Lakelands (WA)

Lakelands lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

According to ABS demographic updates for the wider region and new addresses verified by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Lakelands (WA) has an estimated population of 9,305 in May 2026. This indicates a growth of 3,134 residents (50.8%) relative to the 2021 Census, which counted 6,171 individuals. This adjustment is calculated from a resident population of 8,733, calculated by AreaSearch using the ABS June 2025 ERP release, combined with an additional 1,310 verified new addresses registered after the Census. The population level corresponds to a density of 1,325 residents per square kilometer, which exceeds the typical figure for national locations analyzed by AreaSearch. The growth rate of 50.8% in the suburb of Lakelands (WA) since the 2021 Census outpaced the national benchmark of 9.3% as well as state figures, positioning the area as a regional growth leader. Population expansion was primarily driven by interstate migration, which accounted for approximately 67.0% of total gains, though all contributors, including overseas migration and natural increase, remained positive.

AreaSearch incorporates ABS and Geoscience Australia projections for individual SA2 zones, published in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For SA2 zones lacking this coverage, and to calculate expansion beyond 2032, AreaSearch uses age-cohort growth rates published by the ABS in its 2023 capital region projections based on 2022 data. Anticipating these demographic shifts, the suburb of Lakelands (WA) is projected to experience population growth above the median of analyzed areas, expanding by 1,458 individuals by 2041 based on combined SA2 projections, representing a total increase of 9.5% over the 16 years.

The level of residential development activity in Lakelands was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approvals indicates that Lakelands averages approximately 240 approved residential properties annually, with a total of 1,203 dwellings approved over the 5 financial years spanning FY-21 to FY-25, and 360 approvals recorded during FY-26. The area gained an average of 2.1 new residents for each completed dwelling between FY-21 and FY-25, pointing to healthy demand that supports property values. The average expected construction cost for new homes stands at $401,000, indicating that developers are focusing on higher-end products. In addition, commercial approvals reached $41.8 million this financial year, reflecting active business investment.

Lakelands registers 187.0% more new residential approvals per capita than Greater Perth, offering home buyers a wide selection. This building activity is significantly above the national benchmark, demonstrating high developer confidence. Recent building approvals consist of 99.0% detached houses and 1.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the traditional low-density suburban landscape favored by families. Recording approximately 28 residents for each approved dwelling, Lakelands displays the typical features of a growing outer suburb.

Long-term forecasts indicate Lakelands will add 886 residents by 2041, based on the most recent quarterly estimates from AreaSearch. At the current pace of construction, residential supply is expected to satisfy demand, creating a balanced environment for purchasers and potentially supporting growth that outpaces current predictions.

Lakelands has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 33rdth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure projects and planning changes significantly affect property performance. There are 9 projects identified by AreaSearch that are expected to influence the local area. Key developments include Lakelands Estate, Black Swan Lake Estate (Ocean Hill, Lakelands), Lakelands Youth Park, and Lakelands Estate, with details of the most relevant projects listed below.

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

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Employment performance in Lakelands ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

The local workforce is evenly divided between professional and manual occupations, with a notable presence in industrial and manufacturing sectors. The unemployment rate is low at 2.5%, and employment grew by an estimated 11.6% over the past year. In March 2026, there were 4,405 working residents. The unemployment rate is 1.7% below the Greater Perth average of 4.2%, while the participation rate is slightly below average at 66.6% compared to 70.2% for the wider capital. According to Census records, a minor share of 6.2% of the workforce operated from home, though this figure was influenced by pandemic-related lockdowns.

The major employment fields for residents are healthcare and social assistance, mining, and retail trade. The workforce shows a clear concentration in mining, with a share that is 1.6 times the regional average. Conversely, professional and technical services are underrepresented, accounting for only 3.1% of the local workforce compared to 8.2% across Greater Perth. The comparison between the local working population and resident population suggests this residential district offers few local jobs.

According to AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS statistics, during the 12 months ending March 2026, the count of employed residents rose by 11.6% and the total labor force grew by 12.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.7 percentage points. Over the same period in Greater Perth, employment increased by 2.0%, the labor force expanded by 2.5%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Job opportunities in the future can be evaluated using national forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia released in May-25. These five and ten-year projections have been applied to the local workforce structure. While national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, trends vary by sector. Applying these trends to the local industry mix suggests employment among residents will grow by 5.7% over five years and 12.5% over ten years.

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

Taxpayer statistics for the 2023 financial year show a median income of $53,666 and an average of $72,311. This exceeds the national average, though it is below the Greater Perth median of $60,748 and average of $80,248. Adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since the 2023 financial year, current figures are estimated at $59,532 for the median and $80,215 for the average in March 2026. At the 2021 Census, household, family, and individual incomes clustered around the national median. The largest income bracket is the weekly range of $1,500 - 2,999, containing 34.3% of households (3,191 residents), which is comparable to the metropolitan average of 32.0%. Housing costs absorb 17.1% of income, leaving disposable income at the 52nd percentile nationally, while the SEIFA index places the area in the 4th decile.

Lakelands is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Residential architecture is dominated by detached houses, which made up 99.7% of dwellings at the latest Census, compared to 0.3% for medium and high-density options. This compares to 77.8% houses and 22.1% alternative dwellings across metropolitan Perth. The rate of outright home ownership stood at 20.6%, which is lower than the metropolitan average, with the remaining properties being purchased with a mortgage (55.9%) or rented (23.5%). The median monthly mortgage payment was $1,750, which is below the metropolitan Perth average of $1,907, while the median weekly rent was $350, matching the metropolitan benchmark of $350. Nationally, local mortgage payments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are below the national median of $375.

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

Families represent 79.7% of all households, consisting of couples with children at 38.2%, couples without children at 26.3%, and single parent households at 14.7%. Single person households make up 18.1% of the total, while group living arrangements account for 2.2%, bringing total non-family households to 20.3%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is higher than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Educational attainment in Lakelands aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

Educational attainment levels show that 16.3% of residents hold a university qualification, which is below the national average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common tertiary qualification at 11.9%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 2.5% and graduate diplomas at 1.9%. Vocational and technical qualifications are highly prevalent, with 45.3% of residents aged 15 and over holding credentials, including 11.1% with advanced diplomas and 34.2% with certificates.

A significant proportion of the population is engaged in study, with 33.7% of residents enrolled in an educational program. This student population includes 14.1% in primary school, 9.4% in high school, and 3.6% in tertiary studies.

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

The public transport network consists of 43 active train and bus stops. These stops are served by 8 distinct routes, which accommodate 1,967 passenger journeys each week. Accessibility is good, with residents living an average of 235 meters from the nearest stop. The suburb is primarily residential, and 85% of commuters travel by car. Private vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per household. Working from home was recorded for 6.2% of residents at the 2021 Census, which was likely affected by pandemic restrictions.

Public transport services run an average of 281 times daily across all routes, which averages out to 45 weekly services for each transit stop.

Health outcomes in Lakelands are marginally below the national average with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Mortality and chronic illness statistics indicate below-average health outcomes, with the general population showing typical illness rates, though older cohorts experience higher rates than the national average. Private health insurance coverage is high, with approximately 56% of residents (~5,202 people) having cover, compared to 59.0% across Greater Perth.

Mental health conditions and asthma are the most prevalent health issues, affecting 8.5% and 8.4% of residents, respectively. A total of 70.9% of the population reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 71.9% in Greater Perth. Residents under the age of 65 experience better health outcomes than average. Seniors aged 65 and over make up 15.0% of the population (1,395 people), which is lower than the Greater Perth average of 16.1%. Older residents face some health challenges, with local metrics ranking below national benchmarks for this age group.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Lakelands was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

The local community displays higher cultural diversity than most areas, with 12.2% of residents speaking a language other than English at home and 32.9% born outside Australia. Christianity is the main religious affiliation, representing 43.3% of the population. The most distinct relative overrepresentation is Judaism, which accounts for 0.1% of the population, compared to 0.3% across Greater Perth.

English ancestry was reported by 32.6% of residents, followed by Australian ancestry at 25.4%, and other ancestral backgrounds at 7.3%. There are notable concentrations of specific backgrounds, with Maori ancestry representing 2.7% of the population (compared to 0.9% regionally), South Australian ancestry at 1.4% (compared to 1.0%), and New Zealand ancestry at 1.1% (compared to 0.8%).

Lakelands hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

The median age of 32 years is younger than the Greater Perth average of 37 and the national average of 38. Compared to Greater Perth, there is a higher proportion of children aged 5 - 14 (15.7%) but a lower share of people aged 55 - 64 (8.2%). Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age bracket has increased from 12.1% to 13.7%, and the 55 to 64 group has risen from 7.0% to 8.2%. Meanwhile, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 17.7% to 15.7%, and children aged 0 to 4 dropped from 8.4% to 6.8%. By 2041, the age profile is expected to change, with the 75 to 84 cohort projected to grow by 60%, adding 340 residents to reach 908. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to account for 57% of total population growth, while the population of children aged 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 is projected to decrease.