Derby (WA)

Derby is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the population of Derby WA is estimated at around 4504 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1282 people (39.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3222 people. The change was inferred from the resident population of 4486 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 15 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 9.6 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Derby's growth of 39.8% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average of 9.9%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by natural growth contributing approximately 52.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. 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. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is projected for Derby WA, with an expected growth of 581 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 0.6% in total over the 17 years.

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

Derby has seen approximately 8 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 40 homes were approved, with one more approval in FY26 so far. Each year, an average of 4 new residents arrive per dwelling constructed during these years.

This has led to a significant demand outpacing supply, which typically influences prices upwards and intensifies competition among buyers. The average construction value of new homes is $770,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with high-end properties.

In FY26, $75,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's residential nature. Recent building activity consists solely of standalone homes, preserving Derby's low-density character and attracting space-seeking buyers. The population per approval is around 280 people. By 2041, Derby is projected to gain 25 residents based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Current development patterns suggest new housing supply should meet demand, providing favorable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

Derby has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 31stth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified ten projects likely affecting the area. Notable ones are Derby Fertilizer and Petrochemical Complex, Derby Tidal Power Project, Derby District High School Redevelopment, and Fairbairn Street Upgrade. The following list details those most relevant.

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.

Employment conditions in Derby face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Derby has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well-represented. Its unemployment rate was 22.0% as of September 2025, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of this date, 1,278 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 18.7% higher than Rest of WA's rate of 3.3%.

The workforce participation rate in Derby was significantly lower at 45.1%, compared to Rest of WA's 67.2%. Census responses indicated that only 5.0% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training. Derby shows strong specialization in health care & social assistance with an employment share of 2.0 times the regional level, while mining has limited presence at 1.8% compared to the regional level of 11.7%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.5% alongside a 5.0% employment decline, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 3.7 percentage points in Derby. In contrast, Rest of WA experienced employment growth of 1.4% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with a 0.2 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insight into potential future demand within Derby. These projections estimate that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Derby's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

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

The suburb of Derby had a median taxpayer income of $96,602 and an average income of $113,009 in financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This places it among the top percentile nationally. In contrast, the Rest of WA had a median income of $59,973 and an average income of $74,392 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Derby would be approximately $105,895 (median) and $123,880 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Derby cluster around the 53rd percentile nationally. In terms of income distribution, 38.7% of individuals in Derby earn between $1,500 and $2,999, mirroring the broader area where 31.1% fall into this bracket. After housing costs, residents retain 89.5% of their income.

Derby is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Derby's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.3% houses and 12.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro WA's 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Derby was at 17.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 15.9% and rented ones at 66.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,638, higher than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,560. The median weekly rent figure in Derby was $180, lower than Non-Metro WA's $265. Nationally, Derby's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,638 compared to the Australian average of $1,863. Rents in Derby were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Derby features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 63.1% of all households, consisting of 22.1% couples with children, 25.3% couples without children, and 13.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 36.9%, with lone person households at 34.5% and group households comprising 2.5% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the average in the Rest of WA.

Derby faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 19.9%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are held by 39.1% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 8.7% and certificates at 30.4%. Educational participation is high, with 43.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 21.0% in primary, 10.3% in secondary, and 3.3% in tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Derby is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Derby faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 72% of the total population (3,239 people), compared to 56.4% across Rest of WA and 55.7% nationally.

The most common medical conditions are diabetes (6.5%) and arthritis (5.9%). However, 74.3% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, higher than the 69.3% across Rest of WA. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 12.3% of residents aged 65 and over (553 people), lower than the 19.2% in Rest of WA. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

Derby ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Derby's cultural diversity is below average, with 64.1% being citizens, 87.1% born in Australia, and 85.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominates Derby's religious landscape at 51.1%. Notably, the 'Other' religion category comprises 1.3%, higher than Rest of WA's 0.7%.

In terms of ancestry, Australian Aboriginal is highest at 36.0%, substantially above the regional average of 6.1%. Australian ancestry stands at 19.7%, lower than the regional average of 28.4%. English ancestry is also lower at 17.7% compared to the regional average of 31.3%. Certain ethnic groups show notable differences: Maori are similarly represented in Derby and regionally at 1.0%, New Zealanders are slightly underrepresented at 0.8% (vs regional 0.9%), and Filipinos are also underrepresented at 0.9% (vs regional 1.2%).

Derby's population is younger than the national pattern

Derby's median age is 34, which is younger than the Rest of WA figure of 40 and below Australia's median age of 38. The 25-34 age group makes up 20.0% of Derby's population, compared to 16.7% in the Rest of WA and 14.4% nationally. The 75-84 cohort represents 3.0% of Derby's population. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has increased from 17.2% to 20.0%, while the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 13.5% to 12.1% and the 45-54 group has dropped from 13.3% to 12.2%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Derby's age structure. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 18%, reaching 1,060 people from the current 900. Meanwhile, both the 65-74 and 55-64 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.