Glen Iris (WA)

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

According to assessments of ABS population revisions for the surrounding region combined with new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Glen Iris (WA) is home to an estimated 3,353 residents as of May 2026. Compared to the 2021 Census population count of 3,143 people, this indicates an expansion of 210 people (6.7%). AreaSearch derived this shift by examining the June 2025 ERP data release from the ABS to estimate a resident population of 3,352, and factoring in 5 validated new addresses added since the Census date. With this population level, the local density ratio stands at 710 persons per square kilometer, matching typical benchmarks observed across places analyzed by AreaSearch. During the previous ten years, the suburb of Glen Iris (WA) showed stable expansion with a 1.0% compound annual growth rate, exceeding the Rest of WA. The main driver of this expansion was overseas migration, which made up approximately 39.0% of the overall population gains in recent times, though natural growth and interstate migration also registered positive contributions.

For its forecasting model, AreaSearch incorporates ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for individual SA2 localities published in 2024 using 2022 as the starting year. To project trends beyond 2032 or for uncovered SA2 sectors, AreaSearch applies age-cohort expansion rates from the ABS Greater Capital Region projections published in 2023 and based on 2022 data. Future projections indicate that the suburb of Glen Iris (WA) will experience population gains above the national median for non-metropolitan regions, with the local population projected to expand by 679 persons by 2041 according to compiled SA2 forecasts, representing a 20.2% total increase over the 16 years.

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

Data compiled by AreaSearch from ABS residential building approvals reveals that Glen Iris averages approximately 14 housing approvals annually, resulting in an estimated 72 approved dwellings over the last 5 financial years. Within FY-26 to date, 5 construction approvals have been registered. The local market added an average of 2.6 new residents for every home constructed during the 5 financial years between FY-21 and FY-25, demonstrating strong demand that supports property valuations. Furthermore, new dwellings carry an average expected construction cost of $453,000, indicating that building activity is concentrated on upscale, high-end housing.

Relative to the Rest of WA, per-capita residential construction activity in Glen Iris stands at about 75% of the regional level, placing the locality in the 19th percentile of markets evaluated across the country, which limits options for new buyers and elevates interest in existing homes. Additionally, all recent building additions have been single detached dwellings, preserving the suburb's low-density layout and prioritizing spacious properties for families. A high ratio of 832 residents per single approved dwelling underscores this calm, slow-paced construction environment.

Demographic projections suggest that Glen Iris is on track to add 678 new residents by 2041 based on the most recent quarterly estimates from AreaSearch. If residential construction volumes remain at current rates, the delivery of new housing is likely to fall short of population gains, which could exacerbate buyer competition and drive up prices.

Glen Iris has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 22ndth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure changes, planning decisions, and major developments have a significant impact on performance, with AreaSearch tracking 4 projects expected to affect the community. Primary developments include the Glen Iris Village, the Advanced Manufacturing and Technology Hub (AMTECH), the Parade Hotel Carpark Development, and the Bunbury Forum Shopping Centre, with the following list detailing the most significant initiatives.

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Employment performance in Glen Iris has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

The local workforce in Glen Iris features an even distribution of white-collar and blue-collar roles, with a notable concentration in industrial and manufacturing fields, maintaining an unemployment rate of 4.7% and showing steady job numbers over the prior year. In March 2026, the employed population numbered 1,766 people, while the local unemployment rate sat 1.2% higher than the 3.5% registered in Regional WA, and the labour participation rate of 70.7% significantly exceeded the regional average of 65.6%. Census figures showed that only 3.2% of the local workforce performed their jobs from home, although this may have been influenced by Covid-19 restrictions.

The primary industries employing local residents are healthcare & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Manufacturing is a major regional specialization, with its share of employment representing 2.3 times the Regional WA average. In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing accounts for only 2.2% of local workers, compared to a 9.3% share across the region. Due to its mostly residential nature, the locality provides few jobs within its borders, as shown by comparing the Census working population against resident workforce totals.

According to AreaSearch's evaluation of SALM and ABS figures for the year ending March 2026, the local labour force expanded by 0.3% while total jobs fell by 0.2%, leading to a 0.5 percentage point increase in unemployment. Over the same timeframe, Regional WA experienced a 0.1% dip in employment, a 0.3% rise in the labour force, and a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. Long-term occupational outlooks from Jobs and Skills Australia published in May-25 suggest future trends; mapping their national projections over five and ten years against local data indicates potential growth. Although overall jobs nationwide are projected to increase by 6.6% in five years and 13.7% in ten years, sector growth varies widely. By applying these specific industry rates to the local employment base, local jobs are estimated to grow by 5.4% over five years and 12.0% over ten years, representing a basic weighted calculation that excludes local demographic projections.

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

According to compiled ATO figures for the 2023 financial year, taxpayer earnings in Glen Iris exceed the national average. Local taxpayers record a median income of $55,222 and an average of $70,983, compared to Regional WA figures of $59,973 and $74,392. Adjusting for a 10.93% increase in the Wage Price Index since the 2023 financial year, current figures are estimated at $61,258 for median and $78,741 for average earnings as of March 2026. Census statistics show household, personal, and family incomes rank in the moderate range, spanning the 42nd to 45th percentiles. The $1,500 - 2,999 weekly income range accounts for 36.2% of residents (1,213 people), which aligns with the metropolitan rate of 31.1% in this bracket. Local residents face significant housing cost pressures, retaining 83.9% of their income, which sits in the 43rd percentile.

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

Census records indicate that houses make up 95.0% of the housing stock in Glen Iris, while alternative dwellings such as townhouses and apartments account for 5.0%, compared to 88.5% houses and 11.6% other properties in Regional WA. Fully owned homes represent 24.0% of properties, trailing the regional rate, with the remaining dwellings occupied by mortgage holders (46.4%) or tenants (29.6%). Homeowners with a mortgage pay a median of $1,517 per month, below the Regional WA median of $1,560, while tenants pay a median weekly rent of $330, compared to $265 across Regional WA. Locally, mortgage costs are much lower than the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are also well below the national level of $375.

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

Families occupy 76.6% of the local homes, consisting of couples raising children at 32.1%, couples without children at 27.4%, and single-parent homes at 15.9%. Single person dwellings (20.0%) and shared houses (3.5%) make up the remaining 23.4% of non-family households. Average household occupancy stands at 2.7 people, exceeding the Regional WA norm of 2.5.

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

The community exhibits low rates of tertiary attainment, with only 13.3% of residents holding a university degree compared to the national average of 30.4%, highlighting opportunities for educational outreach. Bachelor degrees represent the most common higher qualification at 10.8%, with postgraduate degrees at 1.3% and graduate diplomas at 1.2%. Conversely, vocational and technical credentials are highly prevalent, with 42.1% of the population aged 15+ holding qualifications consisting of advanced diplomas (8.6%) and certificates (33.5%).

Student enrollment is substantial, with 28.5% of the local population actively participating in formal study. Within this group, primary school pupils comprise 11.9%, high school students represent 8.0%, and those in university or tertiary training account for 1.8%.

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

A review of local transit options shows 26 active bus stops situated within Glen Iris. These transit points are linked to 4 distinct routes, delivering a total of 373 passenger journeys each week. Transit proximity is highly rated, with the average home located 193 meters from the nearest stop. Due to the area's residential character, the majority of workers travel outside the suburb, with private cars remaining the primary choice for 92% of commuters. Households own an average of 1.6 vehicles. Only 3.2% of workers worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which could reflect pandemic-related conditions.

Daily services average 53 trips across all local routes combined, representing about 14 weekly scheduled runs for each individual stop.

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

Analysis of local death statistics and the incidence of long-term illnesses by AreaSearch shows that Glen Iris residents face notable health issues across all age groups, while private health insurance coverage is high at roughly 55% of the population, representing about 1,856 people.

Asthma and mental health disorders are the most prevalent diagnosed conditions, affecting 9.9 and 8.8% of the local population, respectively. Those reporting no chronic health conditions represent 68.4% of residents, compared to 69.3% in Regional WA. Chronic diseases are particularly common among local adults of working age. Residents aged 65 and older make up 10.4% of the community (348 people), which is below the Regional WA average of 19.2%, with national comparisons showing even higher relative scores.

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

The suburb exhibits higher multicultural representation than typical, with 21.9% of the local population born in other nations and 13.8% using a non-English language at home. Christianity stands as the primary religious affiliation, representing 43.0% of local inhabitants. The largest demographic variance occurs in the Other religious category, which accounts for 1.0% of the community compared to 0.7% in Regional WA.

Regarding ancestral origins, the most prominent groups are English at 31.9% of the population, Australian at 26.5%, and Irish at 6.4%. Other ethnic backgrounds show distinct concentrations compared to regional trends: Filipino heritage represents 3.0% of local residents against 1.2% regionally, Italian ancestry is at 5.4% versus 3.0%, and Maori ancestry comprises 1.0% compared to 1.0% across the region.

Glen Iris's population is younger than the national pattern

With a median age of 34, the population is notably younger than the Regional WA benchmark of 40 and the national median of 38 years. Those aged 25 - 34 make up a substantial 18.3% of residents compared to the region, whereas the 75 - 84 bracket is small at 1.6%. Since 2021, the 25 to 34 demographic has expanded from 16.4% to 18.3% of the population, and the 15 to 24 cohort rose from 11.2% to 12.3%. In contrast, the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 12.0% to 10.3% and the 75 to 84 demographic declined from 3.2% to 1.6%. By 2041, demographic forecasts project major changes in the local age profile. The 25 to 34 segment is expected to lead these shifts, growing by 39% (representing 241 people) to reach 855 from a base of 613. Meanwhile, the 75 to 84 demographic is projected to contract by no residents.