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 Feb 2026, the population of the suburb of Herne Hill (WA) is estimated at around 1,664, reflecting an increase of 122 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 7.9% rise from the previous population count of 1,542 people. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 1,621 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with validation of five new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 96 persons per square kilometer. The suburb's growth rate since the census is 7.9%, which is within 2.0 percentage points of the national average of 9.9%. 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 contributors.

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, AreaSearch utilises growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Looking ahead, demographic trends project above median population growth for national areas. The suburb is expected to grow by 324 persons to reach a total population of 1,988 by 2041, reflecting an overall gain of 23.3% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Herne Hill according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Herne Hill has seen approximately one new home approved each year. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, around six homes were approved, with four already approved in FY-26. This results in an average of 31.8 people moving to the area per dwelling built annually over these five years, indicating significant demand outpacing supply.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $367,000, which is moderately above regional levels, suggesting emphasis on quality construction. In FY-26, $998,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, predominantly focused on residential development. Compared to Greater Perth, Herne Hill has significantly less development activity, typically reinforcing demand and pricing for existing dwellings. However, building activity has accelerated recently. Nationally, this activity is lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints.

Recent development has consisted entirely of detached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers, with an estimated 679 people per dwelling approval. Population forecasts indicate Herne Hill will gain 388 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Herne Hill has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 24thth percentile nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. Two projects identified by AreaSearch may impact the area: Swan Valley Bypass, Brooklands Private Estate, Brabham Senior High School, and Henley Brook by Mirvac.

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

Herne Hill has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent with an unemployment rate of 3.4% and estimated employment growth of 2.5% in the past year (AreaSearch). As of September 2025967 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.4%, 0.6% below Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation is similar to Greater Perth at 71.6%. According to Census data, 14.9% of residents work from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in construction, health care & social assistance, and mining. Construction employs 1.7 times the regional level while health care & social assistance is at 9.9%, below Greater Perth's 14.8%.

The resident-to-worker ratio is 0.7, indicating above-norm local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and 2025, employment levels increased by 2.5% and labour force by 2.6%, with unemployment remaining unchanged (AreaSearch). In contrast, Greater Perth saw employment rise by 2.9%, labour force grow by 3.0%, and marginal unemployment increase. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Herne Hill's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.0% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Herne Hill suburb's income level is below national average per latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year ended June 2023. Median income among taxpayers in Herne Hill was $51,704 with average income at $63,038. Greater Perth figures were $60,748 and $80,248 respectively. By September 2025, estimated median and average incomes would be approximately $56,678 and $69,102 based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62%. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Herne Hill rank modestly between 31st and 46th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that 31.6% of residents (525 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, similar to surrounding regions at 32.0%. Housing costs are manageable with 87.4% retained, but disposable income is below average at 50th percentile and SEIFA income ranking places Herne Hill in the 5th decile.

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

In Herne Hill, as per the latest Census evaluation, 97.3% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 2.7% comprising semi-detached properties, apartments, and other types. This is in contrast to Perth metro's dwelling structure, which was 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Herne Hill stood at 47.2%, with mortgaged dwellings making up 39.4% and rented properties accounting for 13.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,831, lower than Perth metro's average of $1,907. The median weekly rent figure in Herne Hill was recorded at $335, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Herne Hill's median monthly mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, while median weekly rents were substantially lower than the national figure of $375.

Herne Hill has a typical household mix, with a higher-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% of the total. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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 Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.0%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.9%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.3%) and certificates (29.3%). Educational participation is high, with 26.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 9.3% in primary, 7.6% in secondary, and 3.2% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.3% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 3.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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 routes that together provide 110 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 105 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Herne Hill being primarily residential. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 89%. Vehicle ownership averages 2.2 per dwelling, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 14.9% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 15 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 3 weekly trips per individual stop.

Herne Hill's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data shows excellent results for Herne Hill based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is approximately 52% of the total population (~869 people), leading that of the average SA2 area.

This compares to 59.0% across Greater Perth. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 7.7 and 6.1% of residents respectively, while 71.8% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. As of 2021, the area has 26.2% of residents aged 65 and over (435 people), which is higher than the 16.3% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

Herne Hill's cultural diversity was above average, with 22.3% born overseas and 12.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity dominated Herne Hill's religion at 57.0%, compared to Greater Perth's 45.0%. The top three ancestral groups were English (31.9%), Australian (23.5%), and Italian (9.5%), the latter being significantly higher than the regional average of 4.2%.

Notably, Croatian was overrepresented at 5.4% in Herne Hill compared to 0.8% regionally, Dutch at 1.7% versus 1.5%, and New Zealand at 0.8% matching the regional figure.

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

The median age in Herne Hill is 46, which exceeds Greater Perth's average of 37 and is also higher than Australia's median age of 38. The 65-74 age group is notably over-represented in Herne Hill at 15.4%, compared to Greater Perth's average of 9.0% and Australia's national average of 9.5%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 9.0%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 10.5% to 12.0%, while the 75-84 cohort has risen from 7.0% to 8.1%. However, the 45-54 age group has declined from 14.3% to 12.6%, and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 11.7% to 10.4%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Herne Hill. The 65-74 age cohort is projected to expand by 101 people (40%), growing from 256 to 358. Meanwhile, the 5-14 age group is projected to decline by 6 people.