Herne Hill (WA)

Herne Hill is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of November 2025, Herne Hill's population is estimated at around 1,640 people. This figure reflects an increase of 98 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,542 persons. The current estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of the ABS ERP data release from June 2024, indicating a resident population of 1,606. This level of population results in a density ratio of 95 persons per square kilometer. Herne Hill's growth rate of 6.4% since the Census is within 2.5 percentage points of the national average (8.9%). Overseas migration contributed approximately 48.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with other factors such as interstate migration and natural growth also being positive influences.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data to estimate growth post-2032. Future population trends indicate an above median growth for statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch, with the suburb of Herne Hill (WA) projected to increase by 340 persons to reach a total population of 1,980 by 2041, reflecting a 26.1% increase over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Herne Hill had approximately one new home approved annually. Over the past five financial years (FY21 to FY25), around eight homes were approved, with one more in FY26 so far.

Each dwelling constructed resulted in about 23.9 new residents per year on average during these years. This supply lagged demand, indicating heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New homes' construction cost averaged $367,000, aligning with broader regional development. Compared to Greater Perth, Herne Hill had significantly less development activity (93.0% below the regional average per person). Recent development comprised entirely detached dwellings, maintaining the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

The estimated population per dwelling approval was 424 people. Population forecasts indicate Herne Hill will gain 428 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and price growth.

Herne Hill has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. Two projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact this region. Notable projects include Swan Valley Bypass, Brabham Senior High School, Brooklands Private Estate, and Henley Brook development by Mirvac. Details about these projects follow.

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

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The employment environment in Herne Hill shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Herne Hill's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs, with construction being particularly prominent. Its unemployment rate is 3.2%, lower than the Greater Perth average of 3.9%.

Over the past year, employment has grown by an estimated 4.7%. As of June 2025974 residents are employed, with a local unemployment rate of 3.2% compared to Greater Perth's 3.9%. Key industries include construction, health care & social assistance, and mining. Construction employs 1.7 times the regional average, while health care & social assistance is below the regional level at 9.9%.

The resident-to-worker ratio is 0.7, indicating a higher-than-average level of local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 4.7%, while unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth saw employment rise by 3.7% and unemployment increase by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project a 6.6% growth over five years and 13.7% over ten years nationally. Applying these projections to Herne Hill suggests local employment could grow by 5.6% over five years and 12.0% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations based on current industry mixes and do not account for localized population projections.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

Herne Hill's median income among taxpayers was $51,704 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $63,038 during the same period. These figures compare to Greater Perth's median and average incomes of $58,380 and $78,020 respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 14.2% since financial year 2022, estimated current incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $59,046 (median) and $71,989 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Herne Hill rank modestly, between the 31st and 46th percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 31.6% of residents (518 people), similar to the surrounding region where 32.0% occupy this bracket. Housing costs are manageable with 87.4% retained. However, disposable income is below average at the 50th percentile and Herne Hill's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Herne Hill's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 97.3% houses and 2.7% other dwellings (including semi-detached properties, apartments, and 'other' dwellings), compared to Perth metro's 89.1% houses and 10.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Herne Hill stood at 47.2%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (39.4%) or rented (13.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,831, below Perth metro's average of $1,842. The median weekly rent figure in Herne Hill was $335, compared to Perth metro's $340. Nationally, Herne Hill's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Herne Hill has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 76.9% of all households, including 34.5% couples with children, 30.3% couples without children, and 11.4% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 23.1%, with lone person households at 20.7% and group households making up 1.8%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.8.

Educational outcomes in Herne Hill fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 13.7%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.0%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.9%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.8%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 39.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (10.3%) and certificates (29.3%).

Educational participation is high at 26.1%, including 9.3% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 3.2% pursuing tertiary education. Herne Hill Primary School serves the area with an enrollment of 190 students as of a recent report. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas. School places per 100 residents (11.6) are below the regional average (15.6), indicating some students may attend schools outside the area.

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

Herne Hill has 32 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two different routes that together offer 110 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 105 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 15 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately three weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Herne Hill is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Herne Hill shows superior health outcomes for both young and elderly populations, with low prevalence of common conditions.

Its private health cover rate is approximately 52%, higher than the average SA2 area (~856 people). The most frequent medical conditions are arthritis (7.7%) and asthma (6.1%), while 71.8% report no medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Perth's 72.6%. The area has a larger senior population at 25.4% (416 people), compared to Greater Perth's 12.6%. Seniors' health outcomes are notably strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Herne Hill was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Herne Hill, surveyed in June 2016, had a cultural diversity index above average, with 22.3% of its population born overseas and 12.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 57.0%, compared to 44.4% in Greater Perth. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (31.9%), Australian (23.5%), and Italian (9.5%).

Notably, Croatian ancestry was overrepresented at 5.4% versus regional average of 0.9%, Dutch at 1.7% compared to 1.3%, and New Zealand at 0.8% against a regional average of 1.0%.

Herne Hill hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Herne Hill as of 2021 is 46 years, which exceeds Greater Perth's average of 37 years and is also higher than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 65-74 age group makes up 14.9% of the population in Herne Hill, compared to Greater Perth's average of 10.2%, and is significantly higher than the national average of 9.4%. Meanwhile, the 25-34 age group comprises only 9.3% of Herne Hill's population, which is lower than Greater Perth's average of 12.7%. Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the proportion of people aged 35 to 44 increased from 10.5% to 12.1%, while those aged 45 to 54 decreased from 14.3% to 12.8%. By 2041, Herne Hill's population is projected to see significant demographic changes. The number of people aged 65 to 74 is expected to increase by 120 individuals (a 49% rise) from 244 to 365. Meanwhile, the 5-14 age group is projected to decline by 4 people.