 32.9% are non-family households, which are mostly individuals living alone (31.0%) along with group households (2.0%). The median household size is 2.3 individuals, which is smaller than the Perth metropolitan average of 2.6.

Bicton shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Qualifications in the suburb of Bicton are significantly higher than regional and state levels, with 41.1% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 27.9% in WA and 28.6% across the SA4 region. This education profile positions the community well for professional industries. Bachelor degrees are held by 27.5% of residents, followed by postgraduate degrees at 8.7% and graduate diplomas at 4.9%. Vocational and technical paths are also well represented, with 29.2% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications, split between advanced diplomas (11.7%) and certificates (17.5%).

Enrolment rates in education are strong, with 27.9% of the population participating in formal study. This cohort includes 8.7% in primary schools, 7.5% in higher education, and 7.4% attending high schools.

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

A review of public transport shows 22 active bus stops situated within the suburb of Bicton. These stops are served by 6 unique routes, which facilitate 973 passenger journeys each week. Access is convenient, with residents living an average of 203 meters from their nearest stop. As the neighborhood is mostly residential, most workers commute out of the area; private cars remain the dominant mode of travel at 84%, while 7% use buses. Households own an average of 1.4 vehicles. A minor 11.9% of residents worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which was likely affected by pandemic restrictions.

Buses run at an average frequency of 139 trips per day across the network, translating to roughly 44 weekly services per stop.

Bicton's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Data on health outcomes reveals excellent trends in the suburb of Bicton, with low rates of chronic conditions and mortality across all demographics. Private health insurance coverage is exceptionally high, with approximately 62% of the population (4,715 people) holding cover, compared to 59.0% across Greater Perth and a national benchmark of 55.7%.

Arthritis and mental health concerns are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 7.8% and 7.6% of residents respectively. Conversely, 70.2% of the population reported no long-term health issues, compared to 71.9% in the Perth metro area. The population under 65 enjoys strong health metrics. Residents aged 65 and older make up 24.5% of the local population (1,862 people), which exceeds the Greater Perth level of 16.1%. Among seniors, health outcomes are strong, with national indicators matching the trends seen in the wider public.

In terms of cultural diversity, Bicton records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

The suburb of Bicton has above-average levels of diversity, with 25.2% of residents born outside Australia and 9.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 53.8% of the community, which is higher than the 45.0% average across Greater Perth.

The top ancestries reported in the suburb of Bicton are English at 31.4%, Australian at 23.6%, and Irish at 9.7%. Some backgrounds are overrepresented compared to regional averages, including Welsh at 0.9% (versus 0.7% across the region), Croatian at 1.5% (versus 0.8%), and South Australian at 0.8% (versus 1.0%).

Bicton hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age of 45 in the suburb of Bicton is older than the Greater Perth median of 37 and the national average of 38. Compared to the capital city, the area features a larger cohort of seniors aged 65 - 74 (12.0%) and fewer young adults aged 25 - 34 (9.4%). Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has risen from 7.0% to 8.4%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has shrunk from 14.0% to 12.9%. Looking toward 2041, demographic models project that the 75 to 84 age group will grow by 63% (an increase of 405 people), growing from 638 to 1,044. Overall, residents aged 65 and over will account for 70% of total population growth. In contrast, the cohorts aged 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 are projected to shrink.