Highgate (WA)

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census the suburb of Highgate (WA)'s population is estimated at around 2,953 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 627 people (27.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,326 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,951, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 42 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 7,031 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, making land in the area a highly-sought resource. The suburb of Highgate (WA)'s 27.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.3%), along with the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 92.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is utilising the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). As future population trends are examined, a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australian statistical areas is forecast, with the suburb of Highgate (WA) expected to expand by 772 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 26.1% in total over the 16 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Highgate has experienced around 12 dwellings receiving development approval annually, totalling an estimated 60 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 21 approvals have been recorded. At an average of 7.5 new residents per year for every home built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is significantly outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $758,000, revealing that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. Additionally, $12.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting balanced commercial development activity.

When measured against Greater Perth, Highgate has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person while it places among the 83rd percentile of areas assessed nationally, though construction activity has intensified recently. Recent construction comprises 15.0% detached houses and 85.0% attached dwellings. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. At around 123 people per approval, Highgate reflects a developing area.

Looking ahead, Highgate is expected to grow by 770 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects and planning initiatives. In total 6 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Smith Street Build-to-Rent Project, City of Vincent Local Planning Scheme No. 2 and Precinct Guidelines, Perth Girls School Redevelopment, and Little Italy, with the below list detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

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

Highgate has a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of 7.2%, and 1.5% in estimated employment growth over the past year, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 1,990 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 3.0% above Greater Perth's rate of 4.2%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (79.8% compared to Greater Perth's 70.2%). Based on Census responses, a low 10.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and accommodation & food. The area shows particularly strong specialization in professional & technical, with an employment share of 2.0 times the regional level. Meanwhile, construction has limited presence with 5.3% employment compared to 9.3% regionally. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, aggregated from broader statistical areas, during the year to March 2026, employment levels increased by 1.5% and labour force increased by 3.9%, resulting in unemployment rise by 2.2 percentage points. This compares to Greater Perth, where employment grew by 2.0%, labour force expanded by 2.5%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Highgate. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ 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 (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised 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 reveals that income in the suburb of Highgate is extremely high nationally, with the median assessed at $59,772 while the average income stands at $86,239. This contrasts to Greater Perth's figures of a median income of $60,748 and an average income of $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $66,305 (median) and $95,665 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows individual earnings stand out at the 90th percentile nationally ($1,194 weekly), though household income ranks lower at the 56th percentile. Income brackets indicate the predominant cohort spans 35.2% of locals (1,039 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents 32.0%. High housing costs consume 16.6% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 56th percentile and 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

Dwelling structure within Highgate, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 21.1% houses and 78.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Perth metro's 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Highgate was lagging that of Perth metro, at 18.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (24.0%) or rented (57.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Perth metro average at $1,752, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $365, compared to Perth metro's $1,907 and $350. Nationally, Highgate's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 46.1% of all households, comprising 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% of the total. The median household size of 1.8 people 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

Educational attainment in Highgate significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 50.3% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 27.9% in WA and 30.1% in Greater Perth. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 32.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.7%) and graduate diplomas (4.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 25.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificates (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.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 8 active transport stops operating within Highgate comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 9 individual routes, collectively providing 2,446 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 148 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 59%, with 19% by bus and 9% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 0.7 per dwelling, below the regional average. A relatively low 10.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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

Highgate's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Highgate, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions , and the rate of private health cover found to be exceptionally high at approximately 61% of the total population (1,814 people). This compares to 59.0% across Greater Perth. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be mental health issues and asthma, impacting 11.2 and 6.9% of residents, respectively, while 72.4% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 11.5% of residents aged 65 and over (339 people), which is lower than the 16.1% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than 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 scores quite highly on cultural diversity, with 23.9% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 40.3% born overseas. The main religion in Highgate was found to be Christianity, which makes up 31.6% of people in Highgate. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.9% of the population, compared to 0.3% across Greater Perth.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Highgate are English, comprising 24.2% of the population, Australian, comprising 17.4% of the population, and Other, comprising 13.0% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Serbian is notably overrepresented at 1.0% of Highgate (vs 0.3% regionally), 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

At 34 years, Highgate's median age is somewhat lower than the Greater Perth average of 37 similarly considerably younger than Australia's 38 years. Relative to Greater Perth, Highgate has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (32.9%) but fewer 5 - 14 year-olds (6.1%). This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.6%. Since the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 32.0% to 32.9% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 11.1% to 10.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Highgate. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 23%, adding 223 residents to reach 1,195.