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

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Ferndale (WA) is around 5,283. This figure represents an increase of 826 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,457. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate using the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and additional 82 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,656 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Ferndale's growth rate of 18.5% since the 2021 census exceeded both the national average (9.3%) and that of its SA3 area, making it a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 87.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch uses growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Future population trends suggest an increase just below the median of national statistical areas, with the area expected to increase by 501 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 9.5% over the 16-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Ferndale recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Ferndale averaged around 17 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 85 homes. By FY26, 15 approvals have been recorded. Each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25 resulted in an average of 2.2 new residents per year, reflecting robust demand that supports property values. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $343,000.

This financial year has seen $1.4 million in commercial approvals, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Perth, Ferndale records about 69% of the building activity per person and ranks among the 66th percentile nationally, though development activity has increased recently. This level is below average nationally, indicating the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New building activity comprises 95.0% detached dwellings and 5.0% attached dwellings, preserving Ferndale's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

With around 210 people per approval, Ferndale reflects a developing area. Future projections show Ferndale adding 501 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers may encounter growing competition as population increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Riverton Rise Estate, Kent Street Weir Precinct (Canning River, Wilson), Kent Street Weir Precinct Redevelopment, and Canning City Centre Regeneration Program. 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.

Ferndale has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Ferndale's workforce is highly educated with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.1% as of December 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 3.5% over the past year, according to AreaSearch data aggregation. In December 2025, 2,825 residents were employed, mirroring Greater Perth's 4.1% unemployment rate but with a participation rate of 66.7%, below Greater Perth's 69.7%.

Only 7.9% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts may have influenced this figure. Key employment industries included health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade, while construction showed lower representation at 7.8% compared to the regional average of 9.3%. Over the year ending December 2025, Ferndale's employment increased by 3.5%, with a labour force increase of 3.7%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points.

In comparison, Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 2.3% and an unemployment rate rise of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Ferndale's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Ferndale suburb had a median taxpayer income of $51,051 and an average of $65,397 based on latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This was slightly lower than national averages, with Greater Perth having a median income of $60,748 and average income of $80,248. Using Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, estimates for March 2026 would be approximately $56,631 (median) and $72,545 (average). Census data indicated household, family, and personal incomes were modest in Ferndale, ranking between the 37th and 37th percentiles. Income analysis showed that 31.2% of residents earned $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, consistent with broader regional trends. After housing expenses, 84.9% of income remained for other expenses. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 5th decile.

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

Ferndale's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 82.3% houses and 17.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Perth metro had 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Ferndale's home ownership level was higher than Perth metro's at 36.4%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (41.5%) or rented (22.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Ferndale was $1,700, lower than Perth metro's average of $1,907 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure for Ferndale was $314, which is lower than Perth metro's $350 and the national average of $375.

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

Family households comprise 68.9% of all households, including 28.7% couples with children, 27.9% couples without children, and 10.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 31.1%, with lone person households at 28.1% and group households comprising 3.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller 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

In the region, educational attainment is notably lower than the area average, with only 28.2% of residents holding university qualifications, compared to the SA3 area average of 38.6%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 20.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 36.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificates (25.6%).

Educational participation is high, with 27.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.6% in primary education, 6.5% in secondary education, and 6.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Ferndale has 38 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by five different routes that together facilitate 1,470 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 156 meters to the nearest stop. In this predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation, used by 82% of residents, while train and bus usage stands at 8% and 6%, respectively. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 7.9% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 210 trips daily across all routes, amounting to approximately 38 weekly trips per individual 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 data shows Ferndale residents have relatively positive health outcomes. AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions indicates results largely align with national benchmarks.

Common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts are fairly standard. The rate of private health cover is approximately 53% of the total population (~2,808 people), leading the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Perth's 59.0%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (8.3%) and mental health issues (8.0%). 67.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. Ferndale has 23.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,225 people), higher than Greater Perth's 16.1%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings largely in line with 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

Ferndale's population showed higher linguistic diversity with 22.3% speaking a language other than English at home, compared to its local markets. Born overseas, 38.0% of Ferndale residents were recorded. Christianity was the predominant religion in Ferndale, accounting for 42.2%.

Buddhism stood out as overrepresented, comprising 3.5%, higher than Greater Perth's 2.7%. In terms of ancestry, English (28.4%), Australian (21.6%), and Other (12.0%) were the top groups in Ferndale. Notably, Dutch (2.5% vs regional 1.5%), Welsh (0.7% vs 0.7%), and South Australian (0.6% vs 1.0%) ethnicities showed variations in representation compared to Greater Perth.

Ferndale's median age exceeds the national pattern

Ferndale's median age is 41 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 years and slightly older than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, Ferndale has a notably higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (11.5% locally) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (12.8%). Post the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 grew from 10.8% to 12.1%, while those aged 75-84 increased from 6.9% to 8.1%. Conversely, residents aged 55-64 declined from 11.4% to 9.9%, and those aged 65-74 decreased from 12.6% to 11.5%. By 2041, Ferndale's age profile is projected to change significantly. The cohort aged 85 and above is expected to grow by 116%, adding 219 residents to reach 410. Residents aged 65 and older will represent 64% of the anticipated population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for those aged 0-4 and 5-14 years.