Joondanna

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

According to research conducted on census updates from the ABS for the wider region, combined with address records verified by AreaSearch subsequent to the Census, the suburb of Joondanna has an estimated population of approximately 6,060 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 777 individuals (14.7%) from the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 5,283 residents. This adjustment is deduced from a resident headcount of 6,043, which was projected by AreaSearch using the ABS's June 2025 ERP data release, alongside 31 additional validated new addresses registered after the Census date. Such a population count translates to a density of 4,179 residents per square kilometer. This density places the locality within the highest 10% of all national areas evaluated by AreaSearch, indicating that land here is an exceptionally scarce resource. The expansion rate of 14.7% registered in the suburb of Joondanna since the 2021 census outstripped the national average (9.3%) as well as the broader SA3 territory, establishing it as a regional growth leader. The primary driver of this demographic expansion was overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 72.0% of the overall population growth during recent times.

Projections established by the ABS and Geoscience Australia for every SA2 region, published in 2024 with 2022 serving as the baseline, have been adopted by AreaSearch. For any SA2 localities omitted from this dataset, as well as to project trends after 2032, AreaSearch applies age cohort growth rates from the latest ABS Greater Capital Region projections published in 2023 and based on 2022 figures. Looking at future demographic trends in the suburb of Joondanna, a growth rate exceeding the national median is anticipated, with the area projected to add 935 citizens by 2041 under aggregated SA2-level estimates, representing an overall rise of 15.2% across the 16 years.

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

According to AreaSearch's evaluation of ABS building permit statistics allocated from regional datasets, Joondanna has averaged approximately 23 dwelling approvals annually, with an estimated 119 residential units authorized over the 5 fiscal years spanning FY-21 to FY-25, and 24 approvals recorded during the current FY-26 period. Given that approximately 5.5 new residents have arrived for each built dwelling over the 5 fiscal years from FY-21 to FY-25, local supply is failing to match demand. This imbalance typically intensifies buyer rivalry and elevates prices, with new homes constructed at an average estimated cost of $403,000, suggesting developers are concentrating on higher-end, premium market offerings. Furthermore, commercial building approvals valued at $4.3 million have been documented during the current financial year, highlighting that the locality remains predominantly residential.

In comparison to Greater Perth, Joondanna exhibits equivalent levels of development per resident, contributing to a stable market that tracks broader regional trends. Approved construction consists of 68.0% standalone houses and 32.0% multi-unit structures or apartments, reflecting an increasing concentration of semi-detached layouts that offer diverse options across different price points, ranging from large family residences to compact, affordable units. Notably, developers are building a higher ratio of detached residences than the historical mix suggests (which stood at 43.0% at the Census), indicating sustained demand for traditional family homes despite ongoing urban consolidation. With roughly 597 residents for every approved dwelling, Joondanna presents as a mature and fully developed community.

Long-term forecasts indicate that Joondanna will gain 918 residents by 2041, measured from the most recent quarterly estimate by AreaSearch. Construction is keeping reasonable pace with this anticipated growth, though purchasers may experience heightened competition as the population increases.

Joondanna has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 48thth percentile nationally

Local performance is heavily shaped by developments in regional infrastructure, major works, and planning updates. In total, AreaSearch has identified 8 active projects that are expected to influence the locality. Key initiatives include C6, the Scarborough Beach Road and Green Street Roundabout, the Scarborough Beach Road Streetscape Upgrade, and The Coolbinia, with the list below highlighting those of greatest significance.

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

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Employment conditions in Joondanna demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

The local workforce is characterized by high levels of education, with a strong concentration of professionals, a jobless rate of only 3.0%, and estimated jobs growth of 3.5% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's regional data aggregation. By March 2026, employed residents numbered 3,811, while the local unemployment rate was 1.2% lower than the Greater Perth benchmark of 4.2%. Participation in the labor force is significantly elevated, standing at 75.9% compared to 70.2% across Greater Perth. Census records indicate that a modest 9.4% of the employed population worked from their homes, although this figure should be interpreted in light of past pandemic lockdown disruptions.

Resident employment is heavily concentrated in health care & social assistance, professional & technical roles, and retail trade. The locality shows a distinct specialization in professional & technical fields, with a share of employment that is 1.4 times the regional proportion. On the other hand, the manufacturing sector has a minor footprint, accounting for 3.5% of employment compared to 5.5% across the broader metro area. The heavily residential character of the neighborhood means local employment opportunities are somewhat restricted, as demonstrated by comparing the count of working residents against the locally situated jobs at the Census.

According to AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, which were aggregated from broader statistical areas, employment levels rose by 3.5% during the year to March 2026, while the labour force grew by 3.7%, leading to an unemployment increase of 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth experienced employment growth of 2.0%, a labour force expansion of 2.5%, and a unemployment rise of 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 provide additional context regarding potential future demand in Joondanna. These projections, which span five and ten-year periods, have been overlaid onto the local employment profile to estimate growth trajectories. Although national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, expansion rates vary considerably across industry sectors. When these sector-specific forecasts are applied to Joondanna's employment composition, local employment is expected to rise by 6.8% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, noting that this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not incorporate localised population projections.

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

The most recent postcode-level data from the ATO for the 2023 financial year indicates that incomes in the suburb of Joondanna are exceptionally high on a national scale, with a median value of $63,345 and an average value of $76,715. This stands in contrast to the Greater Perth figures, which show a median income of $60,748 and an average of $80,248. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates would stand at approximately $70,269 for the median and $85,100 for the average as of March 2026. Individual earnings from the 2021 Census are placed in the 81st percentile nationally at a weekly figure of $1,036, although household earnings sit lower in the 46th percentile. Looking at income brackets, the largest segment includes 30.6% of residents (1,854 people) who earn between $1,500 and $2,999, mirroring the metropolitan trend where this bracket accounts for 32.0% of the population. Affordability constraints are significant, with only 82.6% of income remaining after housing costs, placing the area in the 45th percentile, while the SEIFA index for income ranks the locality in the 7th decile.

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

The distribution of housing types in Joondanna at the time of the latest Census consisted of 43.3% freestanding houses and 56.7% multi-unit dwellings like townhouses and apartments, compared to 77.8% houses and 22.1% alternative dwellings across metropolitan Perth. Home ownership rates in Joondanna lagged the metropolitan average, sitting at 23.3%, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with a mortgage (32.9%) or renting (43.8%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area stood at $1,952, which is higher than the Perth metro median of $1,907, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $330, compared to $350 across the metro region. On a national level, mortgage commitments in Joondanna exceed the Australian median of $1,863, whereas rents are notably below the national benchmark of $375.

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

Families make up the majority of households at 55.5%, which includes 20.1% couples with children, 25.7% couples without children, and 8.5% single-parent households. Non-family households account for the remaining 44.5%, with single-person households representing 40.1% and group living situations accounting for 4.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.0 residents is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Educational achievement in Joondanna places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Educational profiles in Joondanna are substantially higher than wider state averages, with 44.1% of residents aged 15 and over possessing university degrees, compared to 27.9% across WA and 29.0% in the local SA4 region. This high concentration of degrees positions the area well for professional service industries. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 28.5%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 11.2% and graduate diplomas at 4.4%. Vocational education is also widely held, with 28.6% of residents aged 15 and older holding trade qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas at 11.9% and certificates at 16.7%.

A significant 24.2% of the local population is engaged in formal study. This student cohort includes 7.0% in primary schooling, 6.9% in higher education, and 4.3% attending secondary schools.

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

An analysis of public transport reveals 31 active transit stops operating within Joondanna, consisting of various bus options. These locations are served by 9 separate routes, which combine to support 1,379 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is classified as outstanding, with residents living an average of 143 meters from the nearest stop. Due to the residential nature of the suburb, the majority of working residents commute to other areas, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode of travel at 77%, followed by bus transit at 10% and train travel at 8%. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.0 car per household, which is lower than the metropolitan average. A relatively modest 9.4% of residents worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-related conditions.

Service frequency averages 197 daily trips across all routes, which translates to roughly 44 weekly departures from each transit stop.

Joondanna'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

Public health records indicate favorable outcomes for residents in Joondanna, with AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality statistics and chronic conditions showing results that align closely with national averages. The prevalence of standard health issues is consistent across both younger and older age brackets, and the rate of private health coverage is high, encompassing roughly 58% of the population, which equates to about 3,494 people.

The most prevalent medical diagnoses in the neighborhood are mental health challenges and asthma, which affect 9.3% and 6.8% of the population, respectively. Meanwhile, 71.9% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, matching the 71.9% rate observed across Greater Perth. Residents under the age of 65 experience better health outcomes than the national median. The suburb has 15.4% of its population aged 65 or older, representing 933 individuals, with health indicators that match general population trends.

Joondanna 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

Joondanna demonstrates a high degree of cultural diversity, with 26.4% of residents speaking a non-English language at home and 38.2% of the population born outside of Australia. Christianity is the largest religious denomination, practiced by 46.5% of local residents. However, the most pronounced divergence from metropolitan averages is in Buddhism, which accounts for 3.8% of the population compared to 2.7% across Greater Perth.

Regarding ethnic origins, the three most common ancestries in Joondanna are English at 23.8%, Australian at 17.8%, and Other at 11.6%. There are also notable differences in the concentration of other backgrounds, with Italian ancestry significantly overrepresented at 9.5% of the population compared to 4.2% regionally, Serbian ancestry at 0.9% compared to 0.3%, and Macedonian ancestry at 1.4% compared to 0.4%.

Joondanna's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

With a median age of 37, Joondanna matches the metropolitan average of 37 and is comparable to the national figure of 38. The 25 to 34 age bracket has a strong presence at 20.3% of the population, whereas the 15 to 24 group is less common at 8.3%. This concentration of residents aged 25 to 34 is notably higher than the national average of 14.6%. Since 2021, the 35 to 44 age cohort has increased from 18.2% to 19.4% of the population, while the 25 to 34 cohort has contracted from 21.4% to 20.3%. Looking forward to 2041, demographic projections indicate notable changes in the local age structure, led by a 27% increase in the 45 to 54 cohort, which will grow by 199 people to reach 927 from 727, while the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 brackets are projected to contract.