Ferndale (WA)

An assessment of population growth drivers in Ferndale reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Ferndale's population is estimated at around 4,963 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 506 people (11.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,457 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,759 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 82 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,555 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Ferndale's 11.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb of Ferndale was primarily driven by overseas migration that 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 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is utilising the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. As we examine future population trends, a population increase just below the median of national statistical areas is expected for Ferndale, with an expected increase of 548 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 8.6% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Ferndale when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Ferndale has averaged around 16 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 84 homes. So far in FY-2025/26, 11 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 3.4 people moving to the area per year for each dwelling built between FY-2020/21 and FY-2024/25, demand exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost value of $343,000.

Additionally, $1.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Perth, Ferndale records approximately 69% of the building activity per person and ranks among the 65th percentile of areas assessed nationally. However, development activity has increased recently. This level reflects the area's maturity and suggests possible planning constraints.

New building activity comprises 95.0% detached dwellings and 5.0% attached dwellings, preserving Ferndale's suburban nature with a focus on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 217 people per approval, Ferndale indicates a transitioning market. Future projections estimate Ferndale to add 427 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Existing development levels appear aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified ten projects potentially impacting this area. Notable ones are Riverton Rise Estate, Canning City Centre Regeneration Program, Kent Street Weir Precinct Redevelopment, and Canning City Centre Activity Centre Plan - Private Residential Precincts. 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 has an educated workforce with strong representation in essential services. Its unemployment rate is 4.0%, with estimated employment growth of 2.3% over the past year (AreaSearch data aggregation). As of September 2025, 2,577 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate matches Greater Perth's at 4.0%.

Workforce participation is lower than Greater Perth's average, at 67.7%. Only 7.9% of residents work from home (Census data). Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade.

Construction has a lower representation compared to the regional average, at 7.8%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 2.3% while labour force grew by 2.0%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points (AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data). In contrast, Greater Perth saw employment growth of 2.9% and a marginal rise in unemployment. 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 Ferndale's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Ferndale has a median taxpayer income of $51,051 and an average income of $65,397 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is slightly lower than the national average, with Greater Perth having a median income of $60,748 and an average income of $80,248. By September 2025, based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62%, current estimates would be approximately $55,962 (median) and $71,688 (average). Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes all rank modestly in Ferndale, between the 37th and 37th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that the largest segment comprises 31.2% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (1,548 residents), consistent with broader trends across the region showing 32.0% in the same category. After housing costs, 84.9% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places 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). This compares to Perth metro's 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ferndale stood at 36.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 41.5% and rented ones at 22.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,700, below Perth metro's average of $1,907. Median weekly rent in Ferndale was $314, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Ferndale's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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%. 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

The area's university qualification rate is 28.2%, significantly lower than the SA3 area average of 38.6%. 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 them, including advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificates (25.6%). Educational participation is high, with 27.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 8.6% in primary, 6.5% in secondary, and 6.2% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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 serving buses. Five routes operate in total, providing 1,470 weekly passenger trips. Residents have excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 156 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Car is the dominant mode of transport at 82%, followed by train at 8% and bus at 6%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 7.9% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 210 trips per day across all routes, equating 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

Ferndale's health data shows positive outcomes, aligning with national benchmarks for mortality rates and health conditions. Common health conditions are seen across all age groups, with arthritis affecting 8.3% of residents and mental health issues impacting 8.0%.

Approximately 53% of Ferndale's population (~2,638 people) has private health cover, compared to Greater Perth's 59.0%. Around 67.5% of Ferndale residents declare themselves free from medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Perth's 71.9%. Health outcomes among working-age individuals are typical. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 24.2%, compared to Greater Perth's 16.3%. Seniors' health outcomes in Ferndale are above average, broadly in line with national rankings for 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 cultural diversity than most local markets, with 22.3% speaking a language other than English at home and 38.0% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Ferndale, comprising 42.2% of its population. Notably, Buddhism had a higher representation in Ferndale at 3.5%, compared to Greater Perth's 2.7%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (28.4%), Australian (21.6%), and Other (12.0%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Dutch was overrepresented at 2.5% in Ferndale versus the regional average of 1.5%, Welsh remained consistent at 0.7%, and South African had a lower representation at 0.6% compared to Greater Perth's 1.0%.

Ferndale's median age exceeds the national pattern

Ferndale's median age is 41 years, higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 and Australia's median of 38. The 65-74 age group comprises 12.0% of Ferndale's population, compared to the Greater Perth average, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 11.8%, lower than the Greater Perth average. Post-2021 Census, the 75-84 age group grew from 6.9% to 8.3%, and the 15-24 cohort increased from 10.8% to 12.0%. Conversely, the 55-64 group decreased from 11.4% to 9.9%, and the 25-34 group dropped from 13.2% to 11.8%. By 2041, Ferndale's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 85+ cohort is expected to grow by 116%, adding 224 residents to reach 418. Residents aged 65 and older will represent 70% of the population growth, while the 0-4 and 5-14 cohorts are projected to decline in population.