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

By Feb 2026, the population of the suburb of Lakelands (WA) is estimated around 8,396, reflecting a 36.1% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 6,171 people. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 7,639 in Jun 2024 and an additional 1,191 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is approximately 1,196 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Lakelands' growth exceeded both national (9.9%) and state averages, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed around 67% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors. AreaSearch's projections for Lakelands, based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year, indicate an above median population growth is projected by 2041.

The area is expected to expand by 1,435 persons by that year, reflecting a total increase of 4.2% over the 17-year period.

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 216 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past 5 financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 1,084 homes have been approved, with an additional 179 approvals so far in FY-26. On average, 1.2 people have moved to the area for each dwelling built over these past 5 financial years.

This suggests a balance between supply and demand, contributing to stable market dynamics. The average construction value of new homes is $401,000, indicating developers' focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26 alone, there have been $41.8 million in commercial approvals, reflecting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Perth, Lakelands records 174.0% more new home approvals per person, providing buyers with ample choice and demonstrating 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 with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

With around 26 people per dwelling approval, Lakelands shows characteristics of a growth area. Future projections estimate Lakelands adding 349 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Current construction levels should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Lakelands has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 26thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects likely to impact the region. Key projects include 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 both white and blue collar jobs, notably in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.8%, lower than the national average of 5.1%. Over the past year, ending September 2025, employment grew by an estimated 9.6%.

As of that month, 3,657 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.4% compared to Greater Perth's 4.0%. Workforce participation in Lakelands is lower at 63.4%, versus Greater Perth's 71.6%. Census data shows 6.2% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance, mining, and retail trade.

Lakelands specializes in mining jobs, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level. However, professional & technical jobs are under-represented at 3.1%, compared to Greater Perth's 8.2%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the difference between working population and resident population counts. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 9.6% while labour force grew by 9.7%, with unemployment remaining stable at 3.4%. In contrast, Greater Perth saw employment rise by 2.9%, labour force grow by 3.0%, and unemployment marginally increase to 4.1%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 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 simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not account for localized population projections.

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

The suburb of Lakelands has a median taxpayer income of $53,666 and an average income of $72,311 based on the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is higher than the national average, with Greater Perth having a median income of $60,748 and an average income of $80,248. As of September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $58,829 (median) and $79,267 (average), accounting for a Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since the financial year 2023. The 2021 Census shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Lakelands are around the 50th percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that the largest segment comprises 34.3% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (2,879 residents), similar to the metropolitan region where this cohort also represents 32.0%. High housing costs consume 17.1% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 52nd percentile. The area's 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

Lakelands' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 99.7% houses and 0.3% other dwellings. In comparison, Perth metro had 77.8% houses and 22.1% 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, below Perth metro's average of $1,907. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $350, matching Perth metro's figure. 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% of all households, including 38.2% couples with children, 26.3% couples without children, and 14.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 20.3%, with lone person households at 18.1% and group households comprising 2.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 45.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificates (34.2%). Educational participation is high at 33.7%, comprising primary education (14.1%), secondary education (9.4%), and tertiary education (3.6%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 33.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.1% in primary education, 9.4% in secondary education, and 3.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis indicates 43 active transport stops operating within Lakelands. These comprise a mix of train and bus services. Eight individual routes service these stops, collectively providing 1,967 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 235 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most commuting is outward-bound, with car being the dominant mode at 85%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 6.2% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 281 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 45 weekly trips per individual 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

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in Lakelands based on AreaSearch's assessment as of May 2021. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were found to be higher than the national average among older cohorts, while the rate of private health cover was very high at approximately 56% of the total population (around 4,694 people), compared to 59.0% across Greater Perth.

The most common medical conditions in the area were mental health issues and asthma, affecting 8.5% and 8.4% of residents respectively, while 70.9% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. The under-65 population demonstrated better than average health outcomes. As of May 2021, the area had 15.6% of residents aged 65 and over (around 1,309 people). Health outcomes among seniors presented some challenges, ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

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

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. Christianity is the predominant religion in Lakelands, making up 43.3% of people. However, Judaism is overrepresented, comprising 0.1% compared to 0.3% across Greater Perth.

The top three ancestry groups are English (32.6%), Australian (25.4%), and Other (7.3%). Notably, Maori (2.7%) South African (1.4%) and New Zealand (1.1%) ethnicities have higher representation in Lakelands compared to regional averages of 0.9%, 1.0% and 0.8% respectively.

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 years and lower than the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, Lakelands has a higher percentage of residents aged 5-14 (16.5%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (8%). Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75-84 age group grew from 5.0% to 6.5%, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 12.1% to 13.4%. Conversely, the 0-4 cohort declined from 8.4% to 7.1%, and the 5-14 group decreased from 17.7% to 16.5%. Demographic modeling suggests that Lakelands's age profile will significantly change by 2041. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 52%, adding 285 residents to reach 831. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 66% of the population growth, while declines are projected for the 0-4 and 5-14 cohorts.