Ferndale (WA)

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

According to investigations of ABS demographic updates for the wider region, combined with address records verified by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Ferndale (WA) has an estimated population of approximately 5,283 as of May 2026. This marks an expansion of 826 people (18.5%) compared to the 2021 Census, which recorded 4,457 residents. The shift is calculated from the estimated population of 5,283, which AreaSearch determined after studying the June 2025 ABS Estimated Resident Population release and tracking 82 validated new addresses since the Census. This population level translates to 1,656 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical density across national areas monitored by AreaSearch. The growth rate of 18.5% in the suburb of Ferndale (WA) since the 2021 census outpaced the national average (9.3%) and the surrounding SA3 region, positioning the locality as a regional leader in population gains. The demographic expansion was largely fueled by net overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 87.0% of the overall population growth during the latest timeframe.

AreaSearch incorporates projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia for individual SA2 zones, published in 2024 using 2022 as the baseline. For SA2 zones lacking this coverage, and to calculate demographic shifts past 2032, growth rates by age bracket from the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections (using 2022 data) are applied. Looking at future demographic trends for the suburb of Ferndale (WA), the expected population growth sits just under the national median, with projections suggesting an increase of 501 residents by 2041, representing a total rise of 9.5% over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Ferndale among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

According to building approval figures from the ABS compiled by AreaSearch for the local statistical area, Ferndale has averaged about 28 approved residential properties annually, amounting to an estimated 140 dwellings over the last 5 financial years. In the current financial year of FY-26, there have been 32 approvals registered so far. With an average of 4.9 individuals relocating to the district for every new home built between FY-21 and FY-25, demand outstrips supply, which generally drives up prices and intensifies buyer competition, while new builds carry an average construction value of $343,000. Additionally, commercial approvals worth $1.4 million have been logged this financial year, pointing to a heavily residential emphasis.

In comparison to the broader Greater Perth region, Ferndale shows slightly elevated building activity, running 12.0% higher than the regional average per capita over the 5 year timeframe, which helps maintain options for buyers while supporting property demand. Recently built properties consist of 94.0% detached houses and 6.0% semi-detached dwellings or units, maintaining a suburban landscape dominated by houses with yards. With a ratio of roughly 104 people per building approval, the area is showing signs of development.

Projecting forward, the population is expected to expand by 501 residents through to 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly figures. Under current building rates, residential supply appears positioned to satisfy demand, creating favorable buying opportunities and potentially supporting growth that outpaces current predictions.

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

Local performance is strongly tied to updates in regional infrastructure, major works, and development strategies. AreaSearch has tracked a total of 9 projects that are expected to influence the local area. Significant works include Riverton Rise Estate, Kent Street Weir Precinct (Canning River, Wilson), Kent Street Weir Precinct Redevelopment, and Canning City Centre Regeneration Program, with details provided below for the most relevant initiatives.

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

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The labour market in Ferndale demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

The local workforce displays high levels of education, with a strong presence in essential services, an unemployment rate of only 3.9%, and a 3.7% expansion in jobs over the past year, as calculated from AreaSearch's regional data. As of March 2026, there are 2,860 employed residents, with the local unemployment rate sitting 0.3% below the Greater Perth figure of 4.2%, while the participation rate is somewhat lower than the metro standard (67.4% versus 70.2%). Census responses indicate that a modest 7.9% of the workforce operated from home, though this period was influenced by pandemic-related lockdowns.

The major employment sectors for residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Conversely, the construction industry employs only 7.8% of local workers, which is lower than the Greater Perth proportion of 9.3%. Comparing the census working population against the resident population suggests that local employment opportunities are limited within this mostly residential zone.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS statistics for the broader region, the 12 months leading to March 2026 saw employment expand by 3.7% while the labor force grew by 3.8%, which kept the local unemployment rate steady. In contrast, Greater Perth experienced a 2.0% rise in employment and a 2.5% rise in the labor force, with its unemployment rate increasing by 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts published in May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia provide further context regarding future labor demand. These five and ten-year projections have been applied to the local workforce structure to model future growth. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though rates vary significantly by sector. Applying these industry weightings to the local employment structure points to an estimated local job growth of 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, assuming standard weighting without factoring in local population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Taxpayer income in the locality sits just below the national average according to ATO data compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Local taxpayers recorded a median income of $51,051 and an average income of $65,397, compared to Greater Perth metrics of $60,748 and $80,248. Adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, these values are estimated to be approximately $56,631 (median) and $72,545 (average) as of March 2026. According to the Census, household, family, and individual incomes all rank moderately, placing in the 37th percentile. The dominant income bracket is the $1,500 - 2,999 range, which accounts for 31.2% of residents (1,648 people), matching the regional distribution where this group represents 32.0%. After housing costs, residents retain 84.9% of their income for other living expenses, and the area sits in the 5th decile of the SEIFA income index.

Ferndale is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

According to the last Census, the residential housing mix consisted of 82.3% separate houses and 17.7% other dwellings, such as townhouses and units, compared to the Perth metro distribution of 77.8% houses and 22.1% alternative dwellings. Home ownership rates were significantly higher than the Perth metro average, with 36.4% of households owning their homes outright, while the rest were paying off a mortgage (41.5%) or renting (22.1%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,700 was lower than the metropolitan average of $1,907, and the median weekly rent of $314 sat below the metro average of $350. On a national scale, local monthly mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are well below the national benchmark of $375.

Ferndale has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Families make up the majority of households at 68.9%, which includes 28.7% couples with children, 27.9% couples without children, and 10.6% single parents. The remaining 31.1% are non-family households, consisting of single-person households (28.1%) and group households (3.1%). The typical household size of 2.4 people is slightly lower than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Ferndale performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

The region shows lower rates of higher education, with university qualification levels (28.2%) falling below the SA3 regional average of 38.6%. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 20.2%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 5.1% and graduate diplomas at 2.9%. Vocational and technical training is common, with 36.8% of residents aged 15+ holding a vocational qualification, consisting of advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificates (25.6%).

A significant portion of the population is engaged in learning, with 27.6% of residents enrolled in an educational program. This comprises 8.6% in primary school, 6.5% in high school, and 6.2% in higher education.

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

Public transit infrastructure includes 38 active bus stops within the boundaries. These connections are served by 5 distinct routes, delivering 1,470 weekly passenger trips. Access to transit is rated highly, with residents living an average of 156 meters from their nearest stop. Commuters mostly travel out of the residential area, with private cars remaining the primary mode of travel at 82%, followed by trains at 8% and buses at 6%. Households average 1.4 vehicles. A minor 7.9% of residents worked from home, based on the 2021 Census, which was likely affected by pandemic restrictions.

Bus routes average 210 daily trips in total, which translates to approximately 38 weekly trips per active stop.

Ferndale's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health indicators are positive overall, with AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality and illness rates showing outcomes in line with national averages, normal rates of common illnesses across age groups, and a private health insurance rate that slightly leads the average SA2 area at roughly 53% of the population (~2,808 people). This compares to 59.0% across the Greater Perth region.

The most prevalent health conditions recorded were arthritis, affecting 8.3% of the community, and mental health issues, affecting 8.0%. In comparison, 67.5% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 71.9% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes for working-age residents are typical. Residents aged 65 and older make up 23.2% of the population (1,225 people), which is higher than the Greater Perth average of 16.1%. Seniors in the area experience above-average health outcomes, with national rankings matching the general population.

Ferndale was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

The local area exhibits higher cultural diversity than most property markets, with 22.3% of residents speaking a non-English language at home and 38.0% born outside Australia. Christianity is the primary religion, representing 42.2% of the community. There is also a notable concentration of Buddhist residents, who make up 3.5% of the population, compared to 2.7% across Greater Perth.

Looking at ancestral backgrounds, the top three heritages are English at 28.4%, Australian at 21.6%, and Other at 12.0%. There are also variations in other European ancestries, with Dutch heritage accounting for 2.5% of the population (compared to 1.5% regionally), Welsh at 0.7% (compared to 0.7% regionally), and South Australian at 0.6% (compared to 1.0% regionally).

Ferndale's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age of 41 years is older than the Greater Perth average of 37 and the national median of 38. The 65 - 74 age group is overrepresented locally at 11.5% compared to the city average, while the 25 - 34 bracket is underrepresented at 12.8%. Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age bracket grew from 10.8% to 12.1% of the population, and the 75 to 84 bracket rose from 6.9% to 8.1%. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 group decreased from 11.4% to 9.9%, and the 65 to 74 cohort dropped from 12.6% to 11.5%. Age modeling suggests shifts by 2041, with the 85+ bracket projected to grow by 116%, adding 219 people to reach 410. Older residents aged 65 and over are expected to make up 64% of future population growth, whereas declines are expected in the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 age groups.