Glendalough

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

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population for the Glendalough statistical area (Lv2) is around 3,034. This figure represents a growth of 406 people from the 2021 Census total of 2,628, indicating a 15.4% increase. The latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, combined with AreaSearch's validation of 79 new addresses since the Census date, resulted in an estimated resident population of 2,992. This equates to a density ratio of 4,213 persons per square kilometer, placing Glendalough (SA2) among the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth since the 2021 Census exceeded both the national average of 9.7% and state averages, making it a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 94.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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 employs growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Future population dynamics anticipate an increase just below the median of Australian statistical areas. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, Glendalough (SA2) is expected to increase by 298 persons to reach a total population of 3,332 by 2041, reflecting a 7.3% increase over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Glendalough recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Glendalough averaged approximately 4 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 23 homes. As of FY-26, 8 approvals have been recorded. On average, 12.1 new residents arrive annually for each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating significant demand exceeding supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $598,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. Compared to Greater Perth, Glendalough has significantly less development activity, 79.0% below the regional average per person, which usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. However, recent periods have seen increased development activity. This activity is also below national average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, preserving Glendalough's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

New construction favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest (8.0% at Census), demonstrating ongoing robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. With approximately 365 people per approval, Glendalough indicates a mature market. Population forecasts estimate Glendalough will gain 222 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. A single project has been identified by AreaSearch as likely to impact this area. Notable projects include The Coolbinia Residential Development, Herdsman Glendalough Local Development Plan (LDP), the 40km/h Speed Zone Project - Wembley and West Leederville, and Scarborough Beach Road Streetscape Upgrade. The following list details those projects most relevant to the area.

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

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AreaSearch analysis indicates Glendalough maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Glendalough has a highly educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 3.4%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 1,876 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.6% lower than Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Glendalough stands at 71.4%, compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, administrative & support services, and retail trade. Notably, administrative & support services have an employment level four times the regional average.

Conversely, construction has limited presence with only 3.9% of employment compared to the regional average of 9.3%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.8%, with employment decreasing by 3.8%, causing a rise in unemployment rate of 1.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth saw employment grow by 2.9% and the labour force increase by 3.0%, with only a marginal rise in unemployment. State-level data up to 25-Nov-25 shows WA employment contracted by 0.27% (losing 5,520 jobs), with an unemployment rate of 4.6%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 indicate a projected growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Glendalough's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 6.8% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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

The suburb of Glendalough has a high national income level according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers is $55,399 and the average income stands at $86,839. These figures compare to Greater Perth's median of $60,748 and average of $80,248 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $60,728 (median) and $95,193 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows personal income ranks at the 58th percentile with a weekly income of $848, while household income sits at the 39th percentile. The predominant income cohort spans 37.4% of locals (1,134 people) in the $1,500 - $2,999 category, reflecting patterns seen in the broader area where 32.0% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 84.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 40th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it 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

Glendalough's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 7.6% houses and 92.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Perth metro had 37.1% houses and 62.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Glendalough was at 13.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 21.5% and rented ones at 65.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Perth metro's average of $2,167. Median weekly rent in Glendalough was $280, compared to Perth metro's $390. Nationally, Glendalough's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,300 vs Australia's $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Glendalough features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 55.0% of all households, including 21.6% couples with children, 24.7% couples without children, and 6.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 45.0%, with lone person households at 37.6% and group households making up 7.5%. The median household size is 2.1 people, aligning with the Greater Perth average.

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

Glendalough's educational attainment is notably higher than regional averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 49.3% have university qualifications, compared to 27.9% in Western Australia (WA) and 30.1% in Greater Perth. University graduates comprise 29.0%, postgraduate qualifications make up 17.4%, and graduate diplomas account for 2.9%. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 26.0% of residents holding such qualifications; advanced diplomas represent 12.9% and certificates make up 13.1%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.1% in tertiary education, 7.8% in primary education, and 4.0% pursuing secondary education.

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

Glendalough has eight active public transport stops currently operating, all of which offer bus services. These stops are served by four distinct routes that together facilitate 873 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is deemed excellent, with residents situated on average just 139 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 124 trips per day, which translates to around 109 weekly trips per individual stop.

Glendalough's residents are extremely healthy with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Glendalough with younger cohorts seeing particularly low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 62% of the total population (1,871 people), compared to 69.5% across Greater Perth and a national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues impacting 7.9% of residents and arthritis affecting 5.1%, with 78.9% declaring themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.5% in Greater Perth.

The area has 13.1% of residents aged 65 and over (397 people), lower than the 15.1% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader 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

Glendalough has a diverse population with 54.7% speaking languages other than English at home, born overseas at 65.2%. Christianity is the predominant religion at 25.1%, but Buddhism is notably higher at 24.3% compared to Greater Perth's average of 4.3%. In terms of ancestry, Other is highest at 34.9%, English is lower at 17.1%, and Australian is also lower at 11.3%.

Indian (9.6%) is overrepresented compared to regional average (2.4%), as are Serbian (0.8% vs 0.4%) and Macedonian (0.3% vs 0.4%).

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

Glendalough's median age is 34 years, which is lower than Greater Perth's average of 37 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, Glendalough has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (27.9%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (4.7%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has grown from 2.9% to 4.1%, while the proportion of those aged 55 to 64 has declined from 5.6% to 4.7%. By 2041, forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Glendalough. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 81%, adding 100 residents to reach a total of 225. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 58% of population growth, reflecting broader trends towards an aging population. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 age groups.