Bull Creek (WA)

Bull Creek has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

By Feb 2026, the estimated population of Bull Creek (WA) was around 8,828, reflecting a 9.9% increase since the 2021 Census figure of 8,030 people. This growth is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 8,650 residents as of Jun 2024, along with 88 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density was 2,122 persons per square kilometer, above national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Bull Creek's 9.9% growth since census is close to the SA3 area's 11.3%, indicating strong growth fundamentals. Overseas migration primarily drove this growth. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area (released in 2024, based on 2022 data) and ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) to estimate post-2032 growth.

Based on these projections, Bull Creek's population is expected to increase by 1,350 persons to 2041, reflecting a 13.3% total increase over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval data shows Bull Creek averaged approximately 35 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 178 homes. As of FY26, there have been 5 approvals recorded so far. The average population increase per new home constructed in the area between FY21 and FY25 was about 2.4 people per year. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $504,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

This financial year has seen $1.9 million in commercial development approvals recorded, suggesting a predominantly residential focus for the area. Compared to Greater Perth, Bull Creek shows approximately 67% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 72nd percentile nationally, though recent construction activity has intensified. New developments consist of roughly 57.0% standalone homes and 43.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 79.0% houses). This change suggests decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects evolving lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options.

The location has approximately 176 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market with future projections showing Bull Creek adding around 1,172 residents by 2041 based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may face increased competition as the population grows.

Bull Creek has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 46thth percentile nationally

"Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified nine projects potentially impacting the area. Key projects include the Bull Creek Station Precinct Structure Plan (City of Melville), Bull Creek Central Redevelopment, New Women and Babes Hospital, and The Crest Bull Creek. Below is a list detailing 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.

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

Bull Creek has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 1.7% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 4.1% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of that date, 4,303 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.2% lower than Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Bull Creek lagged behind Greater Perth at 61.6%, compared to 71.6%. Census responses indicated that only 11.7% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries among residents were health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services, with the latter being particularly notable due to its concentration at 1.5 times the regional average. Conversely, construction was under-represented in Bull Creek's workforce, comprising only 6.7% compared to Greater Perth's 9.3%.

The predominantly residential area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 4.1%, while labour force increased by 4.3% in Bull Creek, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Perth saw employment grow by 2.9%, labour force expand by 3.0%, and unemployment rise marginally during this period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 provide further insight into potential future demand within Bull Creek. These projections estimate that national employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates varying significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Bull Creek's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, though it is important to note that this extrapolation does not take into account localised population projections.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

Bull Creek suburb's income level is above national average based on latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Median income among taxpayers in Bull Creek is $49,953 with an average of $68,629, compared to Greater Perth's median of $60,748 and average of $80,248. By September 2025, estimates suggest median income will be approximately $54,758 and average income $75,231, accounting for Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023. According to census data, household income ranks at the 57th percentile with a weekly income of $1,880, while personal income is at the 39th percentile. Income distribution shows that 26.5% (2,339 individuals) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, similar to regional levels where 32.0% fall into this bracket. Higher earners make up a significant portion with 30.8% earning over $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power in the community. After housing expenses, 86.4% of income remains for other expenses. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Bull Creek is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Bull Creek's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 78.6% houses and 21.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Perth metro's 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bull Creek stood at 45.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.2% and rented ones at 20.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than Perth metro's average of $1,907. The median weekly rent in Bull Creek was $420, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Bull Creek's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 75.7% of all households, consisting of 39.2% couples with children, 27.2% couples without children, and 8.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 24.3%, with lone person households at 22.4% and group households comprising 1.8%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Bull Creek demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Bull Creek's educational attainment is notably high, with 45.3% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications, compared to the broader benchmarks of 27.9% in WA and 28.6% in SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 29.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.9%). Vocational pathways account for 24.3% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas comprising 11.1% and certificates 13.2%. Educational participation is high, with 30.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 11.0% in primary education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 6.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Bull Creek has 36 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 20 different routes, offering a total of 4,103 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically living 262 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 71%, followed by train at 18% and bus at 7%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 11.7% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 586 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 113 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Bull Creek's health outcomes show notable results based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, with very low prevalence across all age groups. Private health cover is high at approximately 54% (about 4,806 people), compared to Greater Perth's 59.0%.

The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (affecting 8.1%) and mental health issues (5.7%). Around 72.3% of residents report no medical ailments, similar to Greater Perth's 71.9%. Bull Creek has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 26.5% (2,339 people), compared to Greater Perth's 16.3%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors align with national rankings for the general population.

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

Bull Creek has a high level of cultural diversity, with 35.2% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 46.8% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Bull Creek, making up 46.3% of people. Buddhism is overrepresented compared to Greater Perth, comprising 5.7% of Bull Creek's population.

The top three ancestry groups are English (23.4%), Chinese (19.4%), and Australian (18.1%). Notably, Korean (1.3%) and Sri Lankan (0.7%) ethnicities are overrepresented compared to regional averages, while Indian ethnicity is also present at 4.5%.

Bull Creek hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Bull Creek is 44, higher than Greater Perth's figure of 37 and significantly above the national norm of 38. The 75-84 age group constitutes 11.4% of Bull Creek's population, compared to Greater Perth's figure and well above the national average of 6.1%. Post-2021 Census, the 75-84 age group grew from 8.5% to 11.4%, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 10.7% to 12.8%. Conversely, the 65-74 group decreased from 13.5% to 10.7%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 10.7% to 9.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Bull Creek's age profile. The 85+ group is expected to grow by 144%, reaching 947 people from 388. Those aged 65 and above will comprise 67% of the projected population growth. Meanwhile, the 35-44 and 5-14 age groups are anticipated to experience population declines.