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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Lakelands' population is estimated at around 8,535 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 2,364 people (38.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,171 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 7,531, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 1,056 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,215 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Lakelands' 38.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (8.9%), along with the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 67.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

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, an above median population growth of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is projected, with the suburb expected to expand by 1,419 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 2.4% over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Lakelands has recorded around 208 residential properties granted approval each year. An estimated 1,044 homes were approved over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, with an additional 123 approvals so far in FY-26. On average, 1.3 people have moved to the area for each dwelling built over these past 5 financial years.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $401,000, consistent with regional patterns. This year has seen $38.9 million in commercial approvals, indicating robust local business investment. Lakelands records 165.0% more new home approvals per person compared to Greater Perth, providing buyers with ample choice and reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. Recent construction comprises 99.0% detached dwellings and 1.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character focused on family homes. With around 33 people per dwelling approval, Lakelands shows characteristics of a growth area.

Future projections estimate an addition of 204 residents by 2041, with current construction levels likely to adequately meet demand and create favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Lakelands has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 47thth percentile nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified seven projects potentially impacting the area. Key projects are Lakelands Estate, Black Swan Lake Estate (Ocean Hill, Lakelands), and Lakelands Shopping Centre (Lakelands Town 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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Employment conditions in Lakelands demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Lakelands has a diverse workforce with representation from both white and blue collar jobs. The manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent.

As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 2.5%. Over the past year, employment growth was estimated at 7.4% based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. In June 2025, 3,440 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.3%, below Greater Perth's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is equal to Greater Perth's 65.2%.

Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, mining, and retail trade. Lakelands has a particular specialization in mining, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level. However, professional & technical jobs are underrepresented, at 3.1% compared to Greater Perth's 8.2%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population and resident population. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 7.4%, labour force by 6.9%, and unemployment fell by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth saw employment rise by 3.7%, labour force grow by 3.8%, and unemployment increase by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Lakelands' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

Lakelands' median taxpayer income was $53,666 and average income was $72,311 in financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is higher than Greater Perth's median income of $58,380 and average income of $78,020. By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $61,287 and average income $82,579, based on a 14.2% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. The 2021 Census shows household, family, and personal incomes in Lakelands are at the 50th percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that 34.3% of residents earn between $1,500 to $2,999 weekly (2,927 residents), similar to the metropolitan region where this cohort represents 32.0%. High housing costs consume 17.1% of income, yet strong earnings place disposable income at the 52nd percentile nationally. Lakelands' SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Lakelands, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 99.7% houses and 0.3% other dwellings. In comparison, Perth metro had 85.0% houses and 15.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lakelands was 20.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 55.9% and rented ones at 23.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,750, higher than Perth metro's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure in Lakelands was $350, compared to Perth metro's $300. Nationally, Lakelands' mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 79.7 percent of all households, including 38.2 percent couples with children, 26.3 percent couples without children, and 14.7 percent single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 20.3 percent, with lone person households at 18.1 percent and group households comprising 2.2 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 16.3%, substantially lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 45.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificates (34.2%).

Educational participation is high at 33.7%, including 14.1% in primary education, 9.4% in secondary education, and 3.6% pursuing tertiary education. Lakelands has 3 schools with a combined enrollment of 3,100 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 996) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes 1 primary, 1 secondary, and 1 K-12 school. Lakelands functions as an education hub with 36.3 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 15.2, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Lakelands has 44 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 7 routes, together facilitating 1,897 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents on average situated 235 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 271 trips daily across all routes, translating to roughly 43 weekly trips per individual stop.

Lakelands's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Lakelands residents show positive health outcomes with low prevalence of common conditions among the general population, but higher among older, at-risk cohorts compared to national averages.

Approximately 56% (~4,771 people) have private health cover, the highest rate in the area. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 8.5% and 8.4% of residents respectively. Around 70.9% report no medical ailments, higher than Greater Perth's 63.6%. Lakelands has 14.5% (1,237 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Perth's 27.5%. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population.

Lakelands 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

Lakelands was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 12.2% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 32.9% born overseas. The dominant religion in Lakelands is Christianity, comprising 43.3% of the population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented, making up 0.1% compared to 0.0% across Greater Perth.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (32.6%), Australian (25.4%), and Other (7.3%). Some ethnic groups show significant differences: Maori are notably overrepresented at 2.7% in Lakelands compared to 1.2% regionally, South African at 1.4% versus 0.8%, and New Zealand at 1.1% compared to 1.0%.

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

Lakelands's median age is 32 years, which is younger than the Greater Perth average of 37 and significantly lower than the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, Lakelands has a higher percentage of residents aged 5-14 (16.7%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (7.9%). According to post-2021 Census data, the population aged 75 to 84 has increased from 5.0% to 6.1%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 0 to 4 has decreased from 8.4% to 7.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Lakelands's age profile will change significantly. The 75 to 84 cohort is projected to grow by 60%, adding 311 residents to reach 832. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 73% of the population growth, while declines are anticipated for the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 age cohorts.