Highgate (WA)

Population growth drivers in Highgate are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of February 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Highgate (WA) is around 2,908. This reflects an increase of 582 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,326 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,840 following their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 42 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 6,923 persons per square kilometer, placing Highgate in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate of 25.0% since the 2021 census exceeded both the national average (9.9%) and the state average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 92.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and using growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in their latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) to estimate growth post-2032. Future population trends indicate a significant increase is forecast for the top quartile of Australian statistical areas, with Highgate expected to expand by 832 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 23.7% in total over the 17 years.

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 had approximately 11 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 56 homes. As of FY26, 19 approvals have been recorded. On average, 5.7 new residents arrived per year per dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25. This indicates demand significantly exceeds supply, potentially leading to price growth and increased buyer competition.

Average construction value for new homes is around $758,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY26, $12.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Perth, Highgate has about two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person but ranks among the 81st percentile nationally for areas assessed. Recent construction comprises 15.0% detached houses and 85.0% attached dwellings, reflecting a trend towards denser development appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers.

Highgate has around 129 people per approval, indicating it is developing. By 2041, AreaSearch estimates Highgate's population will grow by 688 residents. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Highgate has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 47thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified six projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include 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 provides details on those likely to be 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 an educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 5.9%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 1,837 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.9% higher than Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation stands at 75.7%, slightly above Greater Perth's 71.6%. Census responses show that only 10.1% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries are professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and accommodation & food. Highgate specializes in professional & technical jobs, with an employment share double the regional level.

Conversely, construction is under-represented at 5.3% compared to Greater Perth's 9.3%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the working population vs resident population count. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Highgate's labour force decreased by 2.7%, alongside a 4.9% employment decline, leading to a 2.2 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. This contrasts with Greater Perth, where employment rose by 2.9%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Highgate's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.

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 2023 shows that median income in Highgate is $59,772 and average income is $86,239. In Greater Perth, median income is $60,748 and average income is $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated current incomes are approximately $65,522 (median) and $94,535 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows individual earnings at the 90th percentile nationally are $1,194 weekly, while household income ranks at the 56th percentile. The largest segment comprises 35.2% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,023 residents), similar to metropolitan region's 32.0%. Housing costs consume 16.6% of income, leaving disposable income at the 56th percentile and placing Highgate in the 8th decile for SEIFA income ranking.

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. In comparison, Perth metro had 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Highgate was at 18.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.0% and rented ones at 57.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Highgate was $1,752, lower than Perth metro's $1,907. Weekly rent in Highgate averaged $365, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Highgate's mortgage repayments were below 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 2.6.

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 residents aged 15 and above have a higher educational attainment than broader benchmarks. 50.3% of Highgate residents hold university qualifications, compared to 27.9% in Western Australia (WA) and 30.1% in Greater Perth. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 32.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 13.7% and graduate diplomas at 4.5%. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 25.6% of residents holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 11.1% and certificates at 14.5%.

Educational participation is high in Highgate, 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.

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

Transport analysis indicates eight active transport stops in Highgate, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by nine distinct routes, facilitating 2,446 weekly passenger trips collectively. Transport accessibility is deemed excellent, with residents typically residing 148 meters from the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most residents commute outward; car remains the primary mode at 59%, followed by bus at 19% and walking at 9%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.7 per dwelling, below the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 10.1% of residents work from home, potentially reflecting COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 349 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 305 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Highgate shows superior health outcomes according to AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age groups exhibit low incidence of common health issues. Private health coverage is exceptionally high at 61% (1,786 people), compared to Greater Perth's 59.0% and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues affect 11.2% and asthma impacts 6.9% of residents. 72.4% report being free from medical ailments, slightly higher than Greater Perth's 71.9%. Health outcomes among working-age individuals are generally typical. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 12.9% (375 people), compared to Greater Perth's 16.3%. Senior health outcomes rank notably high, even surpassing national averages for the general population.

Highgate was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Highgate's cultural diversity is notable, with 23.9% speaking a language other than English at home and 40.3% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Highgate, comprising 31.6%. Judaism, however, is overrepresented at 0.9%, compared to 0.3% across Greater Perth.

The top three ancestry groups are English (24.2%), Australian (17.4%), and Other (13.0%). Some ethnic groups are notably divergent: Serbian at 1.0% (vs regional 0.3%), Hungarian at 0.5% (vs 0.2%), and French at 0.8% (vs 0.5%).

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 (31.1%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (6.1%). This concentration of 25-34-year-olds is well above the national average of 14.4%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of Highgate's population aged 75 to 84 has increased from 3.2% to 4.1%, while the percentage of residents aged 25 to 34 has decreased from 32.0% to 31.1%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Highgate. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 19%, adding 170 residents to reach a total of 1,075.