Caversham

Caversham lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Analysis of ABS population updates for the broader region and recent new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census estimates that the population of the suburb of Caversham stands at roughly 9,143 in May 2026. This represents an addition of 1,724 residents (23.2%) compared to the 2021 Census, which recorded 7,419 residents. This shift is calculated from a resident population of 9,123 estimated by AreaSearch using the ABS Estimated Resident Population release from June 2025, combined with 131 validated new addresses registered since the Census. Such a population level translates to a density of 777 individuals per square kilometer, a figure that is generally consistent with averages found across locations monitored by AreaSearch. The 23.2% growth rate in the suburb of Caversham since the 2021 census surpassed both the national average (9.3%) and state figures, positioning the area as a regional growth leader. Interstate migration was the primary driver, accounting for roughly 39.0% of the overall population gains, though natural increase and overseas migration also contributed positively.

AreaSearch incorporates ABS/Geoscience Australia projections published in 2024 with a 2022 baseline for each SA2. For statistical areas lacking this coverage, and to calculate growth beyond 2032, growth rates by age cohort from the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections (derived from 2022 data) are applied. Looking at future demographic shifts, the suburb of Caversham is projected to experience population growth above the national statistical area median, expanding by 1,535 residents by 2041 according to combined SA2 projections, which represents a total increase of 16.6% over the 16-year period.

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

According to building approval figures from the ABS compiled by AreaSearch, property development in Caversham averages approximately 56 residential approvals annually, yielding about 282 homes over the previous 5 financial years. Thus far in FY-26, 27 approvals have been logged. With an average of 6.4 new occupants per year for each home constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, new housing supply is lagging demand significantly, which tends to intensify buyer competition and drive up prices. Newly approved residences carry an average construction value of $518,000, indicating that builders are focusing on upmarket, premium properties. Furthermore, commercial approvals totaling $11.1 million have been registered during this financial year, pointing to steady commercial building activity.

In comparison to Greater Perth, the rate of new home approvals per person in Caversham is roughly two-thirds, placing the area in the 60th percentile of locations analyzed nationwide. Current construction consists entirely of standalone residences, maintaining a low-density character focused on detached dwellings that appeal to buyers seeking more space. With roughly 253 people for every approval, the market is undergoing a transition phase.

Looking forward, the population is expected to grow by 1,515 residents by 2041 based on the most recent quarterly estimates from AreaSearch. At the current pace of property development, the supply of new housing is projected to easily accommodate this growth, offering favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting expansion beyond current forecasts.

Caversham has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 48thth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure projects, major works, and town planning initiatives are primary drivers of neighborhood change. AreaSearch has tracked a total of 15 projects expected to influence the local area. Notable projects include Cedar Woods' Bushmead Estate, The Avenues Caversham, Dayton Central, and the Caversham Valley Primary School Expansion, with details on the most significant developments listed below.

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.

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

The local workforce is characterized by high levels of educational attainment, with strong representation in industrial and manufacturing sectors. The unemployment rate is low at 3.4%, and employment grew by an estimated 4.9% over the past year based on compiled statistical area data. In March 2026, there were 5,315 employed residents, with an unemployment rate 0.8% lower than the Greater Perth average of 4.2%. Labor force participation is exceptionally high at 79.6%, compared to the Greater Perth rate of 70.2%. Census data reveals that a modest 7.3% of workers worked from home, although this figure may be influenced by pandemic-related lockdowns.

The primary employment fields for local workers are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The workforce shows a notable concentration in transport, postal & warehousing, with employment levels reaching 1.5 times the regional average. Conversely, education & training accounts for only 7.1% of local employment, compared to 9.2% across the wider region. Comparing the number of local jobs to the resident workforce suggests that local employment opportunities within the area are limited.

Based on SALM and ABS data aggregated across broader statistical areas, the 12 months leading to March 2026 saw a 4.9% rise in employment and a 5.0% expansion of the labor force, keeping the unemployment rate virtually unchanged. In contrast, Greater Perth experienced a 2.0% increase in employment, a 2.5% rise in the labor force, and a 0.4 percentage point increase in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia published in May-25 offer additional context on future demand, mapping five and ten-year national projections against local industries. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though rates vary by sector. Applying these sector-specific rates to the local industry mix suggests employment among residents could rise by 6.2% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, assuming a simple weighted extrapolation that does not account for local population changes.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

Taxpayer income levels are exceptionally high on a national scale according to financial year 2023 ATO statistics. Taxpayers report a median income of $71,506 and an average income of $85,115, compared to $60,748 and $80,248 respectively in Greater Perth. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current estimates for March 2026 would be approximately $79,322 for the median and $94,418 for the average. In the 2021 Census, household, family, and individual incomes all ranked highly, falling between the 77th and 81st percentiles nationwide. The largest income bracket contains 41.3% of local taxpayers (3,776 people) earning between $1,500 and $2,999, mirroring the broader regional pattern where 32.0% fall into this range. Although housing costs consume 16.3% of earnings, strong overall income keeps disposable levels in the 80th percentile, and the SEIFA index ranks the area in the 6th decile.

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

Residential dwellings consist of 94.1% separate houses and 5.9% other property types like townhouses and apartments, compared to the Perth metropolitan average of 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership rates lag the metropolitan average at 17.6%, with the remaining properties occupied by mortgage holders (65.8%) or tenants (16.6%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $2,000 exceeds the Perth metro average of $1,907, while the median weekly rent of $390 is also higher than the metro average of $350. Nationally, mortgage payments exceed the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are higher than the national figure of $375.

Caversham features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Families make up the vast majority of households at 81.7%, consisting of couples with children at 47.5%, couples without children at 23.8%, and single parents at 9.2%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 18.3%, with single-person households at 16.0% and group households at 2.6%. The median household size is 3.0 people, which is larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

The educational profile of Caversham exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The educational profile of the area is distinct from the broader region, with university graduation rates at 28.0% of residents aged 15 and over, which is higher than both the SA3 average of 19.7% and the SA4 average of 24.3%. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher education qualification at 19.3%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 6.0% and graduate diplomas at 2.7%. Vocational qualifications are also highly represented, with 37.9% of residents aged 15 and over holding trade credentials, consisting of 12.0% with advanced diplomas and 25.9% with certificates.

Enrolment rates in formal education are high, with 31.3% of the population attending an educational institution. This includes 12.7% of residents in primary school, 7.1% in high school, and 4.5% enrolled in higher education.

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

Public transport infrastructure includes 38 active bus stops operating locally. These stops service 3 distinct bus routes, which support a total of 784 passenger trips each week. Transport access is favorable, with residents living an average of 252 meters from the nearest stop. The suburb is primarily residential, and most workers commute to other areas, with 86% traveling by private car and 8% utilizing the train network. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.7 cars, exceeding the regional average. A relatively low 7.3% of workers worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.

Across all bus routes, service frequency averages 112 trips per day, which translates to roughly 20 weekly trips for each bus stop.

The level of general health in Caversham is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Health outcomes are above average based on mortality data and chronic illness rates, with low rates of common health conditions across both younger and older age brackets. Private health insurance coverage is exceptionally high, with approximately 61% of residents (5,576 people) holding cover, compared to 59.0% in Greater Perth and a national average of 55.7%.

Asthma and mental health conditions are the most prevalent health issues, affecting 6.9% and 6.2% of residents respectively. Conversely, 77.2% of the population reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 71.9% in Greater Perth. The working-age population is particularly healthy with low rates of chronic illness. Seniors aged 65 and over make up 10.3% of the population (941 people), which is lower than the Greater Perth average of 16.1%. Older residents enjoy above-average health outcomes, with national health rankings aligning with the broader local population.

Caversham 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

Cultural diversity is relatively high, with 32.9% of the population speaking a non-English language at home and 39.2% born outside Australia. Christianity is the most common religion, representing 45.6% of residents. Hinduism is notably overrepresented locally at 7.7% of the population, compared to the Greater Perth average of 2.5%.

In terms of family ancestry, the three largest groups are English at 21.2% (lower than the regional average of 28.0%), Australian at 20.2%, and Other ancestries at 17.5% (higher than the regional average of 11.2%). Several ethnic groups show higher concentrations compared to the wider region, including Filipinos at 4.1% (compared to 1.4% regionally), Croatians at 1.3% (compared to 0.8% regionally), and Indians at 6.5% (compared to 2.6% regionally).

Caversham's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

With a median age of 33, the local population is younger than the Greater Perth median of 37 and the national average of 38. There is a high concentration of residents aged 35 to 44 (19.8%, up from 18.6% in the 2021 Census), which is well above the national average of 14.3%. In contrast, the 25 to 34 age group decreased from 17.3% to 14.8%, and the 0 to 4 group fell from 10.1% to 8.4%. Only 6.1% of residents are aged 65 to 74. Demographic projections for 2041 indicate that the 45 to 54 cohort will grow the fastest, rising by 34% (adding 367 residents to reach 1,446), while the numbers of residents aged 5 to 14 and 35 to 44 are expected to decrease.