Guildford (WA)

Guildford has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, the population of the suburb of Guildford (WA) is estimated at around 2,261. This reflects an increase of 221 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,040. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population as 2,193 following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and validation of 13 new addresses since the Census date. This equates to a density ratio of 708 persons per square kilometer, in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Guildford's growth rate of 10.8% since the 2021 Census exceeded the national average of 9.9%. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains during this period.

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 post-2032 growth estimation, AreaSearch uses ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. By 2041, the suburb is projected to grow by 531 persons, reflecting a total increase of 21.1% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers for Guildford shows approximately 10 new home approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling around 50 homes. As of FY26, 8 approvals have been recorded. The average number of new residents per dwelling over these five years is 2.8. The average construction cost value for new homes is $374,000, slightly above the regional average.

There have been $26.1 million in commercial approvals this financial year. Compared to Greater Perth, Guildford has significantly less development activity, with 65.0% below the regional average per person. Recent construction comprises 27.0% standalone homes and 73.0% medium and high-density housing. The location has approximately 161 people per dwelling approval. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Guildford is expected to grow by 478 residents by 2041.

Looking ahead, Guildford is expected to grow by 478 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Guildford has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 46thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project expected to affect the region: Midland Redevelopment Scheme - Central Precinct (Stage 2). Other notable projects include METRONET East High Wycombe Housing Development, Mills Park Redevelopment (City of Swan), and Bassendean Oval Redevelopment Concept Masterplan. The following details projects likely to be most relevant.

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

Guildford has a highly educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.5% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.2%. As of September 2025, 1,155 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 6.5%, which is 1.5% higher than Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Guildford is lower at 65.6% compared to Greater Perth's 71.6%. According to Census responses, 13.6% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Notably, the area has a high concentration in education & training, with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average.

Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 6.4%, compared to the regional average of 9.3%. There are 2.6 workers for every resident in Guildford, indicating it functions as an employment hub attracting workers from nearby areas. In the 12 months prior, employment increased by 2.2% alongside labour force growth of 2.2%, keeping unemployment largely unchanged at 5.5%. This contrasts with Greater Perth where employment rose by 2.9%, labour force grew by 3.0%, and unemployment marginally increased to 4.1%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Guildford's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch aggregated latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023. Guildford suburb had median taxpayer income of $66,528 and average income of $80,542. These figures were among the highest in Australia, compared to Greater Perth's median of $60,748 and average of $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Guildford are approximately $72,928 (median) and $88,290 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Guildford cluster around the 70th percentile nationally. The $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket dominates with 27.5% of residents (621 people). This aligns with the regional trend where this cohort represents 32.0%. Economic strength is evident with 36.4% of households earning high weekly incomes exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. Housing accounts for 14.1% of income. Strong earnings rank residents within the 80th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Guildford is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Guildford's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 81.2% houses and 18.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Perth metro, on the other hand, had 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Guildford stood at 34.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 44.8% and rented ones at 21.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,300, higher than Perth metro's average of $1,907. Median weekly rent in Guildford was $350, the same as Perth metro's figure but lower than the national average of $375. Nationally, Guildford's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863.

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

Family households account for 66.3% of all households, including 29.2% couples with children, 26.6% couples without children, and 8.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 33.7%, with lone person households making up 29.9% and group households comprising 4.4% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Guildford shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Guildford is significantly higher than broader benchmarks. As of 2016, 36.5% of residents aged 15 and over hold university qualifications, compared to 19.7% in the SA3 area and 24.3% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most common at 24.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.8%) and graduate diplomas (4.3%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 28.7% of residents aged 15 and over holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 11.6% and certificates for 17.1%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of 2016. This includes 12.7% in secondary education, 6.6% in primary education, and 5.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Guildford has 22 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 22 different routes, collectively facilitating 4,438 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is excellent, with residents on average located 173 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Car remains the primary mode of transport at 75%, followed by train at 14% and walking at 4%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.3, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 13.6% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 634 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 201 weekly trips per stop.

Guildford's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Guildford's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

The level of common health conditions among Guildford residents is somewhat typical, but higher than the national average for older cohorts. Private health cover is exceptionally high in Guildford, at approximately 59% of the total population (1,337 people). Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 11.2% and 6.9% of residents respectively. 66.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. The under-65 population in Guildford demonstrates better than average health outcomes. There are 22.4% of residents aged 65 and over (506 people), higher than the 16.3% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Guildford records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Guildford's cultural diversity was above average, with 7.7% speaking a language other than English at home and 26.2% born overseas. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 45.1%. Buddhism was overrepresented at 1.1%, compared to Greater Perth's 2.7%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (31.1%), Australian (25.8%), and Scottish (9.3%). Croatian (1.6% vs regional 0.8%) French (1.0% vs 0.5%) and Welsh (0.8% vs 0.7%) were notably overrepresented.

Guildford hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Guildford is 46 years, which is higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 and also above Australia's median of 38. In comparison to Greater Perth, the 55-64 age group is significantly more prevalent in Guildford at 15.2%, while the 25-34 age group is less common at 8.1%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group has increased from 6.6% to 7.9% of Guildford's population. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has decreased from 15.7% to 14.4%. By 2041, projections indicate substantial demographic shifts in Guildford. The 75-84 age cohort is expected to grow significantly by 130 people (73%), from 178 to 309. This growth contributes to an aging population trend, with those aged 65 and above comprising 62% of the projected growth. Conversely, the 35-44 age group is projected to decrease by 6 people.