Iluka (WA)

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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Iluka (WA) is around 6,259. This figure reflects an increase of 590 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,669. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 6,117 in Jun 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,483 persons per square kilometer, placing Iluka in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 10.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%). Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 72.0%.

All drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors. For projections, AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for the suburb, expected to expand by 1,512 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 26.5% in total over the 17 years.

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

Iluka has seen approximately 8 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Over the past 5 financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 41 homes were approved and an additional 13 have been approved so far in FY-26. On average, for every home built over these years, there has been a demand of about 20.5 new residents.

This outpaces supply, typically exerting upward pressure on prices and intensifying competition among buyers. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost value of $795,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket dwellings. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totaled $773,000, suggesting minimal commercial development activity in Iluka compared to Greater Perth, where it is 58.0% higher per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes, although construction activity has recently intensified. However, this activity remains below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and potential planning constraints.

All recent development has been comprised of detached dwellings, sustaining Iluka's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. With around 573 people per dwelling approval, Iluka reflects a highly mature market. By 2041, Iluka is expected to grow by approximately 1,661 residents, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Iluka has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 46thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects that may impact this region: Meridian Park Industrial Estate, Currambine Community Centre & Library Upgrade, Burns Beach Primary School, and Iluka Beach Residential Estate (Stages ongoing). These are the key projects 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.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Iluka performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Iluka's workforce is highly educated with strong professional services representation. The unemployment rate was 1.2% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.9%. As of September 2025, 4,039 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.7%, lower than Greater Perth's 4.0%.

Workforce participation is high at 80.0% compared to Greater Perth's 71.6%. A moderate 13.5% of residents work from home. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. The area specializes in professional & technical services with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level, but has lower representation in transport, postal & warehousing at 2.9% compared to the regional average of 4.7%.

Employment opportunities appear limited locally based on Census data. In the past year, employment increased by 3.9% while labour force grew by 3.7%, reducing unemployment by 0.1 percentage points. Greater Perth saw employment growth of 2.9% and labour force growth of 3.0%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections suggest Iluka's employment should grow by the same rates due to its employment mix.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released on June 30, 2023, Iluka had a median income among taxpayers of $62,997 and an average income of $85,150. Nationally, these figures are high compared to median and average incomes of $60,748 and $80,248 respectively in Greater Perth. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since June 30, 2023, estimated current incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $69,057 (median) and $93,341 (average). From the 2021 Census data, Iluka's household incomes rank at the 97th percentile with a weekly income of $3,144. In terms of income distribution, 36.1% of locals (2,259 people) fall into the $4000+ category, differing from the broader area where the $1,500 - $2,999 category predominates at 32.0%. Economic strength is evident with 52.3% of households earning high weekly incomes exceeding $3,000, indicating elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 88.3% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

Iluka's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 97.6% houses and 2.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Perth metro's 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Iluka was at 39.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 53.6% and rented ones at 7.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,600, higher than Perth metro's average of $1,907. The median weekly rent figure in Iluka was recorded as $635, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Iluka's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Iluka features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 90.7% of all households, including 50.6% couples with children, 33.2% couples without children, and 6.5% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 9.3%, consisting of 8.8% lone person households and 0.5% group households. The median household size is 3.0 people, which is larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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

University qualifications are prevalent in Iluka, with 31.3% of residents aged 15 and above holding such credentials, slightly higher than the Western Australia average of 27.9%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 21.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Vocational skills are also prominent, with 35.3% of residents aged 15 and above holding such credentials, including advanced diplomas (13.4%) and certificates (21.9%).

Educational participation is high in Iluka, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.9% in secondary education, 8.7% in primary education, and 6.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Iluka has 17 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by three different routes that together facilitate 395 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as good, with residents typically located 243 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuting in Iluka is outward-bound. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation for 80% of residents, while 14% use trains. On average, there are 2.1 vehicles per dwelling in Iluka, which exceeds the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 13.5% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 56 trips per day, equating to approximately 23 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health outcomes data shows notable results for Iluka based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, indicating a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 61% of the total population (3,817 people), compared to 59.0% across Greater Perth and the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 7.0 and 5.8% of residents respectively, while 75.5% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth.

Working-age residents exhibit low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 18.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,139 people), higher than the 16.3% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Iluka 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

Iluka's population showed higher cultural diversity, with 12.8% speaking a language other than English at home and 53.3% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Iluka at 59.0%, compared to 45.0% across Greater Perth. The top three ancestry groups were English (37.1%), Australian (16.4%), and Irish (8.6%).

Welsh, South African, and Dutch ethnicities had notable representations: 1.5%, 3.8%, and 2.2% respectively, exceeding regional averages of 0.7%, 1.0%, and 1.5%.

Iluka hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Iluka is 46 years, which is higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 years and also above Australia's median age of 38 years. The 55-64 age group makes up 19.3% of Iluka's population, significantly higher than the Greater Perth average of 12.5%. Conversely, those aged 25-34 comprise only 4.8%, lower than Greater Perth's 7.2%. Nationally, the 55-64 age group accounts for 11.2%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 65 to 74 age group has increased from 9.2% to 12.2%, while the 75 to 84 cohort has risen from 2.9% to 4.8%. However, the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 19.7% to 16.3%, and the 5 to 14 age group has fallen from 13.1% to 11.9%. By 2041, Iluka's population is projected to undergo significant changes. The 65 to 74 age cohort is expected to grow by 474 people (62%), from 763 to 1,238. Those aged 65 and above are projected to comprise 64% of the total growth in population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 and 35 to 44 age groups are expected to experience population declines.