Bushmead

Bushmead lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Bushmead's population is estimated at around 1,571 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 894 people (132.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 677 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,571, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 347 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 487 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Bushmead's 132.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%), along with the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 65.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors.

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). Anticipating future population dynamics, a significant population increase in the top quartile of statistical areas across the nation is forecast, with the suburb expected to expand by 327 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a decline of 23.3% in total over the 17 years.

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

Bushmead has had approximately 77 dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. From FY-21 to FY-25, around 389 homes were approved, with an additional 62 in FY-26 so far.

Each year, about 0.7 people have moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five years. This indicates that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering more buyer choices and supporting potential population growth above projections. The average construction value of new properties is $436,000, signifying a focus on premium segment dwellings. Compared to Greater Perth, Bushmead has 742.0% higher new home approvals per person. Recent construction comprises 98.0% standalone homes and 2.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's low density character and appealing to those seeking space.

With around 9 people per dwelling approval, Bushmead exhibits growth area characteristics. Given stable or declining population expectations, housing pressure in Bushmead is likely to remain reduced, presenting potential buying opportunities.

Bushmead has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 29thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects expected to impact the area. Notable projects are Lot 912 Bushmead Residential Development, Forrestfield / High Wycombe Industrial Area, Hazelmere Interchange, and The Hales. Relevant details of these projects follow.

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

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AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Bushmead performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Bushmead has a well-educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 1.6% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.3%.

In comparison to Greater Perth's unemployment rate of 4.0%, Bushmead's rate was 2.3% lower, with workforce participation at 48.7%. Census data from 2025 showed that 6.6% of residents worked from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, education & training, and mining. Education & training had particularly high concentration with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

Conversely, accommodation & food services employed only 2.9% of local workers compared to Greater Perth's 6.8%. The worker-to-resident ratio was 0.9 as of the Census, indicating substantial local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 3.3%, labour force grew by 2.9%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth saw employment growth of 2.9% with marginal unemployment increase. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project national employment expansion at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bushmead's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023, Bushmead had a median taxpayer income of $87,686 and an average income of $103,095. These figures place Bushmead in the top percentile nationally, compared to Greater Perth's median of $60,748 and average of $80,248. Based on a 9.62% Wage Price Index growth from financial year 2023 to September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $96,121 (median) and $113,013 (average). The 2021 Census shows Bushmead's household, family, and personal incomes rank between the 94th and 97th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 38.9% of residents earn $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (611 residents), similar to regional levels where 32.0% fall into this range. High earners make up a substantial presence with 45.1% exceeding $3,000 weekly. Housing costs consume 15.8% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 93rd percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Bushmead is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Bushmead's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.5% houses and 5.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Perth metro's figures of 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bushmead stood at 14.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 84.4% and rented ones at 1.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,199, higher than Perth metro's average of $1,907. Median weekly rent in Bushmead was $480, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Bushmead's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,199 versus Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Bushmead features high concentrations of family households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 80.9% of all households, consisting of 34.0% couples with children, 38.9% couples without children, and 6.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 19.1%, with lone person households at 17.4% and group households comprising 3.0%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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

In Bushmead, the proportion of residents aged 15 and above with university qualifications is significantly higher than broader benchmarks, at 32.4% compared to 19.7% in the SA3 area and 24.3% in the SA4 region. This educational advantage is notable, particularly given the prominence of knowledge-based opportunities. Among these residents, bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 24.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.7%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 43.1% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 12.7% and certificates for 30.4%.

Educational participation is notably high in Bushmead, with 25.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 6.5% in tertiary education, 6.2% in secondary education, and 6.0% pursuing primary education.

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

Bushmead has nine active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by one route collectively providing 197 weekly passenger trips. Most residents commute outward due to the area's residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transport, used by 92% of residents. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.8, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 6.6% of residents work from home, which may be due to COVID-19 conditions. On average, there are 28 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 21 weekly trips per individual stop.

Bushmead's residents are extremely healthy with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Bushmead. AreaSearch's assessment indicates low prevalence of common health conditions among the general population, although this is higher than the national average for older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high, with approximately 68% of the total population (1,070 people) having it, compared to 59.0% across Greater Perth and a national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 8.0 and 7.6% of residents respectively. A total of 77.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. The area has 17.8% of residents aged 65 and over (279 people), which is higher than the 16.3% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

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

Bushmead's cultural diversity was above average, with 9.5% speaking a language other than English at home and 29.3% born overseas. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 39.1%. Other religions were overrepresented, at 1.1% compared to Greater Perth's 1.4%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (30.7%), Australian (25.6%), and Irish (7.0%). Welsh (1.6%) was notably overrepresented compared to the regional average of 0.7%, as were New Zealanders (1.5% vs 0.8%) and Spanish speakers (1.1% vs 0.4%).

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

Bushmead's median age is 35 years, which is slightly younger than Greater Perth's 37 and somewhat younger than the national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group comprises 22.3% of Bushmead's population, compared to Greater Perth, while the 5-14 cohort makes up 6.2%. This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is higher than the national average of 14.4%. Between 2021 and the present, residents have aged by an average of 3.4 years, with the median age rising from 32 to 35. Notably, the 65-74 age group has grown from 3.4% to 9.4%, and the 75-84 cohort increased from 2.7% to 6.5%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has declined from 28.2% to 22.3%, and the 35-44 group dropped from 18.1% to 15.2%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Bushmead. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 44%, adding 13 residents to reach a total of 43. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive all population growth, highlighting the trend towards an aging population. However, the 75-84 and 65-74 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.