Brookdale (WA)

Population growth drivers in Brookdale are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

According to analysis of ABS population updates for the wider region, alongside new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Brookdale (WA) has an estimated population of approximately 3,538 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 570 people (19.2%) from the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 2,968 people. This shift is calculated from a resident population of 3,328, estimated by AreaSearch using the latest ERP data release from the ABS (June 2025) and an extra 48 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population size corresponds to a density ratio of 2,948 persons per square kilometer, placing the locality in the top quartile compared to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The 19.2% expansion of the suburb of Brookdale (WA) since the 2021 census was higher than the national average (9.3%), as well as the state, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Population gains for the area were primarily generated by interstate migration, which accounted for approximately 56.00000000000001% of overall population increases during recent periods, although all components including natural growth and overseas migration were positive contributors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as 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). Looking at population projections moving forward, an above median population growth of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is projected, with the suburb of Brookdale (WA) expected to expand by 602 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting recording a gain of 11.1% in total over the 16 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Brookdale has averaged around 15 new dwelling approvals each year, with an estimated 79 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 40 so far in FY-26. With an average of 3.1 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is significantly outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $361,000—slightly above the regional average—suggesting a focus on quality developments. Also, $5.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

Relative to Greater Perth, Brookdale records markedly lower building activity (54.0% below regional average per person). This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Meanwhile, recent development has been entirely comprised of standalone homes, preserving the area's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 200 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

Population forecasts indicate Brookdale will gain 392 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Brookdale has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 35thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects and planning initiatives. In total 2 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include METRONET Armadale Line Transformation, Gwynne Park Pavilion Redevelopment, Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia Facility, and Byford Rail Extension and Armadale Station Redevelopment, with the below list detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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

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Employment conditions in Brookdale face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Brookdale possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, and an unemployment rate of 12.8%, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 1,332 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 8.6% above Greater Perth's rate of 4.2%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (62.5% compared to Greater Perth's 70.2%). Based on Census responses, a low 3.2% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include retail trade, health care & social assistance, and construction. The area has particular employment specialization in retail trade, with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level. On the other hand, professional & technical is under-represented, with only 2.9% of Brookdale's workforce compared to 8.2% in Greater Perth. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, aggregated from broader statistical areas, the 12-month period saw labour force decreasing by 0.8% combined with employment decreasing by 3.1%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 2.0 percentage points. This compares to Greater Perth, where employment grew by 2.0%, labour force expanded by 2.5%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Brookdale. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Brookdale's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.3% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 reveals that income in the suburb of Brookdale is below the national average, with the median assessed at $53,462 while the average income stands at $62,731. This contrasts to Greater Perth's figures of a median income of $60,748 and an average income of $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $59,305 (median) and $69,587 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Brookdale all fall between the 14th and 28th percentiles nationally. Looking at income distribution, the predominant cohort spans 36.0% of locals (1,273 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, mirroring the surrounding region where 32.0% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 23rd percentile.

Brookdale is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Brookdale, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 98.3% houses and 1.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Perth metro's 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Brookdale was lagging that of Perth metro, at 14.0%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (56.3%) or rented (29.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Perth metro average at $1,438, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $300, compared to Perth metro's $1,907 and $350. Nationally, Brookdale's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Brookdale has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 76.2% of all households, comprising 33.8% couples with children, 17.9% couples without children, and 22.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 23.8%, with lone person households at 20.1% and group households comprising 3.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.9 people is larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Brookdale faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (11.0%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 8.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (0.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 42.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.4%) and certificates (32.7%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 36.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.9% in primary education, 9.7% in secondary education, and 3.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 16 active transport stops operating within Brookdale comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 2 individual routes, collectively providing 305 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 175 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 87%, with 7% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. A relatively low 3.2% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 43 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 19 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Brookdale is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Critical health challenges are evident across Brookdale, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts , and the rate of private health cover just leading that of the average SA2 area at approximately 52% of the total population (~1,843 people). This compares to 59.0% across Greater Perth.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be mental health issues and asthma, impacting 12.3 and 9.9% of residents, respectively, while 67.7% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 7.9% of residents aged 65 and over (279 people), which is lower than the 16.1% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Brookdale was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 17.2% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 27.2% born overseas. The main religion in Brookdale was found to be Christianity, which makes up 38.4% of people in Brookdale. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 1.8% of the population, compared to 1.4% across Greater Perth.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Brookdale are English, comprising 28.9% of the population, Australian, comprising 26.5% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 21.2%, and Other, comprising 13.0% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maori is notably overrepresented at 1.5% of Brookdale (vs 0.9% regionally), New Zealand at 1.1% (vs 0.8%) and Dutch at 1.8% (vs 1.5%).

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

At 30 years, Brookdale's median age is materially younger than the Greater Perth average of 37 and is substantially under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Perth, Brookdale has a higher concentration of 5 - 14 residents (18.4%) but fewer 75 - 84 year-olds (2.4%). This 5 - 14 concentration is well above the national 12.0%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 14.8% to 16.4% of the population. Conversely, the 0 to 4 cohort has declined from 9.4% to 8.3%. Demographic modeling suggests Brookdale's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, expanding by 113 people (28%) from 403 to 517. Conversely, numbers in the 5 to 14 age range are expected to fall by 7.