Glen Iris (WA)

Population growth drivers in Glen Iris are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Glen Iris (WA) statistical area level 2's population is estimated at around 3,357 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 214 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,143 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,301 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in Jun 2024 and an additional 6 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 711 persons per square kilometer. Glen Iris (WA) (SA2)'s growth rate of 6.8% since census positions it within 2.9 percentage points of the national average of 9.7%. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 39.0% 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 released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Looking forward, an above median population growth is projected for non-metropolitan areas nationally, with Glen Iris (WA) (SA2) expected to increase by 694 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 22.4% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Glen Iris when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Glen Iris has received approximately 15 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 76 homes. So far in FY-26, two approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.7 people move to the area each year for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating significant demand exceeding new supply.

New properties are constructed at an average cost of $453,000, reflecting a focus on premium segment upmarket properties. Compared to Rest of WA, Glen Iris shows around 75% of the construction activity per person and ranks in the 50th percentile nationally. Recent development has been entirely detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

The location has approximately 321 people per dwelling approval, indicating potential for growth. Population forecasts estimate Glen Iris will gain 753 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Glen Iris has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 48thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects expected to impact the region: Glen Iris Village, Advanced Manufacturing and Technology Hub (AMTECH), Parade Hotel Carpark Development, and Bunbury Forum Shopping Centre. These are the key projects with potential significance.

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Glen Iris has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Glen Iris has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, notably in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate is 4.5%.

In the past year, employment growth was estimated at 5.5% based on AreaSearch data aggregation. As of September 2025, 1,756 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%, 1.2% higher than Rest of WA's rate of 3.3%. Workforce participation is high at 65.1%, compared to Rest of WA's 59.4%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade.

Manufacturing is particularly strong, with an employment share 2.3 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence, at 2.2% compared to 9.3% regionally. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by Census working population vs resident population counts. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 5.5%, labour force by 5.3%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. Comparatively, Rest of WA had employment growth of 1.4% and labour force growth of 1.2%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, suggest Glen Iris's employment could increase by 5.4% over five years and 12.0% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of national projections against local employment mix.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

The median income among taxpayers in Glen Iris was $55,222 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $70,983 during the same period. These figures compare to national averages of $59,973 and $74,392 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest median incomes would reach approximately $60,534 and average incomes $77,812 based on a 9.62% growth rate since financial year 2023. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Glen Iris rank between the 42nd and 45th percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - $2,999 captures 36.2% of the community (1,215 individuals), which aligns with broader metropolitan trends at 31.1%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Glen Iris, with only 83.9% of income remaining after expenses, ranking at the 43rd percentile.

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

The dwelling structure in Glen Iris, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.0% houses and 5.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro WA's 88.1% houses and 11.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Glen Iris stood at 24.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 46.4% and rented ones at 29.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, below Non-Metro WA's average of $1,616. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $330, compared to Non-Metro WA's $300. Nationally, Glen Iris's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Glen Iris has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 76.6% of all households, including 32.1% couples with children, 27.4% couples without children, and 15.9% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 23.4%, with lone person households at 20.0% and group households at 3.5%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Rest of WA average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 13.3%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.6%) and certificates (33.5%). Educational participation is high at 28.5%, with 11.9% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 1.8% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.9% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 1.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 26 active transport stops in Glen Iris, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by 4 different routes, offering a total of 373 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents usually located 193 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 53 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 14 weekly trips per individual stop.

Glen Iris's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Glen Iris's health metrics are close to national benchmarks, with a standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts.

Approximately 55% (~1,859 people) of Glen Iris residents have private health cover, which is very high compared to other areas. The most common medical conditions in Glen Iris are mental health issues (affecting 9.9% of residents) and asthma (8.8%). A total of 68.4% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to the Rest of WA's 66.4%. As of the latest data, Glen Iris has 9.7% (~325 people) of residents aged 65 and over, which is lower than the Rest of WA's 17.6%. This places Glen Iris broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

In terms of cultural diversity, Glen Iris records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Glen Iris, surveyed in 2016, had a cultural diversity index above average, with 21.9% of its population born overseas and 13.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 43.0% of Glen Iris's population, as of 2016 data. Notably, the 'Other' religious category was overrepresented in Glen Iris at 1.0%, compared to 0.6% across Rest of WA.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (31.9%), Australian (26.5%), and Irish (6.4%). Some ethnic groups showed significant variations: Filipino population was higher at 3.0% in Glen Iris than the regional average of 1.2%, Italian was at 5.4% compared to 4.8% regionally, and Maori was present at 1.0%, matching the regional percentage.

Glen Iris's population is younger than the national pattern

Glen Iris has a median age of 34, which is younger than the Rest of WA figure of 40 and Australia's median age of 38. The age group of 25-34 years shows strong representation at 18.7% compared to Rest of WA. Conversely, the 75-84 age cohort is less prevalent at 1.6%. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has grown from 16.4% to 18.7%, while the 75-84 cohort has declined from 3.2% to 1.6%. The 45-54 age group has also decreased from 12.0% to 10.5%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Glen Iris's age structure. Notably, the 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 48%, adding 300 people and reaching a total of 928 from its current figure of 627. Meanwhile, both the 75-84 and 5-14 age groups are projected to decrease in number.