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 as of Nov 2025, Butler's estimated population is around 14,485. This reflects an increase of 1,012 people (7.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,473. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 14,475 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 28 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,727 persons per square kilometer, placing Butler (WA) statistical area (Lv2) in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Butler's growth rate of 7.5% since census positions it within 2.2 percentage points of the national average (9.7%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 67.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch utilises growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Future population trends indicate a slight increase below the median of national areas. By 2041, Butler's population is expected to increase by approximately 1,280 persons, reflecting an overall gain of around 8.7% 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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Butler experienced around 15 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 79 homes. So far in FY26, 7 approvals have been recorded. This results in an average of approximately 6.2 new residents per year for every home built between FY21 and FY25. However, supply is substantially lagging demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $323,000. There have been $14.3 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating moderate levels of commercial development compared to Greater Perth. Butler shows substantially reduced construction activity, with 90% below the regional average per person, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 95% standalone homes and 5% townhouses or apartments, preserving Butler's suburban nature. With around 599 people per approval, Butler is a mature, established area.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Butler is expected to grow by 1,258 residents through to 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Butler has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 47thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of 21 projects that may 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 across white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent.

The unemployment rate was 7.0% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.5%. As of September 2025, 7,968 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, higher than Greater Perth's 4.0%. Workforce participation was 69.5%, slightly above Greater Perth's 65.2%. Residents are concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction jobs.

Retail trade is particularly specialized, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. Professional & technical services have limited presence, at 4.7% compared to the regional 8.2%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population and resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 4.5%, while labour force grew by 3.5%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.9 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Perth had employment growth of 2.9% and labour force growth of 3.0%, with a marginal rise in unemployment. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows WA employment contracted by 0.27%, losing 5,520 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.6%, slightly higher than the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Butler's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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. These figures compare to Greater Perth's median and average incomes of $60,748 and $80,248 respectively. By September 2025, based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62%, Butler's median income is estimated to be approximately $66,237 and the average income around $83,171. According to the 2021 Census, household incomes in Butler rank at the 46th percentile, family incomes at the 47th percentile, and personal incomes between the 46th and 47th percentiles. The $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 36.9% of Butler's community (5,344 individuals), which is consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 32.0% in the same category. 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 dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.1% houses and 3.9% other dwellings. In comparison, Perth metro had 92.2% houses and 7.8% 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 in Butler was $1,733, lower than Perth metro's $1,898. The median weekly rent figure in Butler 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 fairly typical median household size

Family households comprise 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 account for 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, which aligns with the Greater Perth average.

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

The area has lower university qualification rates at 16.4%, significantly below the Australian average of 30.4%. This indicates a need for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, 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

Transport analysis shows 64 active stops in Butler, offering train and bus services. These are covered by 10 routes, serving 3,394 weekly passenger trips. Residents' average proximity to the nearest stop is 199 meters, rated excellent accessibility.

Daily service averages 484 trips across all routes, equating to about 53 weekly trips per individual stop.

Butler'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 indicates strong performance throughout Butler. Prevalence of common health conditions was low among the general population but higher than the national average among older, at-risk cohorts.

Approximately 57% (~8,302 people) had private health cover, compared to 54.8% across Greater Perth. The most prevalent medical conditions were mental health issues (9.6%) and asthma (8.1%), while 72.6% reported being completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 73.0% in Greater Perth. Butler had 10.4% (1,506 people) residents aged 65 and over, lower than the 13.6% in Greater Perth.

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 is more linguistically diverse than most local markets, with 15.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Born overseas, 45.1% of Butler's residents were born abroad. Christianity is the predominant religion in Butler, making up 43.3% of its population.

Notably, Judaism is overrepresented in Butler compared to Greater Perth, with 0.1% of Butler's population identifying as Jewish. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (34.6%), Australian (19.7%), and Other (9.9%). Some ethnic groups show significant variation: South African residents comprise 1.9% in Butler compared to 1.8% regionally, Maori residents make up 2.7% versus 1.3%, and Welsh residents account for 0.9% in both Butler and the regional average.

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

Butler's median age is 32 years, which is younger than Greater Perth's average of 37 and the national average of 38. Compared to Greater Perth, Butler has a higher proportion of residents aged 15-24 (16.1%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (3.1%). According to post-2021 Census data, the age group of 55 to 64 has increased from 8.4% to 10.1%, while the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 16.4% to 15.0%. By 2041, Butler's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 65 to 74 age group is expected to grow by 49%, adding 457 residents to reach 1,385. Residents aged 65 and older are anticipated to represent 51% of the population growth. Meanwhile, declines in population are projected for the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 age groups.