Glen Iris (WA)

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

As per ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Glen Iris (WA) had an estimated population of around 3,367 as of Feb 2026. This figure indicates a rise of 224 people (7.1%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3,143 individuals. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 3,301, based on examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 6 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 713 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Glen Iris's growth rate of 7.1% since census places it within 2.8 percentage points of the national average (9.9%), suggesting competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration primarily drove population growth in the area, contributing approximately 39.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

However, 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 ahead, non-metropolitan areas nationally are projected to experience above median population growth, with Glen Iris expected to increase by 779 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 24.4% 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. This totals an estimated 76 homes. So far in FY26, 2 approvals have been recorded.

On average, 3.7 people moved to the area per year for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating demand significantly exceeds new supply. The average construction value of these dwellings is $453,000, suggesting a focus on premium properties. Compared to Rest of WA, Glen Iris has around 75% of the construction activity per person, placing it in the 50th percentile nationally.

Recent development consists solely of detached houses, maintaining the area's low density character with family homes being the focus. There are approximately 321 people per dwelling approval, indicating potential for growth. AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate forecasts Glen Iris to gain 822 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

Glen Iris has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 30thth percentile nationally

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

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

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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, prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors, and an unemployment rate of 4.4%. In the year ending September 2025, employment grew by 5.6%. As of that date, 1,762 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 4.9% (1.2% higher than Rest of WA's 3.7%).

Workforce participation is 71.9%, close to Rest of WA's 67.2%. Only 3.2% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 impacts may have influenced this figure. The dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance (25%), manufacturing (20%), and retail trade (15%). Glen Iris has a strong specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share 2.3 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 2.2% compared to the region's 9.3%.

Employment opportunities appear limited locally; working population is lower than resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 5.6%, labour force grew by 5.4%, reducing unemployment by 0.2 percentage points to 4.7%. Rest of WA saw employment growth of 1.4% and labour force growth of 1.2%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project national growth rates of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Glen Iris's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.4% over five years and 12.0% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

The suburb of Glen Iris had a median income among taxpayers of $55,222 and an average income of $70,983 in the financial year 2023. This compares to figures for Rest of WA's median income of $59,973 and average income of $74,392 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $60,534 (median) and $77,812 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household incomes rank at the 42nd percentile, family incomes at the 43rd percentile, and personal incomes at the 45th percentile in Glen Iris. Income brackets indicate that 36.2% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999, consistent with metropolitan trends showing 31.1% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.9% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 43rd percentile.

Glen Iris is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure in Glen Iris, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 95.0% houses and 5.0% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro WA had 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Glen Iris was 24.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 46.4% and rented ones at 29.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Glen Iris was $1,517, below Non-Metro WA's average of $1,560. Median weekly rent in Glen Iris was $330, compared to Non-Metro WA's $265. Nationally, Glen Iris's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,863 and 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 account for 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 stands at 13.3%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common, with a rate of 10.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent among residents aged 15+, with 42.1% holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (8.6%) and certificates (33.5%). Educational participation is 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

Public transport analysis shows 26 active stops in Glen Iris, served by buses on four routes offering 373 weekly passenger trips. Residents have excellent accessibility to these stops, located typically 193 meters away. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area, with cars being the dominant mode at 92%. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling. Only 3.2% of residents work from home (2021 Census). Service frequency averages 53 trips daily across all routes, equating to about 14 weekly trips per stop.

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

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

Glen Iris faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Common health conditions are prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 55% of the total population (~1,864 people). Mental health issues impact 9.9% of residents, while asthma affects 8.8%. A total of 68.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.3% across Rest of WA. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 9.5% of residents aged 65 and over (319 people), which is lower than the 19.2% in Rest of WA, with national rankings higher than the general population.

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 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 in Glen Iris, accounting for 43.0% of the population. Notably, the 'Other' religious category comprised 1.0%, slightly higher than the Rest of WA's 0.7%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (31.9%), Australian (26.5%), and Irish (6.4%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: Filipino was overrepresented at 3.0% compared to the regional average of 1.2%, Italian at 5.4% versus 3.0%, and Maori 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 both Rest of WA's figure of 40 and Australia's median age of 38. The 25-34 age group makes up 19.3% of Glen Iris' population, higher than Rest of WA's percentage. Conversely, the 75-84 cohort comprises only 1.3%. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has increased from 16.4% to 19.3%, while the 35-44 cohort rose from 13.3% to 14.4%. During this period, the 45-54 cohort decreased from 12.0% to 10.1%, and the 75-84 group fell from 3.2% to 1.3%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Glen Iris' age structure. The 25-34 group is expected to grow by 45% (290 people), reaching 940 from 649. Meanwhile, the 75-84 cohort will increase by a modest 1% (0 people).