Butler (WA)

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census Butler's population is estimated at around 14,487 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,014 people (7.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,473 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 14,475 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 28 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,728 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Butler's 7.5% growth since census positions it within 2.4 percentage points of the national average (9.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 67.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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. As we examine future population trends, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is expected, with the suburb expected to grow by 1,297 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 8.8% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Butler has recorded around 15 residential properties granted approval per year. Over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 79 homes were approved, with a further 7 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, about 6.2 people have moved to the area for each dwelling built over these years, indicating significant demand exceeding new supply.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $323,000. This financial year has seen around $14.3 million in commercial approvals, suggesting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Perth, Butler has significantly less development activity, 90.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, though construction activity has intensified recently. However, this activity remains lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints.

Recent construction comprises approximately 95.0% standalone homes and 5.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's suburban nature with a focus on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. Butler currently shows around 599 people per approval, indicating a mature, established area. Population forecasts suggest Butler will gain approximately 1,270 residents through to 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of 21 projects that could impact the area. Notable ones include Brighton Estate Master Planned Community, Butler District Planning Scheme Amendment No. 212, Butler Central Shopping Centre, and Connolly Drive Medical Centre. The following list details those most likely to be 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.

Employment performance in Butler has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Butler has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue-collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominently featured. The unemployment rate is 7.0%, and there has been an estimated employment growth of 4.6% over the past year, as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of September 2025, 8,005 residents are employed, with the unemployment rate at 3.0% above Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%.

The workforce participation rate is 74.2%, compared to Greater Perth's 71.6%. According to Census responses, only 6.6% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction sectors. Retail trade has a particularly high employment share at 1.3 times the regional level, while professional & technical services have a limited presence with only 4.7% of employment compared to the regional average of 8.2%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 4.6%, while labour force grew by 3.6%, causing a decrease in unemployment rate of 0.9 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 2.9% and labour force growth of 3.0%, with a marginal rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 provide further insight into potential future demand within Butler. These projections estimate national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Butler's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.0% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

The suburb of Butler's median income among taxpayers was $60,424 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $75,872 during the same period. In comparison, Greater Perth had a median income of $60,748 and an average income of $80,248. By September 2025, based on a 9.62% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, the estimated median income for Butler would be approximately $66,237 and the average income would be around $83,171. According to the 2021 Census, household incomes in Butler ranked at the 46th percentile, family incomes at the 47th percentile, and personal incomes also at the 47th percentile. The data shows that 36.9% of individuals in Butler earned between $1,500 and $2,999, which is consistent with regional trends showing 32.0% in the same earnings band. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Butler, with only 80.8% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 45th percentile.

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

Butler's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.1% houses and 3.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Perth metro had 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Butler was at 12.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 52.2% and rented ones at 35.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, lower than Perth metro's $1,907. The median weekly rent was $340, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Butler's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 75.9% of all households, including 37.1% couples with children, 19.9% couples without children, and 17.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 24.1%, with lone person households at 21.4% and group households comprising 2.6%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Educational attainment in Butler aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 16.4%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 41.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.4%) and certificates (30.2%).

Educational participation is high at 34.1%, with 12.3% in primary education, 10.3% in secondary education, and 4.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 65 active transport stops operating within Butler, comprising a mix of train and bus services. These stops are serviced by 10 individual routes, collectively providing 3,394 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 199 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward using various modes of transportation. Car remains the dominant mode at 77%, while train usage stands at 14%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 6.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 484 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 52 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Butler are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Butler's health indicators show below-average outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are higher than average for both younger and older age cohorts, with common health conditions slightly more prevalent. Approximately 57% (~8,303 people) of Butler's total population has private health cover, which is very high. Mental health issues impact 9.6% of residents, while asthma affects 8.1%. Around 72.6% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. Butler has 11.3% (1,637 people) of residents aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Perth's 16.3%. National rankings for health outcomes in Butler are broadly in line with the general population.

Butler was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Butler's population showed higher cultural diversity compared to most local markets, with 15.3% speaking a language other than English at home and 45.1% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Butler, accounting for 43.3%. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to Greater Perth's 0.3%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (34.6%), Australian (19.7%), and Other (9.9%). Significant differences existed in South African (1.9% vs regional 1.0%), Maori (2.7% vs 0.9%), and Welsh (0.9% vs 0.7%) representation.

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

At age 32 years, Butler's median age is notably younger than Greater Perth's average of 37 years and significantly lower than Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, Butler has a higher proportion of residents aged 15-24 years (16.2%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 years (3.4%). Post-2021 Census data indicates that the age group of 55-64 years grew from 8.4% to 10.4%, while the 65-74 cohort increased from 5.6% to 6.9%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group declined from 16.4% to 14.8%, and the 45-54 age group decreased from 14.8% to 13.7%. Demographic projections suggest Butler's age profile will significantly change by 2041, with the strongest growth projected for the 65-74 cohort (40%), adding 399 residents to reach a total of 1,399. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 5-14 age cohorts.