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 per ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Girrawheen's estimated population was around 10,179 as of February 2026. This reflected an increase of 1,282 people (14.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,897 people. The change was inferred from the resident population of 10,057 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 56 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,494 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Girrawheen's 14.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%), along with the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 56.00000000000001% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as 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). Moving forward with demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of national statistical areas is expected, with the suburb of Girrawheen expected to expand by 454 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 3.3% in total over the 17 years.

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 recorded around 51 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25. This totals an estimated 257 homes. So far in FY-26, 31 approvals have been recorded. The average number of new residents per year for every home built during this period is 4.3.

Supply is substantially lagging demand, indicating heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $286,000. In FY-26, $6.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Perth, Girrawheen records markedly lower building activity, which is 50.0% below the regional average per person.

This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. New development consists of 76.0% standalone homes and 24.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. Girrawheen reflects a transitioning market with around 331 people per approval. Looking ahead, AreaSearch estimates Girrawheen is expected to grow by 332 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

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 5 projects that are likely to impact the area. Notable projects include the Girrawheen Hub Precinct Redevelopment, TAFE Balga Campus Skills Hub, The Amble Estate (Former Hainsworth Primary School Site Redevelopment), and Perth Active Transport Network. Relevant details about these projects are listed below.

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's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent, with an unemployment rate of 12.9% as of the past year. Employment growth was estimated at 6.2%.

As of September 2025, 4,520 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 8.9%, higher than Greater Perth's 4.0%. Workforce participation is lower at 62.8% compared to Greater Perth's 71.6%. Few residents work from home, with a low 3.8%. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Manufacturing has strong representation, at 1.5 times the regional level, while professional & technical services are lower at 4.5% compared to the regional average of 8.2%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 6.2%, alongside labour force growth of 3.8%, reducing unemployment by 2.0 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth experienced employment growth of 2.9% and labour force growth of 3.0%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Girrawheen's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.0% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Girrawheen's median income is $45,445 and average income is $51,858. This is lower than Greater Perth's median of $60,748 and average of $80,248. By September 2025, adjusting for a 9.62% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, estimated incomes would be approximately $49,817 (median) and $56,847 (average). The 2021 Census reports that Girrawheen's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 9th and 16th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 30.8% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 (3,135 people), similar to the region's broader trend of 32.0%. Housing affordability is severe in Girrawheen, with only 81.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 14th percentile nationally.

Girrawheen is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Girrawheen's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 77.0% houses and 23.0% other dwellings. In comparison, Perth metro had 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Girrawheen was at 25.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.3% and rented ones at 35.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,400, below Perth metro's average of $1,907. Median weekly rent in Girrawheen was $293, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Girrawheen's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Girrawheen features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 65.2% of all households, consisting of 26.5% couples with children, 19.9% couples without children, and 17.2% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 34.8%, with lone person households at 29.7% and group households making up 5.0% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, which matches the Greater Perth average.

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 Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 35.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.9%) and certificates (26.4%). Educational participation is high at 31.1%, with 10.2% in primary education, 8.3% in secondary education, and 4.5% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.2% in primary education, 8.3% in secondary education, and 4.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Girrawheen has 59 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 11 different routes that together facilitate 2,506 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 176 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 85%, while trains account for 8%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling, lower than the regional average.

Only 3.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census). Across all routes, service frequency averages 358 trips per day, resulting in approximately 42 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Girrawheen is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Girrawheen faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Only approximately 48% of Girrawheen's total population (~4,864 people) have private health cover, compared to 59.0% in Greater Perth and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues impact 9.1% of residents, while asthma affects 7.8%. Conversely, 69.0% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 15.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1,618 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with 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 a 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% of Girrawheen's population. Buddhism is overrepresented in Girrawheen at 6.8%, compared to Greater Perth's 2.7%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (21.8%), Other (21.7%), and Australian (18.2%). Notably, Vietnamese (5.7%) and Macedonian (1.6%) are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.8% and 0.4%, respectively. Serbian is also slightly overrepresented at 0.6%.

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. This figure is modestly under the Australian median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, Girrawheen has a higher concentration of residents aged 15-24 (13.9%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (14.1%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the percentage of residents aged 75-84 has grown from 4.5% to 5.6%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 5-14 has declined from 13.0% to 12.0%. Demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Girrawheen's age profile by 2041. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 56%, adding 316 residents to reach 887. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 71% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, the 15-24 and 0-4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.