Girrawheen

Girrawheen 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 November 2025, the estimated population of Girrawheen is around 10,129. This figure reflects a growth of 1,232 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 8,897. AreaSearch validated this estimate using latest ERP data from ABS (June 2024) and 46 new addresses since the Census date, resulting in an estimated resident population of 10,057. This results in a density ratio of 2,482 persons per square kilometer, placing Girrawheen in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. The suburb's growth rate of 13.8% since the 2021 Census exceeded the national average of 8.9%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 56% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch projections for Girrawheen, based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, indicate a median population increase by 2041. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) to estimate growth post-2032. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, Girrawheen is expected to grow by 454 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 3.8% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Girrawheen among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Girrawheen averaged approximately 51 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 257 homes. As of FY-26, 18 approvals have been recorded. This results in an average of 4.3 new residents per year for every home built between FY-21 and FY-25. The demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $286,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY-26, there have been $6.9 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Perth, Girrawheen records markedly lower building activity, with 50.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new properties typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties.

New development consists of 76.0% detached dwellings and 24.0% medium and high-density housing, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. Girrawheen reflects a transitioning market with around 331 people per approval. Looking ahead, AreaSearch estimates Girrawheen is expected to grow by 382 residents through to 2041 based on current development patterns. New housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified five projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Girrawheen Hub Precinct Redevelopment, TAFE Balga Campus Skills Hub, The Amble Estate (Former Hainsworth Primary School Site Redevelopment), and Perth Active Transport Network.

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

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AreaSearch assessment indicates Girrawheen faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Girrawheen has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are strongly represented, with an unemployment rate of 12.8% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 6.1%. Residents in work numbered 4,486 while the unemployment rate was 8.9%, higher than Greater Perth's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was lower at 56.9% compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Manufacturing employment levels were particularly notable, at 1.5 times the regional average. Professional & technical services employed just 4.5% of local workers, below Greater Perth's 8.2%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over a 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 6.1% while labour force grew by 4.0%, reducing the unemployment rate by 1.7 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth saw employment rise by 3.7%, labour force grow by 3.8%, and unemployment rise by 0.1 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in Sep-22, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Girrawheen's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released in financial year 2022, Girrawheen had a median income among taxpayers of $45,445. The average income stood at $51,858. This was below the national average and compared to levels of $58,380 and $78,020 across Greater Perth respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $51,898 (median) and $59,222 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Girrawheen all fell between the 9th and 16th percentiles nationally. Distribution data showed that 30.8% of the population (3,119 individuals) fell within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring regional levels where 32.0% occupied this bracket. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 81.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 14th percentile.

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

Dwelling structure in Girrawheen, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 9 August 2016, comprised 77.0% houses and 23.0% other dwellings including semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Perth metropolitan area's 92.2% houses and 7.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Girrawheen was at 25.4%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 39.3% and rented dwellings making up 35.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,400, lower than Perth metro's average of $1,898. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $293, compared to Perth metro's $350 and national average of $375. Nationally, Girrawheen's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863.

Girrawheen features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 65.2% of all households, including 26.5% couples with children, 19.9% couples without children, and 17.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 34.8%, with lone person households at 29.7% and group households comprising 5.0%. The median household size is 2.6 people, smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.8.

Girrawheen faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 14.9%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 35.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas (8.9%) and certificates (26.4%). Educational participation is high at 31.1%, including primary education (10.2%), secondary education (8.3%), and tertiary education (4.5%).

Girrawheen has a robust network of 7 schools educating approximately 2,120 students, with varied educational conditions (ICSEA: 943). The educational mix includes 4 primary, 1 secondary, and 2 K-12 schools. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs (20.9 places per 100 residents vs 15.2 regionally), indicating the area serves as an educational center for the broader region. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments please refer to parent campus.

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

Girrawheen has 60 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 11 different routes that together facilitate 2,489 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of the public transport system is considered excellent, with residents living an average of 176 meters from their nearest stop.

On average, there are 355 daily trips across all routes, which translates to approximately 41 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Girrawheen are marginally below the national average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Girrawheen shows below-average health outcomes, with common conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Mental health issues impact 9.1%, while asthma affects 7.8%. Approximately 69% report no medical ailments, compared to 73% in Greater Perth.

Private health cover stands at around 48%, lower than the Greater Perth average of 53.8% and the national average of 55.3%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 15.4% (1,559 people), compared to 13.6% in Greater Perth. Senior health outcomes face challenges similar to those of the general population.

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

Girrawheen has high cultural diversity, with 40.0% speaking a language other than English at home and 43.3% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion, comprising 46.7%. Buddhism is overrepresented at 6.8%, compared to Greater Perth's 2.7%.

Top ancestry groups are English (21.8%), Other (21.7%), and Australian (18.2%). Vietnamese (5.7%) and Macedonian (1.6%) are notably overrepresented, while Serbian is slightly higher at 0.6% compared to regional averages of 1.9%, 0.9%, and 0.3% respectively.

Girrawheen's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Girrawheen's median age is 36 years, nearly matching Greater Perth's average of 37 years, which is modestly under the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, Girrawheen has a higher percentage of residents aged 15-24 (13.7%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (14.2%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the percentage of residents aged 75 to 84 has grown from 4.5% to 5.4%, while the percentage of residents aged 0 to 4 has declined from 6.6% to 5.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Girrawheen's age profile. The 75 to 84 cohort is projected to grow by 62%, adding 340 residents to reach 887. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 72% of population growth, indicating aging trends. Conversely, the 25 to 34 and 15 to 24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.