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 the Derby (WA) statistical area (Lv2) is estimated at around 4,495 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,273 people (39.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,222 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,486 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in Jun 2024 and an additional 3 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 9.6 persons per square kilometer. The Derby (WA) (SA2)'s growth rate exceeded the national average (9.7%) and that of non-metro areas, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed 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 post-2032 growth estimation, 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, above median population growth is projected for Australia's non-metropolitan areas. The Derby (WA) (SA2) is expected to grow by 562 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 0.5% 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 each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 40 homes have been approved, with one approval so far in FY26. On average, about 4 new residents arrive per dwelling constructed annually during this period.

This indicates a significant gap between demand and supply, which typically exerts upward pressure on prices and intensifies competition among buyers. The average construction value of new homes is $770,000, suggesting that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

In FY26, $75,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's predominantly residential nature. All recent building activity consists of standalone homes, preserving Derby's low-density character and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 280 people per approval, Derby is experiencing a transitioning market. Population forecasts indicate an increase of 24 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, creating favorable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Derby has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 30thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects that could impact the area. Notable projects include 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 is 22.0%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 1,275 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 18.7% higher than Rest of WA's rate of 3.3%. Workforce participation in Derby lags significantly at 42.8%, compared to Rest of WA's 59.4%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training. The area shows strong specialization in health care & social assistance with an employment share twice the regional level, while mining has limited presence at 1.8% compared to 11.7% regionally.

Labour force levels decreased by 0.6% over the 12 months to September 2025, alongside a 5.0% employment decline, causing unemployment rate to rise by 3.6 percentage points. 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 project overall employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Derby's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.3% over ten years.

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 the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This places it in the top percentile nationally, contrasting with the Rest of WA's median income of $59,973 and average income of $74,392. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $105,895 (median) and $123,880 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Derby cluster around the 53rd percentile nationally. The income distribution shows that 38.7% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 per week (1,739 individuals), which is similar to the broader area where 31.1% fall into this bracket. After housing costs, residents retain 89.5% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power.

Derby is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a predominantly rental market

Derby's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 87.3% houses and 12.7% other dwellings including semi-detached properties, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. Home ownership in Derby stood at 17.7%, with 15.9% of dwellings mortgaged and 66.4% rented. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,638, while the median weekly rent figure was $180. Nationally, Derby's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Derby features high concentrations of lone person households, with a median household size of 2.5 people

Family households constitute 63.1% of all households, including 22.1% couples with children, 25.3% couples without children, and 13.1% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 36.9%, with lone person households at 34.5% and group households making up 2.5%. The median household size is 2.5 people.

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 most common among qualifications, at 13.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them; advanced diplomas account for 8.7% and certificates for 30.4%. Educational participation is high, with 43.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

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

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Derby's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Derby. Prevalence of common health conditions is very low across all age groups.

Private health cover rate is exceptionally high at approximately 72% of the total population (3,232 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are diabetes and arthritis, impacting 6.5% and 5.9% of residents respectively. 74.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 0% across Rest of WA. Derby has 12.5% of residents aged 65 and over (561 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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 was found to be below average, with 64.1% of its population being citizens, 87.1% born in Australia, and 85.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Derby, comprising 51.1% of people. The most notable overrepresentation was in Other, which comprised 1.3% of the population compared to None% across Rest of WA.

In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups were Australian Aboriginal (36.0%), Australian (19.7%), and English (17.7%). Notably, Maori were overrepresented at 1.0%, New Zealanders at 0.8%, and Filipinos at 0.9% compared to None% representation regionally.

Derby's population is younger than the national pattern

The median age in Derby is 35 years, which is lower than the average for Rest of WA at 40 years and also slightly below the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Rest of WA, Derby has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (19.2%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (2.8%). Between the 2016 Census and the 2021 Census, the percentage of Derby's population aged 25 to 34 increased from 17.2% to 19.2%, while the percentage of those aged 45 to 54 decreased from 13.3% to 12.3%. By 2041, Derby is projected to experience significant shifts in its age composition. The 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 22%, increasing from 863 people to 1,055. Conversely, both the 85+ and 65-74 age groups are anticipated to decrease in number.