East Perth

East Perth lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of Feb 2026, the suburb of East Perth's population is estimated at around 14,080. This reflects an increase of 2,399 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,681 people. The change was inferred from the resident population of 14,080, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional seven validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 4,400 persons per square kilometer, placing East Perth in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 20.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded both the national average (9.9%) and state averages, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 93.0% 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. According to these demographic trends, a significant population increase is forecast for East Perth, with the suburb expected to expand by 4,079 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 28.9% over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, East Perth has averaged approximately 123 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 615 homes. As of FY-26, no approvals have been recorded yet. Historically, between FY-21 and FY-25, around 3.6 new residents arrived per year for each dwelling constructed. This has resulted in demand exceeding supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition.

The average construction value of new properties is $1,033,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, commercial development approvals worth $2.8 million have been recorded, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Perth, East Perth has shown moderately higher construction activity, averaging 31.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This balances buyer choice while supporting current property values.

New developments consist of approximately 2.0% standalone homes and 98.0% townhouses or apartments, promoting higher-density living and creating more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. With around 80 people per dwelling approval, East Perth exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, East Perth is projected to add approximately 4,069 residents by 2041. Construction maintains a reasonable pace with projected population growth, although increasing competition among buyers can be expected as the population expands.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 43 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include the East Perth Affordable and Social Housing Project, Royal Perth Hospital ICU Redevelopment, Finbar East Perth Riverside Development, and East Perth Power Station Redevelopment. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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East Perth has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

East Perth has a highly educated workforce with professional services being strongly represented. The unemployment rate is 4.2%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, there are 9,699 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 4.3% compared to Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation stands at 76.6%, slightly higher than Greater Perth's 71.6%. Census data shows that only 9.1% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The leading employment industries among residents are professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and accommodation & food. East Perth specializes in professional & technical jobs, with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level, but has lower representation in construction at 5.8% compared to the regional average of 9.3%.

The area functions as an employment hub with 1.5 workers for every resident, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. In the 12-month period prior to September 2025, labour force decreased by 2.5% alongside a 3.2% employment decline, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.6 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 2.9%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to East Perth's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023, East Perth had a median taxable income of $63,208 and an average taxable income of $86,645. These figures are among the highest in Australia compared to Greater Perth's median of $60,748 and average of $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth from June 2023 to September 2025, estimated median taxable income would be approximately $69,289 and average taxable income would be around $94,980 by the latter date. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics data from the 2021 Census, individual earnings in East Perth stood at the 89th percentile nationally, with weekly incomes of $1,174. Income distribution shows that 34.4% of the population (4,843 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to regional levels where 32.0% occupy this bracket. High housing costs consume 17.5% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 63rd percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

East Perth features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

East Perth's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 3.9% houses and 96.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Perth metro had 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in East Perth was at 16.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 20.8% and rented ones at 62.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,950, while the median weekly rent figure was $410. Nationally, East Perth's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents exceeding the national figure of $375.

East Perth features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 50.6 percent of all households, including 11.2 percent couples with children, 33.5 percent couples without children, and 4.5 percent single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 49.4 percent, with lone person households at 40.6 percent and group households comprising 8.8 percent of the total. The median household size is 1.8 people, which is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

East Perth demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

East Perth's educational attainment is notably higher than broader averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 54.7% have university qualifications, compared to 27.9% in Western Australia (WA) and 30.1% in Greater Perth. The area has a significant educational advantage with bachelor degrees being the most common at 35.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 16.3% and graduate diplomas at 3.0%. Vocational pathways account for 24.7% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 11.9% and certificates at 12.8%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.9% in tertiary education, 3.3% in primary education, and 2.7% pursuing secondary education.

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

East Perth has 61 active public transport stops serving a mix of train and bus services. These stops are connected by 64 routes that facilitate 18,992 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents located an average of 126 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential zone, most commuters travel outward daily. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 46%, followed by bus at 30% and walking at 11%. Vehicle ownership stands at 0.5 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 9.1% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 2,713 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 311 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

East Perth's health outcomes show notable results based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 62% of the total population (8,673 people), compared to 59.0% across Greater Perth and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 7.3 and 5.3% of residents respectively. A total of 78.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. East Perth has 13.5% of residents aged 65 and over (1,900 people), which is lower than the 16.3% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly aligning with national rankings for the general population.

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

East Perth has a population where 41.6% speak a language other than English at home, with 60.7% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion, practiced by 36.4%. Buddhism's presence in East Perth is notably higher at 5.6%, compared to Greater Perth's 2.7%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (20.8%), Other (18.8%), and Chinese (11.8%). These figures differ from regional averages: English is lower (28.0%), Other is higher (11.2%), and Chinese is substantially higher (4.0%). There's overrepresentation of Spanish (1.0% vs 0.4%), Korean (1.4% vs 0.3%), and Russian (0.6% vs 0.2%) ethnic groups in East Perth compared to regional figures.

East Perth's population is younger than the national pattern

East Perth's median age is 35 years, which is slightly younger than Greater Perth's 37 and somewhat younger than the national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group comprises 29.4%, compared to Greater Perth, while the 5-14 cohort is less prevalent at 3.1%. This concentration in the 25-34 age group is well above the national average of 14.4%. Between January 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 3.0% to 4.4% of the population. Conversely, the 0-4 cohort has declined from 3.8% to 2.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in East Perth. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to increase by 891 people (22%), from 4,139 to 5,031. Meanwhile, the 5-14 cohort grows modestly by 9%, adding 38 people.