Glendalough

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

According to the analysis of demographic records from the ABS for the wider region, alongside recent address verifications by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Glendalough houses roughly 3,140 residents as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 512 individuals (19.5%) from the 2021 Census, when the head count stood at 2,628 people. This shift is calculated from the local population of 3,137, which AreaSearch estimated using the ABS release of ERP statistics from June 2025 coupled with 91 validated new addresses confirmed after the Census. This population level translates to a density of 4,361 persons per square kilometer, placing the locality in the highest 10% of all territories evaluated by AreaSearch, signaling that land here is in extremely high demand. This 19.5% expansion rate in the suburb of Glendalough since the 2021 Census outpaced the national growth metric of 9.3% and the state benchmark, establishing the area as a regional growth leader. The expansion was primarily fueled by arrival of people from overseas, who made up approximately 94.0% of the overall population increases during recent timeframes.

Projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia for every SA2 region, published in 2024 with 2022 serving as the baseline, are utilized by AreaSearch. For SA2 territories lacking this data, and to project demographic trends past 2032, AreaSearch applies age cohort growth parameters from the latest Greater Capital Region forecasts released by the ABS in 2023 using 2022 figures. Looking at future demographic shifts, the population is set to expand at a rate just under the national median, with local numbers projected to rise by 297 individuals by 2041 under consolidated SA2 projections, representing an overall increase of 9.4% across the 16 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Glendalough when compared nationally

AreaSearch evaluations of building approvals from the ABS, distributed from broader geographic statistics, indicate that the suburb of Glendalough has averaged about 5 dwellings approved for construction annually, accumulating to approximately 28 residences over the previous 5 financial years. Thus far in FY-26, 13 approvals have been documented. With an average of 14.4 new residents added annually for every built dwelling over the 5 financial years spanning FY-21 to FY-25, construction volume is lagging demand significantly, which typically intensifies buyer rivalry and puts upward pressure on prices, while new dwellings average $598,000 in estimated construction cost, highlighting a developer focus on high-end, premium housing.

Relative to Greater Perth, the suburb of Glendalough exhibits limited construction activity, sitting 74.0% below the regional per capita average. This minimal building rate generally supports demand and prices for existing properties, even though building approvals have increased recently. This construction volume is also below national averages, reflecting how established the suburb is and pointing to possible planning constraints. Newly approved builds consist of 86.0% detached houses and 14.0% attached dwellings, preserving the suburban character with a focus on spacious family residences. This emphasis on detached builds is much higher than the 8.0% recorded at the Census, indicating sustained demand for family houses despite density shifts. The suburb has approximately 280 people for every approved dwelling, suggesting capacity for expansion.

Looking forward, the suburb of Glendalough is projected to add 294 residents by 2041, according to the latest quarterly estimates from AreaSearch. If current building rates persist, residential supply may fail to meet the population growth, which could heighten buyer competition and support robust capital appreciation.

Glendalough has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 41stth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure, major developments, and zoning plans are key drivers of regional performance. AreaSearch has identified 1 project expected to influence the locality. Notable projects include The Coolbinia Residential Development, Herdsman Glendalough Local Development Plan (LDP), 40km/h Speed Zone Project - Wembley and West Leederville, and Scarborough Beach Road Streetscape Upgrade, with details provided for the most significant initiatives.

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

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The labour market in Glendalough demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

The suburb of Glendalough has a highly qualified workforce with strong representation in essential service sectors, an unemployment rate of 4.4%, and an annual employment growth rate of 1.9%, based on AreaSearch calculations for the region. As of March 2026, 1,980 residents are employed, with the local unemployment rate sitting 0.2% higher than the Greater Perth average of 4.2%, and labor participation is solid at 75.2% compared to the regional rate of 70.2%. Census data indicates that a low 4.0% of local workers operated from home, though this may have been influenced by pandemic lockdowns.

The primary employment sectors for residents are health care & social assistance, administrative & support, and retail trade. The local workforce is notably concentrated in administrative & support services, showing a rate 4.0 times higher than the regional average. Conversely, construction jobs are underrepresented, making up only 3.9% of local employment compared to 9.3% across the wider region. The suburb's residential focus means local job opportunities are limited, as shown by comparing the count of working residents against those employed within the boundaries.

AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS statistics for the broader area shows that over the 12-month period, local employment grew by 1.9% while the workforce expanded by 3.5%, leading to a 1.5 percentage point rise in the unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Perth experienced a 2.0% rise in employment, a 2.5% expansion in the labor force, and a 0.4 percentage point increase in unemployment. National employment projections from May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia provide further context on future labor demand. These five and ten-year forecasts have been mapped against the local industry mix to estimate employment trends. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with performance varying by sector. Applying these trends to the suburb of Glendalough suggests local employment could expand by 6.8% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, representing a basic weighted extrapolation that does not incorporate local population forecasts.

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

According to tax records from the ATO for the 2023 financial year compiled by AreaSearch, income levels in the suburb of Glendalough are exceptionally high on a national scale. The median taxpayer income is $55,399 while the average taxpayer income stands at $86,839, compared to Greater Perth figures of $60,748 and $80,248 respectively. Adjusting for a 10.93% rise in the Wage Price Index since the 2023 financial year, current estimates point to a median of $61,454 and an average of $96,331 as of March 2026. The 2021 Census shows personal incomes at the 58th percentile ($848 per week) and household incomes at the 39th percentile. Income distribution details show the largest cohort consists of 37.4% of residents (1,174 people) earning between $1,500 - 2,999, mirroring the wider region where 32.0% fall into this bracket. Housing costs consume a large share of earnings, leaving only 84.2% of income, which ranks in the 40th percentile, while the SEIFA index for income places the area in the 4th decile.

Glendalough features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

At the most recent Census, the housing mix in the suburb of Glendalough consisted of 7.6% houses and 92.4% other dwellings like townhouses and apartments, compared to the wider Perth metropolitan distribution of 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership rates in the suburb of Glendalough trailed the metropolitan average at 13.2%, with the remaining properties occupied by households with a mortgage (21.5%) or tenants renting (65.3%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,300 was lower than the metropolitan median of $1,907, while weekly rent was recorded at $280 compared to the Perth average of $350. Nationally, mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian median of $1,863, and rent payments are below the national figure of $375.

Glendalough features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Families make up 55.0% of households, consisting of 21.6% couples with children, 24.7% couples without children, and 6.6% single parents. Non-family households account for 45.0%, with single-person households representing 37.6% and shared households making up 7.5%. The median household size is 2.1 persons, which is lower than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Glendalough demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

The level of education in the suburb of Glendalough is significantly higher than regional averages, with 49.3% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 27.9% in WA and 30.1% across Greater Perth. This educational profile positions the suburb well for professional opportunities. Bachelor degrees are held by 29.0% of the cohort, postgraduate degrees by 17.4%, and graduate diplomas by 2.9%. Vocational and technical training is also common, with 26.0% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications, split between advanced diplomas (12.9%) and certificates (13.1%).

A high proportion of residents are studying, with 31.1% of the population enrolled in education. This group includes 10.1% attending university or college, 7.8% in primary school, and 4.0% in secondary school.

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

Public transport services in the suburb of Glendalough include 8 active stops, consisting of bus connections. These stops accommodate 4 different routes, supporting 873 passenger trips weekly. Accessibility is high, with the average distance to the nearest stop being 139 meters. Because it is a residential area, most workers commute to other suburbs, with cars being the primary mode of travel for 63% of residents, followed by trains at 20% and buses at 10%. Household vehicle ownership stands at 0.7 per home, which is lower than the metropolitan average. A small proportion of residents, 4.0%, worked from home, according to the 2021 Census data, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.

Services average 124 trips daily across all transport routes, representing about 109 weekly runs for each transit stop.

Glendalough's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Health outcomes for residents in the suburb of Glendalough are positive, with mortality rates and medical conditions generally aligning with national averages. The prevalence of chronic illnesses is low in the broader community, though higher than national figures among older, vulnerable cohorts, and private health insurance coverage is high at approximately 62% of the population (1,936 people). This compares to 59.0% in Greater Perth and a national average of 55.7%.

Mental health conditions and arthritis are the most common diagnoses, affecting 7.9% and 5.1% of residents respectively, while 78.9% reported no chronic health issues compared to 71.9% in Greater Perth. Residents aged 65 and older represent 13.1% of the population (411 people), below the Greater Perth average of 16.1%. Senior health outcomes present some local difficulties, ranking lower nationally than the overall local population.

Glendalough is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

The suburb of Glendalough is highly multicultural, with 54.7% of residents speaking a language other than English at home and 65.2% born outside of Australia. Christianity is the most common religion, representing 25.1% of the population. There is a notable concentration of Buddhist residents, who make up 24.3% of the community, which is significantly higher than the Greater Perth average of 2.7%.

Regarding parent birthplaces, the largest ancestry groups in the suburb of Glendalough are Other at 34.9% (compared to 11.2% regionally), English at 17.1% (compared to 28.0% regionally), and Australian at 11.3% (compared to 21.2% regionally). Other distinct cultural groups include Indian residents representing 9.6% of the population (compared to 2.6% regionally), Serbian residents at 0.8% (compared to 0.3% regionally), and Macedonian residents at 0.3% (compared to 0.4% regionally).

Glendalough hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

The median age in the suburb of Glendalough is 34 years, which is younger than the Greater Perth average of 37 and the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, there is a higher concentration of young adults aged 25 - 34 (29.1%) and a smaller proportion of people aged 55 - 64 (4.8%). The local 25 - 34 cohort is substantially larger than the national average of 14.6%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has risen from 2.9% to 4.2%, while the cohort aged 0 to 4 has decreased from 4.6% to 3.8%. Population projections for 2041 indicate significant demographic shifts, with the 75 to 84 age bracket expected to grow by 64%, adding 84 residents to reach 216. Seniors aged 65 and over are projected to account for 51% of total population growth, highlighting local aging trends, while the cohorts aged 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 are expected to contract.