Joondalup

Joondalup is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of the suburb of Joondalup is around 10,249 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,056 people (11.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,193 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 10,211, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 30 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 959 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb of Joondalup's 11.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%), along with the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 94.0% 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). Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is expected, with the suburb of Joondalup expected to grow by 533 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 4.7% in total over the 17 years.

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

Joondalup has seen approximately 14 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 72 homes. As of FY-26, 10 approvals have been recorded. On average, 9.4 new residents arrive per year for each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand outstripping supply. New properties are constructed at an average cost of $421,000, suggesting developers target the premium market.

Commercial approvals amount to $44.1 million this financial year, indicating robust commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Perth, Joondalup has 53.0% less development activity per person. Recent building activity consists solely of standalone homes, maintaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes. Interestingly, developers are constructing more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (57.0% at Census), pointing to continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. Joondalup has around 874 people per approval, reflecting its mature and established nature.

Looking ahead, Joondalup is projected to grow by 485 residents through to 2041, with development keeping pace with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 32 projects likely to affect the region. Notable ones include Joondalup Private Hospital Expansion (Private Component), Joondalup Private Hospital Expansion, Joondalup Health Campus Development Stage 2, and Boas Place Joondalup City Centre. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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

Joondalup has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 4.3% as of September 2025, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.9%.

As of September 2025, 6,180 residents were in work while the unemployment rate was 0.4% higher than Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation was broadly similar to Greater Perth's 71.6%. According to Census responses, a low 7.6% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents included health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Professional & technical services employed just 6.4% of local workers, below Greater Perth's 8.2%. There was one worker for every resident as at the Census, indicating that the area functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 4.9% while labour force increased by 3.8%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.0 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth experienced employment growth of 2.9% and labour force growth of 3.0%, with a marginal rise in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Joondalup. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Joondalup's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

Joondalup suburb's median income among taxpayers was $56,749 and average income stood at $73,026 in financial year 2023. These figures compared to Greater Perth's median of $60,748 and average of $80,248 respectively. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $62,208 (median) and $80,051 (average), accounting for a 9.62% growth since financial year 2023. In the 2021 Census, Joondalup's household, family, and personal incomes ranked modestly between the 46th and 52nd percentiles. Income analysis showed that the largest segment comprised 33.0% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, with 3,382 residents falling into this category. This was consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 32.0% in the same income bracket. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 83.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 46th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 6th decile.

Joondalup displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Joondalup's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 56.9% houses and 43.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Perth metro's 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Joondalup stood at 24.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.6% and rented ones at 41.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, lower than Perth metro's $1,907. Median weekly rent in Joondalup was $360, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Joondalup's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Joondalup features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 64.9% of all households, consisting of 23.7% couples with children, 29.3% couples without children, and 11.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 35.1%, with lone person households at 29.0% and group households making up 6.0%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

The educational profile of Joondalup exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

In Joondalup, university qualification levels stand at 28.3%, slightly below the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 19.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are held by 38.6% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 13.2% and certificates at 25.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.3% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.9% in tertiary education, 7.2% in primary education, and 5.9% pursuing secondary education.

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

Joondalup has 90 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are covered by 41 individual routes, collectively facilitating 4,248 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents to the nearest stop is 176 meters, indicating excellent transport accessibility. In this predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 70%, with trains at 16% and buses at 6%. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 7.6% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 606 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 47 weekly trips per individual stop.

Joondalup's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health data shows Joondalup residents have positive outcomes. Mortality rates and health conditions are similar to national benchmarks.

Common health issues affect both young and old equally. Private health cover is high, at 56% (around 5,758 people), compared to Greater Perth's 59%. The most common conditions are mental health issues (10.4%) and asthma (7%). About 68.7% of residents report no medical ailments, versus 71.9% in Greater Perth. Working-age population health outcomes are typical. Joondalup has a higher proportion of seniors, at 20.5% (around 2,101 people), compared to Greater Perth's 16.3%. National rankings for this age group align with the general population.

Joondalup 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

Joondalup's population comprises 17.9% who speak a language other than English at home, with 48.4% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 44.1%. Islam's representation in Joondalup is 2.7%, slightly higher than Greater Perth's 3.2%.

The top ancestral groups are English (33.6%), Australian (17.5%), and Other (11.3%). Notably, South African ancestry is overrepresented at 1.6% compared to the regional average of 1.0%, as are Welsh (1.0% vs 0.7%) and Polish (1.1% vs 0.7%).

Joondalup's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Joondalup is 39 years, higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 years and close to the national average of 38 years. The 15-24 age group is over-represented at 16.1% compared to Greater Perth's average, while the 5-14 age group is under-represented at 8.6%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 65-74 age group grew from 9.8% to 11.5%, and the 75-84 cohort increased from 4.7% to 6.2%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort declined from 13.8% to 12.1%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 12.4% to 11.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Joondalup. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 70%, reaching 1,078 people from 635. Residents aged 65 and older will represent 93% of the anticipated population growth, while the 25-34 and 55-64 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.