Ferndale (WA)

Ferndale lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

As of Nov 2025, Ferndale's population is estimated at around 461,434, reflecting an increase of 45,136 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 10.8% increase from the previous figure of 416,298 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of Ferndale's resident population at 4,831 following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024, along with an additional 82 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 144,650 persons per square kilometer, placing Ferndale in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate exceeded the national average of 8.9%, marking it as a regional growth leader. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains during recent periods, with natural growth and interstate migration playing minimal roles.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year, to estimate future trends. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Exceptional growth is predicted for Ferndale between 2025 and 2041, with the area expected to increase by 32,655 persons, reflecting a total increase of 13.5% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Ferndale averaged around 975 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 4,876 homes. So far in FY26404 approvals have been recorded. Between FY21 and FY25, an average of 8.8 people moved to Ferndale for each new dwelling built. This high demand exceeds supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $897,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY26, commercial approvals reached $462.4 million, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Perth, Ferndale shows 15.0% lower construction activity per person but ranks among the 88th percentile nationally. New development consists of 63.0% detached dwellings and 37.0% medium and high-density housing, offering choices across price ranges from spacious family homes to compact options.

This shift marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns, which are currently 119.0% houses, suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. Ferndale has around 460 people per approval, indicating a mature, established area. With stable or declining population forecasts, Ferndale may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Ferndale has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Nine projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly. These include 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 considered 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.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Ferndale performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Ferndale has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 3.4%, lower than the Greater Perth average of 3.9%.

Over the past year, employment grew by an estimated 4.7%. As of June 2025135,595 residents are employed, with a workforce participation rate of 130.8% compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training.

Health care & social assistance is particularly strong, with an employment share 2.1 times the regional level. The worker-to-resident ratio of 0.7 indicates a higher-than-average level of local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, Ferndale's employment increased by 4.7%, while labour force grew by 4.0%, leading to a 0.6 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Perth saw employment growth of 3.7% and labour force growth of 3.8%, with a slight increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 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 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

Ferndale's income level is among the top percentile nationally according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. Ferndale's median income among taxpayers is $120,596 and the average income stands at $158,110. This compares to Greater Perth's median income of $58,380 and average income of $78,020. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Ferndale would be approximately $137,721 (median) and $180,562 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows individual earnings rank at the 142nd percentile nationally ($1,808 weekly), though household income ranks lower at the 116th percentile. The predominant earnings cohort spans 59.6% of locals (275,014 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category. This aligns with the region where this cohort likewise represents 32.0%. Both lower-income residents (46.2%) and affluent households (53.8%) are well-represented in Ferndale's diverse economic landscape. After housing costs, residents retain 168.8% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 13th decile.

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

Ferndale's dwellings, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 119.2% houses and 80.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Perth metro had 78.4% houses and 21.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ferndale stood at 61.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 72.4% and rented ones at 66.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,900, higher than Perth metro's average of $1,820. Median weekly rent in Ferndale was recorded at $700, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Ferndale's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Ferndale features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 131.0% of all households, including 57.6% couples with children, 51.0% couples without children, and 19.8% single parent families. Non-family households comprise -31.0%, with lone person households at 60.4% and group households making up 8.6%. The median household size is 4.8 people, which is larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.7.

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

Ferndale's educational attainment exceeds broader standards, with 74.2% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to WA's 27.9% and the SA4 region's 29.9%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 51.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (16.2%) and graduate diplomas (7.0%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 59.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas (23.2%) and certificates (36.6%). Educational participation is high, with 57.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 17.8% in primary, 14.2% in secondary, and 12.8% pursuing tertiary education. Fountain College - Ferndale Campus serves the area, enrolling 579 students. The area has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1018) with balanced educational opportunities. All schools offer integrated K-12 education for academic continuity. Ferndale functions as an education hub with 29.0 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 14.8, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Ferndale's public transport analysis shows 2,342 active stops in operation, all of which are bus routes. These stops are served by 158 unique routes that together facilitate 40,534 weekly passenger trips. The city's transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents on average being located 360 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 5,790 trips per day, which translates to approximately 17 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Ferndale shows exceptional health outcomes across all age groups, with very low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover stands at approximately 120% of the total population (552,797 people), significantly higher than Greater Perth's 52.2%, and close to the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 14.6% and 13.6% of residents respectively, while 146.0% claim to have no medical ailments, compared to Greater Perth's 76.0%.

Ferndale has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 36.6% (168,884 people), compared to Greater Perth's 15.9%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors align with the general population's profile.

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

Ferndale has a high level of cultural diversity, with 58.2% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 79.0% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Ferndale, comprising 94.6% of the population. However, Judaism is significantly overrepresented in Ferndale compared to Greater Perth, with 2.8% versus 0%.

In terms of ancestry, English is the most represented group at 47.0%, substantially higher than the regional average of 20.2%. Australian ancestry follows at 37.6%, above the regional average of 15.3%. Other ancestry comprises 27.6%, also higher than the regional average of 18.7%. Notably, Macedonian, Croatian, and Italian ethnic groups are overrepresented in Ferndale compared to the region: Macedonian at 3.0% versus 0.1%, Croatian at 2.2% versus 0.4%, and Italian at 14.4% versus 2.7%.

Ferndale hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Ferndale has a median age of 76, which is significantly higher than Greater Perth's figure of 37 and the national average of 38. The age cohorts in Ferndale closely resemble those found across Greater Perth. Notably, the concentration of individuals aged 35 to 44 is above the national average of 14.2%. According to post-2021 Census data, the proportion of Ferndale's population aged 75 to 84 has increased from 11.6% to 12.8%, while the share of those aged 25 to 34 has decreased from 32.6% to 31.3%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate substantial shifts in Ferndale's age structure. The number of individuals aged 85 and above is expected to grow by approximately 44%, reaching 15,276 from the current figure of 27,409. Conversely, population declines are projected for both the 85+ and 75 to 84 age groups.