Ferndale (WA)

Suburb (SAL)

Greater Perth / Canning

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Suburb (SAL) Boundary Analysis

This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.

SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.

Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.

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Sales ActivityProperty Sales Trends in Ferndale (WA)

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DemographicsPopulation Growth in Ferndale (WA)

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Ferndale (WA) has an estimated 5,281 residents, up from 4,457 at the 2021 Census — a change of 824 people, or 18.5%. Growth has averaged 2.8% a year over five years, faster than 89% of areas nationally. Overseas migration accounts for 87.0% of that increase. That puts 1,656 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.

Detail

In the suburb of Ferndale (WA), demographic evaluation incorporating regional ABS releases and 82 validated new addresses recorded by AreaSearch since the Census indicates an Estimated Resident Population of roughly 5,281 as of Aug 2026. This marks an expansion of 824 people (18.5%) compared to the 4,457 people documented at the 2021 Census, with calculations stemming from AreaSearch review of the ABS June 2025 ERP update alongside subsequent address additions. Across the suburb of Ferndale (WA), population density stands at 1,655 persons per square kilometer, tracking above national benchmarks evaluated by AreaSearch.

Surpassing both the broader SA3 territory and the 9.5% nationwide benchmark, the 18.5% post-2021 Census expansion positions the locality as a regional leader in demographic growth, largely propelled by overseas arrivals who generated around 87.0% of recent population additions. SA2 growth modeling by AreaSearch draws upon ABS/Geoscience Australia forecasts published in 2024 (using 2022 as baseline), supplemented post-2032 and across unlisted areas by age-cohort metrics from the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region release (built on 2022 data). Looking forward across the suburb of Ferndale (WA), demographic expansion is projected to track slightly below the national statistical median, gaining an estimated 474 persons through to 2041 under aggregated SA2 projections, representing cumulative 16-year growth of 9.0%.

Frequently Asked Questions - Population

What is the latest population estimate for the suburb of Ferndale?
Total population for the suburb of Ferndale was estimated to be approximately 5,281 as at Aug 26. This is based upon an estimated resident population of 5,281 from the ABS up to June 2025.
How has the population in the suburb of Ferndale changed since 2021?
The suburb of ferndale has added approximately 824 people and shown a 18.49% increase from the 4,457 people recorded at the 2021 Census period.
What is the population density in the suburb of Ferndale?
The population density in the suburb of Ferndale is estimated at 1,655 persons per square kilometer based on the latest population estimate.
How much has the population grown over the past 10 years in the suburb of Ferndale?
Over the past 10 years, the population in the suburb of Ferndale has shown a compound annual growth rate of 1.4% per annum.
What are the main drivers of population growth in the suburb of Ferndale?
Population growth in the suburb of Ferndale is driven by: Overseas migration (87.0%), Natural increase (13.0%), Interstate migration (0.0%). The primary driver is Overseas migration, contributing 87.0% of overall population gains.

Residential SupplyHousing Development & Building Approvals in Ferndale (WA)

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160 new dwellings have been approved in Ferndale (WA) over the past five years, an average of 32 a year. That places the area in the 81st percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 6 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Of the 38 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 95% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 35, broadly in line with that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.

Detail

Statistical allocations of ABS building figures by AreaSearch show that Ferndale records approximately 32 residential approvals annually, totaling an estimated 160 dwellings over the last 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), with 35 granted to date in FY-25. Because an average of 3.6 new occupants per year arrived for each home built over the preceding 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), buyer competition and price pressures are sustained by demand outpacing development supply, alongside an average construction cost of $402,000 per dwelling. Furthermore, non-residential building permits stand at $1.4 million for the current financial year, reflecting subdued commercial development activity.

Per-capita residential approvals in Ferndale exceed Greater Perth by 84.0%, providing prospective purchasers with expanded options. Recent construction approvals comprise 95.0% separate houses alongside 5.0% apartments or townhouses, reinforcing the established low-density suburban landscape oriented toward family buyers seeking room. With approximately 130 people per approval, the district exhibits steady development momentum. According to the latest quarterly estimate from AreaSearch, Ferndale is forecast to expand by 474 residents by 2041. Ongoing construction volumes are projected to sufficiently satisfy residential demand, providing favorable purchasing conditions and potentially facilitating demographic gains beyond baseline projections.

Frequently Asked Questions - Development

How many dwelling approvals have occurred in the suburb of Ferndale recently?
Dwelling approval activity in the the suburb of Ferndale area has seen 100 residential approvals over the past two financial years, based on AreaSearch's SA2 aggregation method. The suburb of Ferndale's current population of 5,281 has been supported by 32 approvals on average over recent years.
How does the suburb of Ferndale's development activity compare to the broader region?
The suburb of Ferndale has seen 0.77 approvals per 100 people in recent years, compared to 0.72 approvals in the broader region. This means that one dwelling has been approved for every 130 people in the suburb of Ferndale, compared to one for every 118 in the broader region.
Is the suburb of Ferndale keeping up with housing demand?
With the population expected to increase by 474 people by 2041, around 237 new dwellings will be necessary. Recent approval levels appear more than sufficient to meet these forecasts, considering the census average of 2.0 persons per dwelling. This suggests that population growth may exceed trend projections in the coming years, supported by a robust housing supply.
What has been the trend in development approvals over the past five years in the suburb of Ferndale?
Looking at development activity over the past five years, the suburb of Ferndale's approval levels have been significantly above the yearly average of 32, indicating strong recent growth in development activity.
How many dwellings will be needed to accommodate future population growth in the suburb of Ferndale?
The population in the suburb of Ferndale is expected to grow by 474 people by 2041, necessitating approximately 237 new dwellings. This calculation is based on the current census average of 2.0 persons per dwelling in the area.
How does recent development compare to population growth in the suburb of Ferndale?
Over the past five years, the population in the suburb of Ferndale has grown by approximately 1,066 people, while 160 residential approvals were recorded. This equates to a ratio of 6.7 people added for each new dwelling approval. This high ratio suggests strong population growth relative to housing supply, potentially indicating unmet housing demand.
Are there opportunities for residential developers in the suburb of Ferndale?
With dwelling approval activity running at an average of 32 approvals per year and a population of 5,281, the market appears to be adequately supplied relative to projected housing demand in recent years, suggesting that developers should have a longer-term approach when considering new projects. With the population expected to increase by 474 people by 2041, around 237 new dwellings will be necessary. Recent approval levels appear more than sufficient to meet these forecasts, considering the census average of 2.0 persons per dwelling. This suggests that population growth may exceed trend projections in the coming years, supported by a robust housing supply.
Approvals Pipeline Development applications near Ferndale (WA)

Development applications around Ferndale (WA)

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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.

Project PipelineInfrastructure & Major Projects in Ferndale (WA)

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AreaSearch tracks 34 current infrastructure and development projects close to Ferndale (WA), worth an estimated $6.49 billion. 9 are already under construction and 10 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans sports & recreation, communities, precincts & urban renewal and residential development. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.

Detail

Local economic and property performance is heavily shaped by major civic works, development initiatives, and planning schemes. AreaSearch has highlighted 9 key projects expected to influence the district, including the Kent Street Weir Precinct Redevelopment, Canning City Centre Regeneration Program, Kent Street Weir Precinct (Canning River, Wilson), and Riverton Rise Estate.

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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure

What are some of the major infrastructure and planning changes likely to influence the suburb of Ferndale?
Key infrastructure and planning changes likely to influence the suburb of Ferndale include: Riverton Rise Estate (Construction); Kent Street Weir Precinct (Canning River, Wilson) (Construction); Kent Street Weir Precinct Redevelopment (Construction); Canning City Centre Regeneration Program (Construction); and Canning City Centre Activity Centre Plan - Private Residential Precincts (Planning). These projects represent significant developments that will shape the area's future infrastructure landscape.
What types of infrastructure projects are impacting the suburb of Ferndale?
Infrastructure development impacting the suburb of Ferndale spans multiple sectors including Transport & Logistics, Sports & Recreation, and Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal, among others.
What is the scale of infrastructure investment impacting the suburb of Ferndale?
Infrastructure investment analysis indicates substantial capital deployment exceeding $6.7 billion in projects that will impact the extended area, with a notable concentration of investment within the immediate the suburb of Ferndale vicinity.
How does the suburb of Ferndale's infrastructure development compare to other areas?
The suburb of Ferndale shows moderate infrastructure development relative to national averages, with opportunities for future growth and investment.
Kent Street Weir Precinct Redevelopment
Category: Sports & Recreation
Stage: Construction | Est. Comp: 2026
Source / Links: Link 1   Link 2  

Staged redevelopment of the Kent Street Weir Precinct on the Canning River, delivered by the City of Canning as a major community recreation and environmental upgrade. Earlier stages delivered the weir and bridge upgrade, shelters, pathways, barbeques, the pump track, sewer works, and the completed Stage 4 dog exercise area and wetland buffer expansion with new fencing, amenities and more than 21000 native plants. The current Stage 5 district-level play space has completed detailed design and procurement, has funding support from Lotterywest, and is expected to commence construction in January 2026 and open by mid 2026.The play space includes junior and older-child play areas, water and sensory play, picnic and BBQ facilities, landscaping, accessible pathways, inclusive equipment and cultural interpretation developed with Whadjuk Noongar Traditional Owners and local Indigenous artists.

Sports & Recreation

Kent Street Weir Precinct (Canning River, Wilson)
Category: Sports & Recreation
Stage: Construction | Est. Comp: 2026
Source / Links: Link 1   Link 2  

A staged long-term redevelopment of the Kent Street Weir Precinct on the banks of the Canning River (Djarlgarro Beeliar) in Wilson. Works include a new district-level inclusive play space with cultural interpretation elements, an off-leash dog exercise area, wetland buffer expansion with over 21,000 native plants, a pump track, upgraded shelters and BBQ facilities, and ecological restoration. The precinct is a gateway to the Canning River Regional Park and holds strong cultural significance for the Whadjuk Noongar people.Construction of the play space is underway in 2026 with completion expected by mid-2026. The broader Wilson Riverfront Masterplan has been subsumed into this staged precinct program.

Sports & Recreation

Canning City Centre Regeneration Program
Category: Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal
Stage: Construction | Est. Comp: 2037
Source / Links: Link 1   Link 2  

A 20-year, four-phase regeneration initiative led by the City of Canning to transform Cannington into Perth's southern CBD. The program features high-density transit-oriented development, smart-city infrastructure, and public open spaces connecting to the elevated Cannington train station. Approved plans support up to 10,000 dwellings, delivering significant economic value and private sector investment.

Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal

Aura Cannington
Category: Residential Development
Stage: Construction | Est. Comp: 2026
Source / Links: Link 1   Link 2  

14 storey residential tower in the Canning City Centre activity corridor delivering 189 apartments above ground floor commercial space at 1250 Albany Highway, within walking distance of Cannington Station and Westfield Carousel. Developed by Match as part of the broader regeneration of Canning City Centre.

Residential Development

Albany Highway Safety Upgrades Cannington
Category: Transport & Logistics
Stage: Planning | Est. Comp: 2026
Source / Links: Link 1   Link 2  

Two-stage safety and traffic-flow upgrade along Albany Highway near Westfield Carousel. Stage 1 (Station Street median closure and lighting relocation) was delivered Sep-Oct 2024. Stage 2 (after METRONET Armadale Level Crossing Removal completes) will lengthen turn pockets into Nicholson Road and Liege Street to increase capacity and reduce crash risk.

Transport & Logistics

Curtin University Net Zero Precinct Digital Twin
Category: Science & Research
Stage: Planning | Est. Comp: 2027
Source / Links: Link 1   Link 2  

Research-led digital twin project at Curtin University's Bentley campus supporting the Pathways to Net Zero Precincts program. The project is piloting an integrated digital twin platform using real-time building sensor data to improve space utilisation, operational energy efficiency, Consumer Energy Resource integration, and precinct-scale decarbonisation. During 2025-2026 the project progressed from initial platform development into active pilot operation with preliminary findings being applied to future campus renewal and sustainability planning.

Science & Research

Cannington Station Precinct - Affordable Housing (METRONET TOD)
Category: Communities
Stage: Under Assessment | Est. Comp: 2028
Source / Links: Link 1   Link 2  

A six-storey residential building comprising 100 apartments (80 affordable and 20 social homes) on a 1.217-hectare site approximately 200m from the new elevated Cannington Train Station. Developed by DevelopmentWA and to be constructed by EMCO Building under a $443 million State-Federal affordable housing partnership. The build-to-rent development will be managed by a Community Housing Provider on completion. Construction is anticipated to begin mid-2026 with a build time of 16-30 months. The adjacent new Cannington Station (elevated, with 16 bus stands and 290 parking bays) opened as part of the METRONET Armadale Line Transformation in October 2025.

Communities

Principal Shared Paths - Bickley Road
Category: Transport & Logistics
Stage: Planning | Est. Comp: 2027
Source / Links: Link 1   

Design and feasibility planning for new shared walking and cycling paths along Bickley Road in Beckenham. The project aims to improve active transport connectivity to the Beckenham Train Station precinct as part of the City of Gosnells Capital Works Program and WA Bicycle Network grants.

Transport & Logistics

Jobs & IndustryEmployment Trends in Ferndale (WA)

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2,868 residents of Ferndale (WA) are employed, from a labour force of 2,985. Unemployment sits at 3.9%, with participation at 67.4%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.4% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth, so in an area growing as fast as this one it understates the likely rise in local jobs. The working-day population is estimated at 4,055, about 77% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.

Detail

Statistical area figures compiled by AreaSearch reveal that Ferndale maintains a qualified labor force with solid representation across essential services, an unemployment rate standing at 3.9%, and an estimated 3.8% annual rise in employment. By March 2026, employed residents numbered 2,868, holding local joblessness 0.3% below the 4.2% figure for Greater Perth, while labor participation reached 67.4% against the regional benchmark of 69.9%. Census records indicate that only 7.9% of workers operated from home, though pandemic containment measures should be noted. The primary employment fields for the local workforce consist of retail trade, education & training, and health care & social assistance.

Meanwhile, construction engages only 7.8% of workers, trailing the 9.3% proportion across Greater Perth. Census comparisons between local resident workers and place-of-work tallies highlight that this largely residential setting offers limited local commercial jobs. Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, aggregated from broader statistical areas, during the year to March 2026, employment levels increased by 3.8% and labour force increased by 3.8%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. This compares to Greater Perth, where employment grew by 2.0%, labour force expanded by 2.5%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Mar-26 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Ferndale. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Ferndale's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Frequently Asked Questions - Employment

What is the employment situation in the suburb of Ferndale?
As of March 2026, the suburb of Ferndale has approximately 2,868 employed residents with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. This healthy unemployment rate suggests a well-functioning labour market. Employment performance is above the national median, showing positive labour market dynamics.
How does the suburb of Ferndale's unemployment rate compare to the broader region?
As of March 2026, the unemployment rate in the suburb of Ferndale stands at 3.9%, which is broadly in line with Greater Perth's rate of 4.2%. For comparison, the national unemployment rate is 4.2%.
What are the major employment sectors in the suburb of Ferndale?
The employment landscape in the suburb of Ferndale is dominated by several key sectors. The largest employers are health care & social assistance (16.0% of employment), education & training (10.7%), and retail trade (9.6%). Other significant employers include professional & technical and construction.
How has employment changed recently in the suburb of Ferndale?
Over the past year to March 2026, the suburb of Ferndale has experienced employment growth, with total employment increasing while the labour force increased. As a result, the unemployment rate has rise. By comparison, Greater Perth saw employment increased and its unemployment rate rose.
What is the workforce participation rate in the suburb of Ferndale?
The workforce participation rate in the suburb of Ferndale is 67.4%, which represents the proportion of working-age residents who are either employed or actively seeking work. This healthy participation rate reflects good employment opportunities and workforce engagement. The local rate trailing the Greater Perth average of 69.9%, showing similar workforce dynamics to the broader region.
Which industries are over-represented in the suburb of Ferndale's employment market?
The suburb of ferndale shows notable specialization in education & training, which employs 10.7% of the local workforce compared to 9.2% regionally. This moderate specialization indicates some local strength in the sector.
What are the employment growth prospects for the suburb of Ferndale?
Based on Jobs and Skills Australia projections applied to the suburb of Ferndale's industry mix, employment is expected to grow by 6.4% over the next five years and 13.5% over ten years. This compares to national growth expectations of 6.6% over five years. Steady growth is anticipated across multiple sectors, providing diverse employment opportunities.
How does the job market in the suburb of Ferndale compare nationally?
The suburb of ferndale's employment market shows above-average performance nationally, placing in the top half of areas assessed. Employment indicators suggest healthy labour market conditions relative to other regions. Recent job advertisement trends show the broader employment region saw a 0.1% decline, ranking 14.0th out of 37 regions nationally.
What employment opportunities exist for skilled workers in the suburb of Ferndale?
Skilled workers will find good opportunities in the suburb of Ferndale, with skilled sectors accounting for 37.2% of employment. Key sectors for skilled workers include health care & social assistance (16.0%), education & training (10.7%), and professional & technical (7.9%). With projected employment growth of 6.4% over five years, demand for skilled workers is expected to remain strong.

EarningsHousehold Income in Ferndale (WA)

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Median household income in Ferndale (WA) is $1,533 a week (about $80,000 a year), with median personal income at $745 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $51,051 a year against an average of $65,397. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.

Detail

Subunit ATO figures for financial year 2023 reviewed by AreaSearch indicate that Ferndale earnings trail nationwide medians, showing an assessed median of $51,051 and an average of $65,397, relative to Greater Perth medians of $60,748 and averages of $80,248. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% following financial year 2023, updated estimates reach roughly $56,631 (median) and $72,545 (average) as of March 2026. At the 2021 Census, individual, family, and household earnings placed moderately between the 37th and 37th percentiles. Earnings distribution indicates that 31.2% of local residents (1,647 individuals) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, closely aligning with the 32.0% recorded across Greater Perth.

Residents retain 84.9% of income after servicing housing costs, with the locality positioned in the 5th decile of SEIFA income rankings.

Frequently Asked Questions - Income

What is the median taxable income in the suburb of Ferndale?
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to March 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the suburb of Ferndale is approximately $56,631. The official ATO data from FY-23 recorded a median of $51,051.
What is the average taxable income in the suburb of Ferndale?
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to March 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the suburb of Ferndale is approximately $72,545. The official ATO data from FY-23 recorded an average of $65,397.
How does the median taxable income in the suburb of Ferndale compare to the region?
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to March 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the suburb of Ferndale is approximately $56,631 compared to $67,388 in Greater Perth. The official ATO data from FY-23 shows $51,051 and $60,748 respectively.
How does the average taxable income in the suburb of Ferndale compare to the region?
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to March 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the suburb of Ferndale is approximately $72,545 compared to $89,019 in Greater Perth. The official ATO data from FY-23 shows $65,397 and $80,248 respectively.
What are the main income cohorts in the suburb of Ferndale according to the 2021 Census?
As per the 2021 Census, the income bracket containing the largest proportion (~31.2% / 1,647 persons) of the suburb of Ferndale's population is the $1,500 - 2,999 cohort.
How do the main income cohorts in the suburb of Ferndale compare to the region?
The largest income cohort in the suburb of Ferndale is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing about 31.2% of the population. In comparison, Greater Perth's largest income cohort is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing 32.0% of its population, according to the 2021 Census.
What is the median household income in the suburb of Ferndale according to the 2021 Census?
The 2021 Census data indicates that the median household income in the suburb of Ferndale is $1,533/wk.
What is the median family income in the suburb of Ferndale according to the 2021 Census?
According to the 2021 Census, the median family income in the suburb of Ferndale is $2,003/wk.
What is the median personal income in the suburb of Ferndale according to the 2021 Census?
The 2021 Census shows that the median personal income in the suburb of Ferndale is $745/wk.
How does the suburb of Ferndale's income rank nationally?
According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the suburb of Ferndale had a median income among taxpayers of $51,051 with the average level standing at $65,397. This is just below the national average and compares to levels of $60,748 and $80,248 across Greater Perth respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $56,631 (median) and $72,545 (average) as of March 2026.
What is the disposable income in the suburb of Ferndale?
The estimated disposable income in the suburb of Ferndale is $5,637 per year according to AreaSearch analysis.
How does the suburb of Ferndale's disposable income compare to the region?
The suburb of ferndale's disposable income is $5,637 compared to $6,842 for Greater Perth, based on AreaSearch analysis.

Housing StockHousing & Dwellings in Ferndale (WA)

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Ferndale (WA) had 1,729 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 82% detached houses and 0% apartments. 42% are owned with a mortgage, 22% rented and 36% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $314 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,700 a month. Rent absorbs 20.5% of household income here and mortgage repayments 25.6%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.

Detail

Census records indicate that Ferndale's housing stock consists of 82.3% standalone houses and 17.7% alternative formats (including flats, townhouses, and semi-detached units), compared to 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings across greater metropolitan Perth. Fully owned homes represent 36.4% of residences, outperforming the metropolitan rate, while remaining properties are mortgaged (41.5%) or tenanted (22.1%). Monthly median mortgage obligations stand at $1,700 and weekly median rents are $314, tracking noticeably beneath the metropolitan benchmarks of $1,907 and $350. Nationally, local home loan repayments sit below the Australian median of $1,863, with rental charges falling substantially short of the $375 national figure.

Frequently Asked Questions - Housing

What percentage of homes are owned vs rented in the suburb of Ferndale?
In the suburb of Ferndale, 36.4% of homes are owned outright, 41.5% are owned with a mortgage, and 22.1% are rented.
What percentage of dwellings in the suburb of Ferndale are houses?
According to the latest data, 82.3% of dwellings in the suburb of Ferndale are houses.
What percentage of dwellings in the suburb of Ferndale are apartments or units?
In the suburb of Ferndale, 0.3% of dwellings are apartments or units, with an additional 17.4% being semi-detached dwellings.
What is the level of outright home ownership in the suburb of Ferndale?
Outright home ownership in the suburb of Ferndale stands at 36.4%, compared to 29.3% in Greater Perth.
What is the median monthly mortgage repayment in the suburb of Ferndale?
The median monthly mortgage repayment in the suburb of Ferndale is $1,700, compared to $1,907 in Greater Perth.
What is the median weekly rent in the suburb of Ferndale?
The median weekly rent in the suburb of Ferndale is $314, compared to $350 in Greater Perth.
What is the distribution of rental prices in the suburb of Ferndale?
In the suburb of Ferndale, 8.9% of rentals are $0-149/week, 55.0% are $150-349/week, 36.1% are $350-649/week, 0.0% are $650-949/week, and 0.0% are $950+/week.
What is the average monthly housing cost in the suburb of Ferndale?
The aggregate monthly housing cost in the suburb of Ferndale is $1,006, which represents the average monthly cost across all housing types.
What percentage of income do residents spend on housing in the suburb of Ferndale?
In the suburb of Ferndale, households with mortgages typically spend 25.6% of their income on mortgage repayments, while renters spend 20.5% of their income on rent.
How crowded are homes in the suburb of Ferndale?
The average persons per bedroom ratio in the suburb of Ferndale is 0.7, indicating the level of household density.
How does housing affordability in the suburb of Ferndale compare to the region?
Housing affordability in the suburb of Ferndale shows mortgage holders spending 25.6% of income on repayments (vs 23.6% regionally), while renters spend 20.5% of income on rent (vs 18.8% regionally).
What types of dwellings are most common in the suburb of Ferndale?
The dwelling mix in the suburb of Ferndale consists of 82.3% detached houses, 17.4% semi-detached dwellings, 0.3% apartments, and 0.0% other dwelling types.
What is the weighted average housing cost based on tenure mix in the suburb of Ferndale?
Given the tenure profile of the area, the weighted average monthly housing cost is approximately $1,006. This accounts for outright owners paying no housing costs, mortgage holders paying $1,700/month, and renters paying $1,360/month.
How affordable is housing in the suburb of Ferndale relative to local incomes?
Housing in Ferndale consumes approximately 15.2% of median household income ($6,638 monthly), indicating costs are highly affordable. The generally accepted benchmark is that housing should not exceed 30% of household income.
How do proposed developments compare to existing housing types in the suburb of Ferndale?
Recent development applications in Ferndale show attached dwellings contributing 10% of approvals compared to 18% of existing stock, while detached houses represent 90% of applications versus 82% of current dwellings. This suggests development patterns consistent with existing housing mix. Density increases remain below national trends.

HouseholdsHousehold Composition in Ferndale (WA)

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Ferndale (WA) counted 1,729 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 2,049 today, averaging 2.4 people each. 29% are couples with children, against 28% couples without children. 28% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.5 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.

Detail

Family units constitute 68.9% of households in the area, divided between couples with children (28.7%), couples without children (27.9%), and single parent families (10.6%). Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 31.1%, comprising lone person dwellings (28.1%) alongside group households (3.1%). Average household size sits at 2.4 people, which is slightly smaller than the 2.6 Greater Perth benchmark.

Frequently Asked Questions - Households

How many households are in the suburb of Ferndale?
As of the 2021 Census, the suburb of Ferndale had 1,729 households. Based on population growth patterns, this has grown by approximately 18.5% to an estimated 2,049 households today.
What is the typical household size?
The median household size in the suburb of Ferndale is 2.4 people. This compares to 2.6 in Greater Perth and reflects the area's household composition mix.
What types of households are most common?
Family households dominate at 68.9% of all households. The remaining households consist of lone person households (28.1%), group households (3.1%), and other household types (0.0%).
How are families structured in the area?
Among the 1,191 family households, 28.7% are couples with children, 27.9% are couples without children at home, and 10.6% are single parent families. This mix shapes local demand for schools, family services, and housing types.
How does the suburb of Ferndale compare to regional household patterns?
Compared to Greater Perth, the suburb of Ferndale shows distinct household patterns. This higher proportion of single-person households drives demand for smaller dwellings and different community services.
What is the average family size?
Families in the suburb of Ferndale have an average of 1.5 children, slightly below the Greater Perth average of 1.6. This influences local demand for child-related services and larger family homes.
What are the marriage patterns in the suburb of Ferndale?
Marriage patterns reveal 47.0% of the adult population are currently married, while 33.7% have never married. This compares to 47.6% married and 36.1% never married across Greater Perth.
How significant are single-person households?
Single-person households represent 28.1% of all households in the suburb of Ferndale, similar to the regional average of 24.9%. This affects demand for smaller dwellings and single-person accommodation.
Are shared living arrangements common?
Group households (unrelated people sharing) account for 3.1% of households, well below the Greater Perth average of 3.5%. This low rate suggests limited student or young professional shared accommodation.
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EducationSchools & Education in Ferndale (WA)

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28.2% of adults in Ferndale (WA) hold a university qualification, including 20.2% with a bachelor degree and 5.1% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 25.6% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 579 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,018 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.

Detail

Attainment figures show local educational challenges, as university qualification rates of 28.2% sit well beneath the 38.6% average seen across the broader SA3 area, highlighting key avenues for educational development. Tertiary credentials feature bachelor degrees at 20.2%, postgraduate qualifications at 5.1%, and graduate diplomas at 2.9%. Vocational qualifications remain prominent, with 36.8% of individuals aged 15+ holding trade credentials, distributed across certificates (25.6%) and advanced diplomas (11.2%). Active participation in education is strong, with 27.6% of residents attending study programs. This group consists of 8.6% in primary schooling, 6.5% attending secondary institutions, and 6.2% undertaking tertiary education.

Frequently Asked Questions - Education

What percentage of people in the suburb of Ferndale have university qualifications?
28.2% of people aged 15 and over in the suburb of Ferndale have university qualifications, compared to 30.1% in the broader region.
What percentage of people in the suburb of Ferndale have no formal qualifications?
35.0% of people aged 15 and over in the suburb of Ferndale have no formal qualifications, compared to 35.6% regionally.
How does the suburb of Ferndale's education level compare to national averages?
The suburb of ferndale ranks in the 56th percentile nationally for education based on AreaSearch's analysis of qualification and performance metrics.
What types of qualifications are most common in the suburb of Ferndale?
The most common qualifications in the suburb of Ferndale are: Certificate (25.6%), Bachelor Degree (20.2%), Advanced Diploma (11.2%).
What proportion of the suburb of Ferndale's population is currently attending educational institutions?
27.6% of the population in the suburb of Ferndale is currently engaged in formal education, with 8.6% in primary school, 6.5% in secondary school, 6.2% at university.
What is the ICSEA score for schools in the suburb of Ferndale?
The average ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) score for schools in the suburb of Ferndale is 1018, indicating average socio-educational advantage (national average is 1000).
How many schools are located within the suburb of Ferndale?
There are 1 schools within the suburb of Ferndale, with a combined enrollment of approximately 579 students.
What types of schools are available in the suburb of Ferndale?
The suburb of ferndale includes 1 combined school.

Schools Detail

AmenitiesServices & Amenities in Ferndale (WA)

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Getting AroundTransport & Commuting in Ferndale (WA)

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Public transport in Ferndale (WA) reaches 38 stops on 5 routes, timetabled for about 1,500 services a week. The typical home sits about 160 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.4 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.

Detail

Public transit across Ferndale includes 38 active stops providing bus services across 5 distinct routes, delivering 1,470 passenger trips each week. Transport accessibility is strong, with typical walking distances to the closest boarding point averaging 156 meters. Because the district is mostly residential, outbound commuting prevails, with private vehicles accounting for 82% of journeys, trains carrying 8%, and buses serving 6%. Household motor vehicle ownership stands at 1.4 vehicles per dwelling. Work-from-home adoption sat at 7.9% at the 2021 Census, likely influenced by COVID-19 settings. Transit schedules provide an average of 210 trips daily across local routes, translating to roughly 38 weekly services at each individual stop.

Frequently Asked Questions - Transport

How many public transport stops are in Ferndale (WA)?
There are 38 public transport stops within the suburb of Ferndale.
How frequent are the transport services in Ferndale (WA)?
the suburb of Ferndale has 1,470 weekly trips across 5 routes, averaging 210 trips per day.
How far are residents from public transport in Ferndale (WA)?
On average, residential properties are 156 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Transport Stops Detail

HealthcareHealth Services in Ferndale (WA)

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67.5% of residents in Ferndale (WA) report no long-term health condition. 6.2% need daily assistance with core activities, and 53.2% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.8 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.

Detail

AreaSearch assessment of chronic health diagnoses and mortality metrics highlights favorable outcomes for Ferndale, aligning closely with national standards across all age demographics, while private health insurance adoption reaches approximately 53% (~2,807 people) to sit marginally ahead of the SA2 average, compared to 59.0% across Greater Perth. Leading reported long-term conditions include arthritis at 8.3% and mental health disorders at 8.0%, while 67.5% of the community reported having no chronic medical conditions, relative to 71.9% for Greater Perth. Health profiles across working-age residents are typical. Older residents aged 65 and over represent 22.6% of the population (1,193 people), surpassing the 15.9% proportion in Greater Perth, with senior health indicators rating above average and broadly matching nationwide standards.

Frequently Asked Questions - Health

How many people in the suburb of Ferndale have private health insurance?
Around 53.2% of people in the suburb of Ferndale are covered by private health insurance, which compares to 59.0% in the broader region of Greater Perth.
What percentage of the population requires ongoing medical assistance in the suburb of Ferndale?
In the suburb of Ferndale, 6.2% of the population is identified as requiring ongoing medical assistance. This figure is slightly different from the regional average, where 4.6% of people in Greater Perth require similar assistance.
How prevalent is asthma in the suburb of Ferndale?
6.9% of people in the suburb of Ferndale are diagnosed with asthma. In comparison, 6.8% of the population across Greater Perth is affected by asthma.
What percentage of people have diabetes in the suburb of Ferndale?
Diabetes affects 5.1% of the the suburb of Ferndale population, while in the surrounding region, 4.0% of people are diagnosed with diabetes.
What is the percentage of people with heart disease in the suburb of Ferndale?
3.8% of people in the suburb of Ferndale have heart disease. Across the region of Greater Perth, 3.3% of the population is affected by heart disease.
How does the suburb of Ferndale compare to the region in terms of overall private health coverage?
In the suburb of Ferndale, 53.2% of the population are estimated to have private health insurance. Comparatively, Greater Perth sees an estimated private health coverage rate of 59.0%.

Ancestry & LanguageCultural Diversity in Ferndale (WA)

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38.0% of Ferndale (WA) residents were born overseas and 22.3% speak a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (28.4%) and Australian (21.6%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.

Detail

Cultural diversity in Ferndale is notable compared to surrounding districts, with 38.0% of residents born abroad and 22.3% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity represents the leading faith at 42.2% of the local population. Buddhism displays marked overrepresentation, comprising 3.5% of local residents against 2.7% throughout Greater Perth. Looking at parental birthplaces, the primary ancestries in Ferndale are English (28.4%), Australian (21.6%), and Other (12.0%). Distinct variations also appear across other cultural backgrounds: Dutch background accounts for 2.5% (compared to 1.5% regionally), Welsh represents 0.7% (vs 0.7%), and South Australian accounts for 0.6% (vs 1.0%).

Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity

What is the level of cultural diversity in the suburb of Ferndale?
Ferndale was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 22.3% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 38.0% born overseas.
What is the most common religion in the suburb of Ferndale?
The main religion in Ferndale was found to be Christianity, which makes up 42.2% of people in Ferndale. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Buddhism, which comprises 3.5% of the population, compared to 2.7% across Greater Perth.
What are the top countries of origin in the suburb of Ferndale?
In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Ferndale are English, comprising 28.4% of the population, Australian, comprising 21.6% of the population, and Other, comprising 12.0% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Dutch is notably overrepresented at 2.5% of Ferndale (vs 1.5% regionally), Welsh at 0.7% (vs 0.7%) and South African at 0.6% (vs 1.0%).
How does the percentage of people born overseas compare to the regional average?
38.0% of the the suburb of Ferndale population was born overseas, compared to 37.7% regionally.
What percentage of the the suburb of Ferndale population speaks a language other than English at home?
22.3% of the population in the suburb of Ferndale speaks a language other than English at home, compared to 22.0% in the wider region.
How many people in the suburb of Ferndale identify as Australian Aboriginal?
1.6% of the the suburb of Ferndale population identifies as Australian Aboriginal, compared to 1.4% in the region.
What is the citizenship status of the population in the suburb of Ferndale?
83.6% of the the suburb of Ferndale population holds citizenship, compared to 83.0% in the wider region.

Age StructureAge Profile of Ferndale (WA)

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The median resident of Ferndale (WA) is 40. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 25.6% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.

Detail

Ferndale exhibits an older demographic composition. Updated August 2026 figures show that 22.6% of the population is aged 65+, exceeding the 15.9% Greater Perth share, whereas adults aged 25 - 44 represent 28.2% versus 30.9% regionally. AreaSearch assesses the median age at 40 as of August 2026, down from 41 at the 2021 Census, yet 3 years above the metropolitan benchmark of 37 at that time. Since the Census, the cohort aged 45 - 64 reduced from 22.7% to an estimated 20.9%. Projections to 2041 indicate older residents will generate most demographic growth, expanding by 419 people (35%) to reach 1,613, while younger adult, youth, and child cohorts are expected to contract.

Frequently Asked Questions - Age

What is the median age in the suburb of Ferndale?
AreaSearch estimates the median age in the suburb of Ferndale at 40 years as at August 2026. That is down from the 2021 Census figure of 41 years, with AreaSearch updating the age profile for population change recorded since the Census.
How does the suburb of Ferndale's median age compare to broader areas?
At an estimated 40 years as at August 2026, Ferndale is 3 years older than the Greater Perth 2021 Census average (37 years) and 2 years older than the national Census average (38 years).
What age groups are over-represented in the suburb of Ferndale?
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most over-represented age group in the suburb of Ferndale compared to the Greater Perth region is the 65 - 74 group, making up 11.3% of the population.
What age groups are under-represented in the suburb of Ferndale?
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most under-represented age group in the suburb of Ferndale compared to the Greater Perth region is the 25 - 34 group, making up 13.4% of the population.
Are there age groups with notable population variances?
Yes, certain age groups in the suburb of Ferndale show significant variance compared to the Greater Perth region. The most over-represented age groups are 85+ year-olds (3.4% vs 2.0%) and 75-84 year-olds (7.9% vs 5.5%).
What is the percentage of children (0-14 years) in the suburb of Ferndale?
AreaSearch estimates children aged 0-14 years at 16.1% of the population in the suburb of Ferndale as at August 2026.
What is the percentage of older people (65+ years) in the suburb of Ferndale?
AreaSearch estimates people aged 65 and over at 22.6% of the population in the suburb of Ferndale as at August 2026.

Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Ferndale (WA)

Data currency Refreshed

9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.

Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.

The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section

Section Source & update cycle Currency
Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections
Population ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline
Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline.
Age profile ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline
Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate.
Development & approvals ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) Aug 2026 last month headline measures · Jun 2026 baseline
Property sales & rents Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents Aug 2026 last month all 21 measures
Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026.
Infrastructure projects Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily Nov 2025 10 months ago all 1 projects tracked here
Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Nov 2025.
Employment ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) Mar 2026 6 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline
Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census.
Education ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline
Transport ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release Jul 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline
Services & amenities Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous Jul 2026 2 months ago all 14 measures
Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections
Income ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline
ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail.
Health ABS, ATO Annual 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline
Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current.
Housing ABS 5-yearly (Census) 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures
Households ABS 5-yearly (Census) 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures
Cultural diversity ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures

"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.

How the numbers are built

Population

The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 82 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (4,457 at the 2021 Census → 5,281 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.

Age profile

Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".

Property sales

Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.

Rents

Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.

Development & infrastructure

Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.

Employment & income

Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.

Education, transport & amenities

School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.

Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.

Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.

Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL50502). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.

Common questions about this page

How do Ferndale (WA) suburb boundaries differ from Statistical Areas?
This page uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries (suburb-style geography). SAL represents commonly-known suburb names used in addresses, while Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census/statistical reporting. Even when sharing the same name, SAL and SA2 boundaries often cover different geographic areas with different populations.
Where does the data on this Ferndale (WA) page come from?
AreaSearch compiles this page from official and industry sources — including ABS, Geoscience Australia, Valuer General, Provider directories, DEWR, JSA, State Transport Departments and ACARA — then aggregates them to the boundary shown and calculates the rankings, growth rates and benchmarks itself. Property sales come from the state valuation authority, rents from state rental bond lodgements, development applications from council and state planning portals, school data from ACARA, and public transport from state transport departments.
Is the Ferndale (WA) data on this page just from the 2021 Census?
No. Most of this page is maintained well beyond the Census. Sourced entirely from current releases: development & approvals (Aug 2026), property sales & rents (Aug 2026), infrastructure projects (Nov 2025) and services & amenities (Jul 2026). Built on a Census baseline but carrying newer measures on top: population (to Aug 2026), age profile (to Aug 2026), employment (to Mar 2026), income (to FY 2023), education (to Aug 2026), transport (to Jul 2026) and health (to 2024). Population and age cohorts in particular are re-based to the latest ABS Estimated Resident Population rather than left at 2021 counts. Only housing, households and cultural diversity remain wholly Census-based, because no more current small-area dataset exists for those measures.

Nearby Areas