Cannington

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

According to census figures and geographic analytics from AreaSearch, the suburb of Cannington has an estimated population of 9,738 as of May 2026. This represents a 41.6% rise from the 6,875 residents documented in the 2021 Census, translating to an addition of 2,863 people. This trend is calculated from the June 2025 ABS demographic data combined with 241 validated new addresses registered since the census date. The suburb has a population density of 2,422 persons per square kilometer, which ranks in the top quartile of Australian regions analyzed. This growth rate of 41.6% far outpaces the 9.3% national average and the surrounding SA3 district. The population growth was largely propelled by overseas arrivals, who accounted for 76.0% of the overall gains.

Demographic projections for the local SA2 statistical division from ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024 (using 2022 as a baseline) are utilized here. For regions lacking these specific figures or looking past 2032, growth calculations apply the age cohort rates from the 2023 ABS capital city forecasts. Future projections suggest the suburb of Cannington will experience above-median growth, expanding by 1,920 residents by 2041, which represents an overall gain of 18.3% over the 16 years.

The level of residential development activity in Cannington was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Analysis of municipal construction data reveals the suburb of Cannington averages 68 residential building approvals yearly, with a total of 343 homes authorized over the last 5 financial years. In the current FY-26 period, 68 dwelling permits have been issued. With an average of 7.5 new residents added for each completed home between FY-21 and FY-25, residential supply is falling short of local demand, creating competitive buyer conditions and upward pressure on prices. Newly approved residences carry an average building cost of $368,000, which is higher than regional averages. Additionally, commercial development approvals total $9.2 million this financial year, emphasizing the residential character of the locality.

Per capita residential development in the suburb of Cannington is 70.0% higher than the Greater Perth average. The construction mix consists of 73.0% detached houses and 27.0% semi-detached properties or apartments. This pattern helps maintain the suburban environment, with the supply of stand-alone homes appealing to buyers seeking more space. The focus on detached housing is more pronounced than the 46.0% share recorded at the Census, indicating sustained demand for family residences despite density trends. With a ratio of approximately 100 people per approved dwelling, the suburb of Cannington is characterized as an expanding area.

Based on recent quarterly calculations, the suburb of Cannington is projected to add 1,779 residents by 2041. Current home building volumes align well with this expected growth, helping to maintain stable market dynamics without sharp pricing increases.

Cannington has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Development, planning changes, and major infrastructure initiatives are key drivers of local performance. AreaSearch has identified 26 active projects in the region. Prominent developments include the Wharf Street Mixed-Use Development, Aura Cannington, the Canning City Centre Activity Centre Plan's Private Residential Precincts, and the METRONET TOD affordable housing development at the Cannington Station Precinct.

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

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AreaSearch assessment positions Cannington ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

The local workforce is characterized by high levels of educational attainment, with significant employment in tourism and food services. The unemployment rate stands at 4.1%, and local job numbers grew by 4.8% over the previous year. As of March 2026, there are 5,845 working residents. The unemployment rate is comparable to the 4.2% recorded across Greater Perth, while the participation rate of 74.7% sits slightly above the metropolitan average of 70.2%. Census records show a minor 3.7% of the workforce worked from home, though this figure was influenced by pandemic-related lockdowns.

The primary employment sectors for residents are food and accommodation, medical and social services, and retail trade. Local representation in accommodation and food services is particularly strong, at 2.1 times the metropolitan average. Conversely, the education and training sector is underrepresented, employing 5.5% of the workforce compared to 9.2% across the wider region. Reflecting its role as a regional job center, the suburb of Cannington has 1.3 jobs for every resident worker, drawing employees from neighboring suburbs.

Labor market data indicates that in the 12 months leading up to March 2026, the employed population expanded by 4.8% and the total workforce grew by 4.9%, resulting in a stable unemployment rate. By comparison, Greater Perth saw employment rise by 2.0%, the labor force increase by 2.5%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. National forecasts released by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Projecting these industry-specific national trends onto the local workforce mix suggests employment in the suburb of Cannington could rise by 6.2% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, assuming local population trends are not factored in.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Tax statistics from the ATO for the 2023 financial year show that income levels in the suburb of Cannington are lower than the national average. Local taxpayers recorded a median income of $51,106 and an average of $59,710, compared to Greater Perth averages of $60,748 and $80,248. Adjusted for the 10.93% Wage Price Index growth since the 2023 financial year, current estimates as of March 2026 stand at $56,692 for the median and $66,236 for the average. Census data places household, family, and individual incomes between the 38th and 45th percentiles. Looking at earnings distribution, 36.8% of the population (representing 3,583 taxpayers) earn in the $1,500 - 2,999 range, which is comparable to the 32.0% seen regionally. Financial pressures are prominent, with households retaining only 81.8% of their income, placing the area in the 37th percentile for affordability and the 4th decile on the SEIFA economic index.

Cannington displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The local housing stock at the last Census consisted of 46.4% separate houses and 53.6% medium or high-density dwellings, which differs from the metropolitan Perth split of 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership stands at 18.8%, with mortgaged properties making up 22.5% and rental properties accounting for 58.7%. The median monthly mortgage payment was $1,512, which is lower than the metropolitan median of $1,907. The median weekly rent was $350, matching the metropolitan median of $350. On a national scale, mortgage commitments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rent levels sit below the national figure of $375.

Cannington features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Families comprise 63.0% of all households, consisting of 25.8% couples with children, 25.9% couples without children, and 7.8% single parents. Non-family households represent the remaining 37.0% of homes, with single person dwellings making up 27.3% and group housing accounting for 9.8%. The median household size is 2.5 residents, slightly below the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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

Educational achievements in the suburb of Cannington are higher than state and regional averages, with 40.1% of residents aged 15 and over holding a university degree, compared to 27.9% across Western Australia and 29.9% in the local SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are held by 26.0% of residents, followed by postgraduate degrees at 12.3% and graduate diplomas at 1.8%. Vocational education is also well represented, with 29.7% of residents aged 15 and over holding technical qualifications, split between advanced diplomas at 13.8% and certificates at 15.9%.

Participation in study is high, with 34.3% of the population enrolled in an educational program. This includes 11.3% attending tertiary institutions, 6.5% in primary school, and 4.2% in secondary school.

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

There are 38 active public transport stops within the suburb of Cannington, serviced by a network of buses. These stops cover 30 different routes and facilitate 5,191 passenger journeys weekly. The average distance to a transit stop is 280 meters. Commuting patterns reflect the residential nature of the area, with 74% of workers traveling by car, 11% by train, and 10% by bus. Vehicle ownership stands at 1.1 cars per household. Working from home was recorded for 3.7% of residents during the 2021 Census, which was held during pandemic conditions.

Public transport services provide an average of 741 daily trips across the suburb, which translates to approximately 136 weekly departures per stop.

The level of general health in Cannington is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population and nearer the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Health outcomes in the suburb of Cannington compare favorably to regional benchmarks. Mortality rates and chronic illness rates are low overall, matching national averages among older cohorts. Private health insurance coverage is held by approximately 51% of the population, representing roughly 4,957 residents, which is lower than the 59.0% rate recorded across Greater Perth.

The most prevalent health issues are mental health conditions and arthritis, affecting 5.5% and 4.2% of the population, respectively. Residents reporting no chronic health conditions make up 82.8% of the population, compared to 71.9% in Greater Perth. Individuals aged 65 and over constitute 9.6% of the population (representing 934 residents), which is lower than the Greater Perth proportion of 16.1%. Senior health outcomes are positive, though they rank lower nationally than the overall local population.

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

The suburb of Cannington ranks highly for cultural diversity, with 64.6% of residents speaking a non-English language at home and 66.5% born outside of Australia. Christianity is the largest religious group, representing 32.1% of the population. The category for other religions shows a notable concentration at 12.0%, compared to the Greater Perth average of 1.4%.

Ancestry details show that the largest groups are categorized as Other at 31.1% of the population, compared to the regional average of 11.2%. Chinese ancestry is reported by 14.3% of residents, which is higher than the regional average of 4.0%, while English ancestry is reported by 13.6%, lower than the regional average of 28.0%. Other ethnic backgrounds include Indian at 9.8% (compared to 2.6% regionally), Filipino at 4.0% (compared to 1.4% regionally), and Korean at 1.4% (compared to 0.3% regionally).

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

The median age of 30 years in the suburb of Cannington is younger than the Greater Perth median of 37 and the national median of 38. Young adults aged 25 to 34 represent 29.9% of the population, which is higher than the national proportion of 14.6%. Since the 2021 Census, the 5 to 14 age bracket has risen from 7.8% to 9.2%, while the 0 to 4 group decreased from 7.7% to 6.1%. Projections suggest that by 2041, the 25 to 34 age group will grow by 469 people (16%), rising from 2,911 to 3,381, while the 35 to 44 age bracket will increase by 31 people (2%).