Highgate (WA)

Population growth drivers in Highgate are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Highgate (WA) is around 2,757, reflecting an increase of 431 people since the 2021 Census. The ABS ERP estimate for surrounding areas applied to Highgate by AreaSearch in June 2024 indicated a resident population of 2,755, with an additional 39 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this figure. This results in a population density ratio of 6,564 persons per square kilometer, placing Highgate in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 18.5% growth since the 2021 Census exceeds both the national average (8.9%) and state averages. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 92.0% of overall population gains in Highgate during recent periods. AreaSearch adopts 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 utilises 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 trends indicate a significant increase in Highgate's top quartile of statistical areas. By 2041, the area is forecasted to expand by 825 persons, reflecting an overall increase of 30.1% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Highgate among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Highgate has had around 10 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 53 homes. So far in FY26, 17 approvals have been recorded. This results in approximately 6 new residents arriving annually per dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25. Highgate has seen a focus on premium market developments with average construction values of $758,000.

Commercial development is limited, with $8.7 million in approvals registered this financial year. Compared to Greater Perth, Highgate has half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person but ranks among the 80th percentile nationally. Recent construction consists of 9% detached houses and 91% attached dwellings. Highgate is developing with around 135 people per approval.

By 2041, it's estimated to grow by 831 residents. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth.

Highgate has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects likely to affect the area: Swan River Causeway Bridge, Perth Girls School Redevelopment, City of Vincent Local Planning Scheme No. 2 (LPS2), Mount Lawley/Highgate Precinct Guidelines, and Smith Street Build-to-Rent Project. The following list details those most relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

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

Highgate has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate is 5.2%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, 1,875 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.3% higher than Greater Perth's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Highgate is 73.0%, compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. The leading employment industries among residents are professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and accommodation & food. Highgate has a particular employment specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share of 2.0 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction is under-represented, with only 5.3% of Highgate's workforce compared to 9.3% in Greater Perth. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, the labour force decreased by 1.1% alongside a 3.0% employment decline, resulting in an unemployment rate rise of 1.8 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Perth, where employment rose by 3.7%, the labour force grew by 3.8%, and unemployment rose by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer further insight into potential future demand within Highgate. These projections suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates differing significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Highgate's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that Highgate has a high national median income of $59,772 and an average income of $86,239. This is higher than Greater Perth's median income of $58,380 and average income of $78,020. Considering the Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $68,260 (median) and $98,485 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, individual earnings at the 90th percentile nationally are $1,194 weekly, while household income ranks at the 56th percentile. Distribution shows that 35.2% of Highgate residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, mirroring the metropolitan region where 32.0% fall into this bracket. Housing costs consume 16.6% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 56th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Highgate features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Highgate's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 21.1% houses and 78.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Perth metro had 37.1% houses and 62.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Highgate stood at 18.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.0% and rented ones at 57.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,752, below Perth metro's average of $2,167. Median weekly rent in Highgate was $365, compared to Perth metro's $390. Nationally, Highgate's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 46.1% of all households, including 11.4% couples with children, 28.5% couples without children, and 4.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 53.9%, with lone person households at 44.5% and group households comprising 9.7%. The median household size is 1.8 people, which is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.1.

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

Highgate's educational attainment significantly exceeds broader benchmarks. As of the latest data, 50.3% of residents aged 15+ hold university qualifications, compared to 27.9% in Western Australia (WA) and 30.1% in Greater Perth. This educational advantage is led by bachelor degrees at 32.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 13.7% and graduate diplomas at 4.5%. Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 25.6% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 11.1% and certificates at 14.5%.

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.0% in tertiary education, 5.5% in primary education, and 3.0% pursuing secondary education. Sacred Heart Primary School provides local educational services within Highgate, with an enrollment of 186 students as of the latest count. The area demonstrates significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement, with an ICSEA score of 1131. There is one school focused exclusively on primary education in Highgate, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. Local school capacity is limited, with 6.8 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 17.1, indicating that many families travel to nearby areas for schooling.

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

Analysis shows eight active public transport stops in Highgate, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by nine unique routes, collectively facilitating 2,434 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically residing 148 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 347 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 304 weekly trips per individual stop.

Highgate's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Highgate. The prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups is very low. Approximately 61% of the total population (1,693 people) has private health cover, compared to 69.8% across Greater Perth and a national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 11.2 and 6.9% of residents respectively. A total of 72.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.5% across Greater Perth. The area has 12.2% of residents aged 65 and over (336 people), which is lower than the 15.1% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

Highgate is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Highgate has a significant cultural diversity, with 23.9% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 40.3% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Highgate, accounting for 31.6% of the population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented in Highgate compared to Greater Perth, making up 0.9% versus 0.6%.

The top three ancestry groups based on country of birth of parents are English (24.2%), Australian (17.4%), and Other (13.0%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Serbian is overrepresented at 1.0% in Highgate compared to the regional average of 0.4%, Hungarian is also overrepresented at 0.5% versus 0.2%, and French representation is similar regionally at 0.8%.

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

Highgate's median age is 34 years, which is lower than Greater Perth's average of 37 years and considerably younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, Highgate has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (31.8%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (6.2%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is well above the national average of 14.5%. According to population forecasts for the year 2041, there will be substantial demographic changes in Highgate. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to grow by 22%, adding 196 residents and reaching a total of 1,073.