Guildford (WA)

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

Guildford (WA) has an estimated population of 2,174 as of May 2026, which represents an increase of 134 people (6.6%) from the 2,040 residents recorded during the 2021 Census, according to research by AreaSearch utilizing ABS data and subsequent address validation. This estimate builds upon a June 2025 ABS Estimated Resident Population figure of 2,149, supplemented by 13 validated new addresses registered since the Census. The suburb of Guildford (WA) features a population density of 681 persons per square kilometer, a figure that aligns closely with average benchmarks across evaluated areas. The 6.6% population increase in the suburb of Guildford (WA) since the census lags the nationwide growth rate of 9.3% by 2.7 percentage points. Recent population growth within the suburb of Guildford (WA) was almost exclusively driven by overseas migration.

Projections for the suburb of Guildford (WA) are based on SA2 data released by the ABS and Geoscience Australia in 2024 using a 2022 baseline, with post-2032 and missing SA2 projections supplemented by age cohort growth rates from the 2023 Greater Capital Region projections (using 2022 data). Future demographic projections indicate the suburb of Guildford (WA) will experience population growth above the median for Australian statistical areas, with a projected increase of 421 residents by 2041, representing an overall expansion of 18.2% over a 16-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Guildford, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Analysis of building approvals shows that Guildford averages approximately 7 residential approvals annually, resulting in 35 new homes over the last 5 financial years, with 9 approvals registered in FY-26 so far. Because residential construction has averaged a ratio of only 1 new resident per built dwelling over the financial years between FY-21 and FY-25, the supply of new housing is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing buyers with more choices and potentially supporting population growth beyond current forecasts, with new homes averaging a construction value of $374,000, slightly higher than the regional average. Furthermore, commercial development remains balanced, with $26.1 million in commercial approvals recorded in the current financial year.

Residential construction in Guildford is low compared to the broader metropolitan area, tracking 74.0% below the Greater Perth per capita average, a scarcity that tends to support prices and demand for existing houses. This level of building activity is also below the national average, pointing to a mature housing market and possible development constraints. Recent completions consist of 25.0% separate houses and 75.0% medium to high-density dwellings, which provides more affordable housing options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and first-time buyers. This density profile is a shift from the historical housing stock, which is 81.0% houses, showing a reduction in developable land and reflecting changing preferences for diverse housing. Currently, there are about 306 people for every dwelling approval, suggesting potential for future development.

Based on the latest quarterly estimates from AreaSearch, Guildford is projected to add 396 residents by 2041. If residential construction continues at its historical pace, the supply of new housing may fall short of population growth, which could increase competition among purchasers and drive property prices upward.

Guildford has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 34thth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure projects, planning initiatives, and major developments represent key drivers of property market performance. AreaSearch has identified a single project expected to influence the local area. Key regional developments include the METRONET East - Midland Urban Renewal Precinct, Bassendean Oval Redevelopment Concept Masterplan, Bushmead Estate by Cedar Woods, and the Bassendean Town Centre Masterplan, with those most relevant detailed below.

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

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Guildford has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Guildford features a highly educated workforce with strong representation in essential services, showing a 4.9% unemployment rate and an estimated 3.7% growth in employment over the past year. In March 2026, there were 1,150 working residents, with the local unemployment rate tracking 0.7% higher than the Greater Perth average of 4.2%, and labor force participation recorded at 65.8%, below the regional average of 70.2%. Census records show 13.6% of employed residents worked from home, though this figure was likely influenced by pandemic containment measures.

The primary employment sectors for local residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Education & training is particularly prominent, employing residents at 1.5 times the regional rate, whereas construction is underrepresented at 6.4% compared to the Greater Perth average of 9.3%. Because there are 2.6 jobs located within the area for every working resident, as recorded in the Census, Guildford acts as a major employment center, drawing commuters from surrounding districts.

Over the 12-month period, local employment grew by 3.7% and the labor force expanded by 3.4%, leading to a 0.3 percentage point decrease in the unemployment rate. This trend differed from Greater Perth, which saw a 2.0% rise in employment, a 2.5% increase in the labor force, and a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. National employment projections from May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia provide further context for future labor demand, and these five and ten-year forecasts have been applied to the local workforce profile. While nationwide employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates vary by industry. Applying these industry projections to the local employment mix suggests Guildford employment will grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, representing a basic weighting extrapolation that does not account for local population changes.

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

Taxpayer data from the 2023 financial year shows Guildford had a median income of $66,528 and an average income of $80,542, comparing to regional figures of $60,748 and $80,248 across Greater Perth. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, March 2026 income levels are estimated at approximately $73,800 for the median and $89,345 for the average. Incomes for households, families, and individuals in Guildford sit around the 70th percentile nationwide. The dominant weekly household income bracket is $1,500 - 2,999, accounting for 27.5% of residents (597 people), which is similar to the regional proportion of 32.0%. A high proportion of households (36.4%) earn more than $3,000 weekly, which supports retail spending. Housing costs consume 14.1% of local income, and strong earnings place residents in the 80th percentile for disposable income, with the area ranking in the 8th decile on the SEIFA income index.

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

According to the latest Census, the housing mix in Guildford consisted of 81.2% separate houses and 18.8% other dwelling types, such as apartments and semi-detached homes, compared to 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings across metropolitan Perth. Home ownership in Guildford stood at 34.1%, which is higher than the Perth metro average, with mortgaged properties accounting for 44.8% and rented properties making up 21.2%. The median monthly mortgage payment of $2,300 was higher than the Perth metro average of $1,907, while the median weekly rent was $350, matching the Perth metro average of $350. Compared nationally, Guildford mortgage payments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while weekly rents are lower than the national median of $375.

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

Families make up 66.3% of local households, consisting of 29.2% couples with children, 26.6% couples without children, and 8.8% single parent households. The remaining 33.7% are non-family households, which comprise lone person households at 29.9% and group households at 4.4%. The median household size is 2.3 individuals, 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

A high proportion of Guildford residents hold tertiary qualifications, with 36.5% of those aged 15 and over having a university degree, compared to 19.7% in the SA3 and 24.3% in the SA4 regions. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 24.4%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 7.8% and graduate diplomas at 4.3%. Vocational training is also common, with 28.7% of residents aged 15 and over holding qualification credentials, comprising 11.6% with advanced diplomas and 17.1% with certificates.

Engagement in education is high, with 29.0% of the population enrolled in study. This includes 12.7% of residents attending secondary school, 6.6% in primary school, and 5.8% enrolled in higher education courses.

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

Public transport services in Guildford comprise 22 active bus and train stops. These stops accommodate 22 routes, delivering 4,438 passenger journeys weekly. Public transport access is excellent, with residents living an average of 173 meters from the nearest stop. The suburb is primarily residential, and most workers commute to other areas, with private vehicles remaining the primary commute mode at 75%, followed by trains at 14% and walking at 4%. Average vehicle ownership stands at 1.3 cars per household, below the metropolitan average. The 2021 Census recorded 13.6% of residents working from home, which was likely affected by pandemic restrictions.

Public transport routes average 634 daily trips across the local network, which translates to approximately 201 weekly services per stop.

Guildford'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 Guildford residents are generally positive, with mortality rates and medical conditions tracking close to national averages. The prevalence of common illnesses is low overall, though it rises above national averages within older age brackets, and private health insurance coverage is high, held by approximately 59% of the population (1,286 people).

The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health concerns and arthritis, affecting 11.2% and 6.9% of residents. A total of 66.5% of the population reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. Residents under the age of 65 experience better than average health outcomes. Seniors aged 65 and over make up 21.7% of the population (471 people), which exceeds the Greater Perth average of 16.1%. Older residents face some health challenges, though these rank lower nationally than the trends seen in the general 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 exhibits above-average cultural diversity, with 7.7% of residents speaking a non-English language at home and 26.2% born outside of Australia. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 45.1% of the population. The most distinct divergence is Buddhism, which is practiced by 1.1% of residents compared to 2.7% across Greater Perth.

In terms of parental ancestry, the three largest ethnic backgrounds are English (31.1%), Australian (25.8%), and Scottish (9.3%). Other ancestries show notable variations from the regional average, with Croatian background overrepresented at 1.6% of the local population (compared to 0.8% regionally), French at 1.0% (compared to 0.5%), and Welsh at 0.8% (compared to 0.7%).

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

The median age of 46 years in Guildford is older than the Greater Perth average of 37 and the national median of 38. The 55 - 64 age bracket is overrepresented at 14.7% of the population, while 25 - 34 year-olds are underrepresented at 8.8%. Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 11.4% to 13.0%, while the 45 to 54 group fell from 15.7% to 14.5%, and the 85 and over cohort decreased from 4.7% to 3.6%. By 2041, demographic shifts will see the 75 to 84 cohort expand by 104 people (64%) from 163 to 268. Older residents aged 65 and over will account for 61% of total population growth, whereas the 35 to 44 and 5 to 14 age cohorts are projected to contract.