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

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of Churchlands is around 3,961, reflecting an increase of 323 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents an 8.9% rise from the previous population count of 3,638. The latest estimate of 3,943 residents by AreaSearch was derived from the examination of the ABS's ERP data release in June 2024 and validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 2,250 persons per square kilometer, exceeding national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Churchlands' growth rate of 8.9% since the Census is close to that of its SA3 area (10.8%), indicating strong growth fundamentals. Overseas migration primarily drove this population growth, contributing around 91.0% of overall gains during recent periods.

However, all factors including interstate migration and natural growth were positive contributors. AreaSearch's projections for Churchlands are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and post-2032 estimates, AreaSearch uses ABS Greater Capital Region projections from 2023, based on 2022 data. Future demographic trends suggest Churchlands will experience population growth just below the Australian median for statistical areas. By 2041, the suburb is projected to grow by 443 persons, reflecting a total gain of 11.3% over 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Churchlands averaged approximately 10 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 51 homes. As of FY26, two approvals have been recorded. On average, 5.8 people moved to the area per year for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating demand significantly exceeds new supply. New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $874,000, focusing on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This financial year, $3.9 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting limited commercial development focus. Compared to Greater Perth, Churchlands shows approximately 61% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 46th percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings. Recent construction comprises 86.0% detached dwellings and 14.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. Developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (64.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures.

With around 357 people per dwelling approval, Churchlands shows a developed market. Looking ahead, Churchlands is expected to grow by 446 residents through to 2041 according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two projects expected to influence the area: Glendalough Green, Glendalough Station Precinct Planning, Empire Wembley Downs, and Cambridge Forum Mixed-Use Development. The following details projects likely to have the most 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 1.0% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.1%.

As of June 2025, 2,331 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.9% lower than Greater Perth's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is similar at 65.2%. The dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. Notably, professional & technical services have 1.7 times the regional average employment levels. Construction is under-represented, with only 5.4% of Churchlands's workforce compared to Greater Perth's 9.3%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population and resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 4.1%, while labour force grew by the same percentage, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 2.9%. In contrast, Greater Perth saw employment rise by 3.7%, labour force grow by 3.8%, and unemployment increase slightly to 3.9%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-2022 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Churchlands's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.5% over ten years, based on 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

AreaSearch reports that Churchlands had a median taxpayer income of $69,308 and an average income of $94,377 in financial year 2022. Nationally, these figures are exceptionally high, compared to Greater Perth's median of $58,380 and average of $78,020. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median income will be approximately $79,150 and the average $107,779, based on a 14.2% growth in wages since financial year 2022. In Churchlands, incomes rank highly nationally: household incomes are at the 83rd percentile, family incomes at the 82nd, and personal incomes at the 80th, according to Census 2021 data. The income distribution shows that 28.9% of locals (1,144 people) earn over $4,000 per week, differing from the surrounding region where 32.0% earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly. This affluence is reflected in premium retail and service offerings, with 39.5% of residents earning over $3,000 per week. Housing accounts for 13.5% of income, and the area's strong earnings place its residents in the 85th percentile for disposable income. The SEIFA income ranking places Churchlands in the 9th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Churchlands, as per the latest Census, consisted of 63.5% houses and 36.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Perth metro had 59.6% houses and 40.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Churchlands was at 37.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.2% and rented ones at 26.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,600, higher than Perth metro's average of $1,950. The median weekly rent figure in Churchlands was recorded as $365, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Churchlands' mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $375.

Churchlands has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average 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 24.8%, with lone person households at 21.8% and group households comprising 2.8%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.4.

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 higher than broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 55.1% hold university qualifications, compared to 27.9% in Western Australia (WA) and 29.0% in the SA4 region. University qualifications include bachelor degrees at 34.2%, postgraduate qualifications at 15.7%, and graduate diplomas at 5.2%. Vocational pathways account for 19.8% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 10.7% and certificates at 9.1%.

Educational participation is high, with 33.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (10.7%), secondary education (9.5%), and tertiary education (8.4%). Churchlands has three schools with a combined enrollment of 4,565 students as of the latest data. The area's Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage (ICSEA) is 1136, indicating significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement. The educational mix includes one primary school, one secondary school, and one K-12 school. Churchlands functions as an education hub with 115.2 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 14.5, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Transport analysis shows 22 active public transport stops in Churchlands, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by 10 individual routes, offering 1,261 weekly passenger trips collectively. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 145 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 180 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 57 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

Health outcomes data shows excellent results across Churchlands, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 65% of the total population (2,561 people), compared to 59.9% across Greater Perth and a national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 5.4% and 5.4% of residents respectively.

Seventy-seven point five percent of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 73.0% across Greater Perth. Churchlands has 17.3% of residents aged 65 and over (685 people), which is lower than the 18.3% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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 has a high level of cultural diversity, with 36.7% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 47.5% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Churchlands, accounting for 44.7% of the population. There is an overrepresentation of Judaism compared to Greater Perth, with 0.5% of Churchlands' population identifying as Jewish versus 1.4%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (21.1%), Chinese (18.2%), and Australian (15.6%). Notably, South African (1.3%) Polish (1.0%), and Welsh (0.7%) ethnicities are overrepresented compared to regional averages.

Churchlands hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Churchlands's median age is 41 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 years and slightly older than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, Churchlands has a notably higher proportion of the 45-54 age cohort at 14.2%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 10.2%. According to the 2021 Census, the 15-24 age group increased from 13.1% to 14.5% of Churchlands' population, while the 5-14 cohort declined from 14.9% to 13.4%. Demographic projections suggest significant changes in Churchlands' age profile by 2041. The 55-64 age group is expected to grow by 27%, adding 129 residents to reach a total of 613. Residents aged 65 and older are projected to represent 52% of the population growth, while declines are anticipated for the 0-4 and 5-14 cohorts.