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 for the Dayton statistical area (Lv2) is around 6,860 people. This represents an increase of 1,353 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,507. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 6,731 residents following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 372 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,846 persons per square kilometer, placing Dayton (SA2) in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate of 24.6% since the 2021 Census exceeds both the national average (9.7%) 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 all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilizes growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). By 2041, aggregated SA2-level projections anticipate an above median population growth for statistical areas across the nation, with Dayton (SA2) expected to grow by 1,224 persons, reflecting a total increase of 13.3% over the 17 years.

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

Dayton has recorded approximately 118 residential properties granted approval per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 593 homes were approved, with a further 55 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, each dwelling accommodates about 2.1 new residents annually over these years, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost of new homes is $353,000, which is moderately higher than regional levels, suggesting a focus on quality construction. This year, $3.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting limited commercial development focus compared to residential activity. Compared to Greater Perth, Dayton has 58.0% more development activity per person, offering buyers ample choice. However, building activity has slowed in recent years. The area's development level is significantly above the national average, indicating robust developer interest.

Recent construction comprises predominantly standalone homes (96.0%) with a smaller proportion of medium and high-density housing (4.0%), maintaining Dayton's traditional suburban character focused on family homes. With around 65 people per dwelling approval, Dayton exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Dayton is projected to add 915 residents by 2041. Based on 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 moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects likely to impact the area: 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. The following details those most relevant.

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

Dayton has a well-educated workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate is 2.7%.

Over the past year, there was an estimated employment growth of 2.4%, as per AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 4,011 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.3% below Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation 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.

Transport, postal & warehousing has particularly notable concentration, with employment levels at 2.0 times the regional average. Education & training employs only 5.1% of local workers, below Greater Perth's 9.2%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.4%, while labour force grew by 2.4%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. In comparison, Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 2.9% and labour force growth of 3.0%, with a marginal rise in unemployment. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows WA employment contracted by 0.27%, losing 5,520 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.6%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% 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.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, the suburb of Dayton had a median income among taxpayers of $71,479 with the average level standing at $83,004. These figures are significantly higher than national averages of $60,748 and $80,248 for Greater Perth respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth rate of 9.62% from financial year ended June 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $78,355 and average income around $90,989 by the latter date. Census data indicates that incomes in Dayton rank highly nationally, with household, family and personal incomes all falling between the 74th and 80th percentiles. Income analysis shows that the majority of residents, 49.9% or 3,423 people, fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income bracket, a pattern also seen in the region where 32.0% of residents occupy this range. High housing costs consume 19.5% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 68th percentile nationally. 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 dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.7% houses and 3.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Perth metro had 89.1% houses and 10.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Dayton was at 5.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 72.6% and rented ones at 22.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Dayton was $2,000, higher than Perth metro's average of $1,842. Weekly rent in Dayton averaged $360, compared to Perth metro's $340. Nationally, Dayton's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower than 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 comprise the remaining 18.8%, with lone person households at 16.0% and group households making up 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 residents aged 15 and above have a higher proportion with university qualifications than broader benchmarks. Specifically, 30.6% of Dayton's residents hold such qualifications compared to 19.7% in the SA3 area and 24.3% in the SA4 region. This educational advantage is significant, positioning the area favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 21.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%).

Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 37.8% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 13.1% while certificates make up 24.7%. Educational participation is notably high in Dayton, with 32.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.7% in primary education, 6.3% in secondary education, and 5.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Dayton has 20 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by three different routes that together facilitate 878 weekly passenger trips. The city's transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents usually residing around 256 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, service frequency across all routes amounts to 125 trips per day, which translates to about 43 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's health outcomes data shows excellent results across all age groups, with a very low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (4,126 people), compared to 55.3% in Greater Perth.

Asthma and mental health issues are the most common medical conditions, affecting 5.6 and 5.5% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 83.6%, report being completely free of medical ailments, higher than the 72.6% in Greater Perth. Dayton has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 4.0% (274 people), compared to 12.6% in Greater Perth. The health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly matching the general population's health profile.

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 culturally diverse, with 51.4% speaking a language other than English at home and 50.9% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Dayton, accounting for 38.6%. Notably, 10.4% of Dayton residents identify as 'Other', significantly higher than Greater Perth's average of 2.4%.

In terms of ancestry, 'Other' is the largest group at 22.8%, exceeding the regional average of 13.3%. English ancestry comprises 16.5%, lower than the regional average of 26.2%. Australian ancestry stands at 16.0%, also below the regional average of 22.0%. Some ethnic groups are notably overrepresented: Filipino at 9.3% (regional average is 2.4%), Indian at 11.9% (regional average is 3.5%), and South African at 0.9% (regional average is 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 proportion of residents aged 25-34 (24.5%) but fewer aged 55-64 (4%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is above the national average of 14.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 21% to 22.3%, while the 25 to 34 cohort has decreased from 25.1% to 24.5%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Dayton's age profile will change significantly. The 45 to 54 age group is projected to grow by 300 people (46%), from 651 to 952. Meanwhile, the 35 to 44 cohort grows by a modest 1% (10 people).