Dayton

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

As of November 2025, the estimated population of the suburb of Dayton is around 7,119. This represents an increase of 1,612 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,507. The growth is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 6,925 as of June 2024, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS and an additional 372 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,953 persons per square kilometer for Dayton, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's population growth of 29.3% since the 2021 census exceeded both the national average (8.9%) and state averages, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 43.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with other factors such as overseas migration and natural growth also being positive contributors.

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). Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to grow by an additional 1,190 persons to reach a total population of 8,309 by 2041, reflecting an increase of 8.7% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Dayton recorded around 121 residential properties granted approval per year. Approximately 607 homes were approved over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, with an additional 49 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, each dwelling accommodates about two new residents annually over these years, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value of new homes is $353,000, which is lower than regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. This financial year has seen $10.5 million in commercial approvals registered, reflecting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Perth, Dayton has 62.0% more development activity per person, offering ample choice for buyers despite a recent slowdown in building activity. This level is significantly higher than the national average, indicating robust developer interest in the area. Recent construction comprises 95.0% standalone homes and 5.0% medium to high-density housing, maintaining Dayton's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes.

With around 62 people per dwelling approval, Dayton exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Dayton is projected to add 622 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

Dayton has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects likely to affect the region: St Leonards Private Estate - Dayton Release, Dayton Central by LWP Property Group, Dayton District Centre (Future Town Centre & Train Station Precinct), and Brabham Senior High School. These are the most relevant projects in detail.

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

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Employment conditions in Dayton demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Dayton has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.6%, lower than the national average.

In the past year, employment grew by an estimated 3.9%. As of June 2025, 3,934 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.2% below Greater Perth's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Dayton is high at 78.1%, compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and transport, postal & warehousing, with a notable concentration in the latter (2.0 times the regional average).

However, education & training employs only 5.1% of local workers, below Greater Perth's 9.2%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 3.9%, while labour force grew by the same percentage, keeping unemployment broadly flat at 2.6%. In comparison, Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 3.7% and labour force growth of 3.8%, with unemployment rising slightly to 4.0%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Dayton's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.1% 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's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Dayton had a median taxpayer income of $71,479 and an average income of $83,004. These figures are high compared to national levels of $58,380 and $78,020 in Greater Perth. Considering a 14.2% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022, estimated median and average incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $81,629 and $94,791 respectively. Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Dayton rank between the 74th and 80th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 49.9% of residents (3,552 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, similar to regional patterns where 32.0% occupy this range. Housing costs consume 19.5% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 68th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Dayton's latest Census data shows 96.7% houses and 3.3% other dwellings, compared to Perth metro's 89.1% houses and 10.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Dayton was 5.0%, with mortgages at 72.6% and rentals at 22.3%. Median monthly mortgage repayments were $2,000, higher than Perth metro's $1,842 but above the national average of $1,863. Median weekly rents in Dayton were $360, lower than Perth metro's $340 and the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 81.2% of all households, including 49.4% couples with children, 20.8% couples without children, and 9.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 18.8%, with lone person households at 16.0% and group households comprising 3.0%. The median household size is 3.0 people, larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.8.

Dayton shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Dayton's educational attainment exceeds broader averages. Among residents aged 15+, 30.6% possess university qualifications, compared to 19.7% in the SA3 area and 24.3% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most common at 21.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are prominent with 37.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (13.1%) and certificates (24.7%).

Educational participation is high at 32.1%, comprising primary education (11.7%), secondary education (6.3%), and tertiary education (5.0%). Dayton has three schools with a combined enrollment of 454 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1044). These schools focus on primary education; secondary options are available nearby. School capacity is limited locally at 6.4 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 15.6, leading many families to travel for schooling. Note that 'n/a' in school enrolments refers to parent campus data.

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

Transport analysis in Dayton shows 22 active bus stops operating. These are serviced by three routes offering a total of 876 weekly passenger trips. The average distance to the nearest stop for residents is 256 meters.

Service frequency averages 125 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 39 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Dayton exhibits excellent health outcomes across all age groups, with a very low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 60% (4,282 people) have private health cover, compared to 54.1% in Greater Perth.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 5.6% and 5.5% of residents respectively. A total of 83.6% report being completely free from medical ailments, higher than the 72.6% reported in Greater Perth. Dayton has a lower percentage of seniors aged 65 and over at 4.0% (284 people), compared to 12.6% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, mirroring those of the general population.

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

Dayton's population is diverse, with 51.4% speaking a language other than English at home and 50.9% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 38.6% of Dayton residents. The category 'Other' is significantly overrepresented at 10.4%, compared to Greater Perth's average of 2.4%.

In terms of ancestry, 'Other' tops at 22.8%, higher than the regional average of 13.3%. English ancestry stands at 16.5%, lower than the regional average of 26.2%. Australian ancestry is also lower at 16.0% compared to the region's average of 22.0%. Notable overrepresentations include Filipino (9.3% vs regional 2.4%), Indian (11.9% vs 3.5%), and South African (0.9% vs 0.8%).

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

Dayton's median age at 30 years is younger than Greater Perth's average of 37 and Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Perth, Dayton has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (24.5%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (4.2%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is notably higher than the national average of 14.5%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 35-44 age group has increased from 21.0% to 22.4% of Dayton's population, while the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 25.1% to 24.5%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Dayton's age profile. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow steadily, increasing by 274 people (41%) from 676 to 951. Conversely, population declines are expected for the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups.