Churchlands

Population growth drivers in Churchlands are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

The population of the suburb of Churchlands was estimated at around 4,047 as of Feb 2026. This figure reflects an increase of 409 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,638. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,956 following examination of ABS data released in June 2024 and validation of 14 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,299 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's population growth of 11.2% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average of 9.9%. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 91.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and utilising growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for areas not covered. Looking ahead, population projections indicate an increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation, with the suburb expected to grow by 445 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 8.8% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Churchlands when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Churchlands recorded approximately 11 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years, totalling around 58 homes. As of FY26, three approvals have been recorded. On average, 5.1 new residents per year are associated with every home built between FY21 and FY25, indicating demand significantly exceeds supply. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $874,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market.

In FY26, $1,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Perth, Churchlands shows around 69% of construction activity per person and ranks among the 52nd percentile nationally when assessed against other areas. This level is below the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent construction comprises approximately 86.0% detached houses and 14.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining Churchlands' traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes.

With around 314 people per dwelling approval, Churchlands indicates a developing market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the area is expected to grow by approximately 356 residents through to 2041. Building activity appears to be keeping pace with growth projections, though heightened competition among buyers may result as the population grows.

Churchlands has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 43rdth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two projects that could impact this region: Glendalough Green, Glendalough Station Precinct Planning, Empire Wembley Downs, and Cambridge Forum Mixed-Use Development. The following details projects likely to have the greatest relevance.

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

Churchlands has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 0.9% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.7%. As of September 2025, 2,323 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, below Greater Perth's 4.0%.

Workforce participation was similar to Greater Perth's 71.6%. However, only 12.7% of residents worked from home according to Census responses, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. The area showed strong specialization in professional & technical services with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level, while construction employed just 5.4% of local workers compared to Greater Perth's 9.3%.

Employment opportunities seemed limited locally based on Census data. In the 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 3.7% alongside labour force growth of 3.5%, reducing unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 2.9% and unemployment rose marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Churchlands. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates varying between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Churchlands' employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.5% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

The suburb of Churchlands has a median taxpayer income of $69,308 and an average income of $94,377 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is among the highest in Australia, contrasting with Greater Perth's median income of $60,748 and average income of $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $75,975 (median) and $103,456 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household incomes rank highly in Churchlands, between the 80th and 83rd percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows that 28.9% of residents (1,169 people) fall into the $4,000+ bracket, contrasting with the broader area where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 32.0%. Economic strength is evident through 39.5% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. Housing accounts for 13.5% of income while strong earnings rank residents within the 85th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Churchlands displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Churchlands, as per the latest Census data, 63.5% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 36.5% being semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This compares to Perth metro's dwelling composition of 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Churchlands stood at 37.5%, with mortgaged properties at 36.2% and rented dwellings at 26.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Churchlands was $2,600, higher than Perth metro's average of $1,907. The median weekly rent in the area was $365 compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Churchlands' median monthly mortgage repayments were higher at $2,600 versus Australia's average of $1,863, while median weekly rents were lower at $365 compared to the national figure of $375.

Churchlands has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 75.2% of all households, including 38.4% couples with children, 25.9% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 24.8%, with lone person households at 21.8% and group households comprising 2.8%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with the Greater Perth average.

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

Educational attainment in Churchlands is notably high, with 55.1% of residents aged 15 years and over holding university qualifications as of the latest data point. This compares to 27.9% for Western Australia (WA) and 29.0% for the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 34.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 15.7% and graduate diplomas at 5.2%. Vocational pathways account for 19.8% of qualifications among those aged 15 years and over, with advanced diplomas making up 10.7% and certificates 9.1%.

Educational participation is high, with 33.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.7% in primary education, 9.5% in secondary education, and 8.4% 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 22 active transport stops operating within Churchlands. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totalling 10 individual routes. Collectively, they provide 1,345 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 145 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most commutes are outward-bound. The dominant mode of transport is car at 80%, followed by bus at 10% and train at 6%.

Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 12.7% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 192 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 61 weekly trips per stop.

Churchlands's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

AreaSearch's assessment shows excellent health outcomes in Churchlands. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups. Approximately 65% of the total population (2,616 people) has private health cover, compared to 59.0% in Greater Perth and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 5.4% and 5.4% of residents respectively. 77.5% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 71.9% in Greater Perth. As of 2021, 18.0% of Churchlands' residents are aged 65 and over (728 people), higher than the 16.3% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors align with national rankings and are broadly in line with the general population.

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

Churchlands' population shows high cultural diversity, with 36.7% speaking a language other than English at home and 47.5% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Churchlands, representing 44.7%. Notably, Judaism comprises 0.5%, higher than Greater Perth's 0.3%.

Top ancestry groups include English (21.1%), lower than Greater Perth's 28.0%, Chinese (18.2%), substantially higher than the regional average of 4.0%, and Australian (15.6%), notably lower than Greater Perth's 21.2%. Other notable ethnic group representations include South African at 1.3% in Churchlands compared to 1.0% regionally, Polish at 1.0% versus 0.7%, and Welsh at 0.7%.

Churchlands's median age exceeds the national pattern

Churchlands's median age is 41 years, significantly higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 and slightly above Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Perth, Churchlands has a notably over-represented 15-24 cohort (14.8% locally) and an under-represented 25-34 age group (10.0%). According to the 2021 Census, the 15-24 age group grew from 13.1% to 14.8%, while the 85+ cohort increased from 1.7% to 2.7%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort declined from 14.9% to 13.1%. By 2041, Churchlands's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 85+ cohort is expected to grow by 108%, adding 117 residents to reach 227. Residents aged 65 and older are anticipated to represent 54% of the population growth. Meanwhile, declines are projected for the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups.