Glen Iris (WA)

Population growth drivers in Glen Iris are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, Glen Iris's population is estimated at around 3,329 based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area. This reflects a growth of 186 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,143. The change is inferred from an estimated resident population of 3,314 by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and six validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 705 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed approximately 39.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration being 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 and to estimate growth post-2032, 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 ahead, non-metropolitan areas nationally are projected to have above median population growth. The suburb of Glen Iris is expected to increase by 712 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 24.0% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Glen Iris according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Glen Iris had approximately 16 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 82 homes. In FY-26 so far, one approval has been recorded. On average, 3.5 people moved to the area per year for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25. This indicates demand significantly exceeds new supply, which can lead to price growth and increased buyer competition.

The average construction value of new properties was $453,000 in Glen Iris. Commercial development activity has been balanced this financial year, with $11.3 million in approvals. Compared to the Rest of WA, Glen Iris shows 14.0% lower construction activity per person and ranks among the 30th percentile nationally, suggesting relatively constrained buyer choice.

Recent development has consisted entirely of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes. The estimated population count per dwelling approval is 562 people. Future projections indicate Glen Iris will add approximately 799 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Glen Iris has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 15thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects that may affect the region. Notable projects include Glen Iris Village, Advanced Manufacturing and Technology Hub (AMTECH), Parade Hotel Carpark Development, and Bunbury Forum Shopping Centre. The following details those likely to have the most relevance.

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

Glen Iris has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominently featuring manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate is 4.8%, with an estimated employment growth of 5.2% in the past year.

As of June 2025, 1,781 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 3.4% (1.6% above Rest of WA's rate) and workforce participation is high at 65.1%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Manufacturing stands out with an employment share 2.3 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 2.2% compared to 9.3% regionally. Employment opportunities may be limited locally as indicated by Census data.

From June 2024 to June 2025, employment levels increased by 5.2% and labour force grew by 5.1%, maintaining a stable unemployment rate. In comparison, Rest of WA saw employment growth of 1.1%, labour force growth of 0.5%, with unemployment falling by 0.6 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Glen Iris' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 5.4% over five years and 12.0% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

Glen Iris's income level is higher than average nationally, according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. Glen Iris's median income among taxpayers was $55,222, with the average income standing at $70,983. These figures compare to Rest of WA's median and average incomes of $57,323 and $71,163 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $63,064 (median) and $81,063 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Glen Iris, between the 42nd and 45th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that 36.2% of individuals earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 range (1,205 individuals), consistent with metropolitan trends showing 31.1% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Glen Iris, with only 83.9% of income remaining, 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 was at 24.0%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (46.4%) or rented (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 $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 account for 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 make up the remaining 23.4%, with lone person households at 20.0% and group households comprising 3.5%. The median household size is 2.7 people, 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%, substantially below Australia's average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 42.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 8.6% and certificates at 33.5%.

Educational participation is high at 28.5%, including 11.9% in primary, 8.0% in secondary, and 1.8% in tertiary education. Glen Iris has 3 schools with a combined enrollment of 863 students, operating as an education hub with 25.9 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 17.0, attracting students from surrounding communities. The area's ICSEA score is 899, indicating varied educational conditions. It has 2 primary and 1 K-12 school.

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

Analysis shows 26 active public transport stops in Glen Iris, all bus stops. These are served by four routes offering a total of 361 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is excellent, with residents typically living 195 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 51 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 13 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' health metrics are close to national benchmarks, with common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts.

Approximately 55% (~1843 people) have private health cover, which is very high. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues (9.9%) and asthma (8.8%). Around 68.4% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.4% across Rest of WA. As of 2016, 9.8% (~326 people) are aged 65 and over, which is lower than the Rest of WA's 17.6%. This places Glen Iris' health profile broadly in line with the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Glen Iris was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Glen Iris had a cultural diversity above average, with 21.9% of its population born overseas and 13.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the main religion in Glen Iris, making up 43.0% of people there. However, Other religions were overrepresented at 1.0%, compared to the Rest of WA's 0.6%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (31.9%), Australian (26.5%), and Irish (6.4%). Notably, Filipino was overrepresented at 3.0% (vs regional 1.2%), Italian at 5.4% (vs 4.8%), and Maori remained the same at 1.0%.

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's figure of 40 and Australia's average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group comprises 18.7% of Glen Iris' population, higher than Rest of WA, while the 75-84 cohort makes up 1.6%. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has increased from 16.4% to 18.7%, the 75-84 cohort has decreased from 3.2% to 1.6%, and the 45-54 group has dropped from 12.0% to 10.5%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Glen Iris' age structure. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 50%, reaching 932 people from 622, while both the 5-14 and 75-84 age groups are expected to decrease in number.