Lathlain

Population growth drivers in Lathlain are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking 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 Lathlain's population is estimated at around 4,437 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 738 people (20.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,699 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,307 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 3 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,881 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Lathlain's 20.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%), along with the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 83.0% 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. As we examine future population trends, an above median population growth of national areas is projected, with the suburb expected to increase by 858 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 14.8% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Lathlain among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers derived from statistical area data, Lathlain has received approximately 20 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 100 homes. As of FY-26, 10 approvals have been recorded. Each year, an average of 5.5 new residents is associated with every home built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand outpaces supply, which typically drives price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction cost for new homes in Lathlain is $761,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This financial year has seen $9.3 million in commercial approvals, reflecting steady commercial investment activity. Comparatively, Lathlain has 12.0% less new development per person than Greater Perth but ranks at the 79th percentile nationally for development activity, which has increased recently. New building activity comprises 36.0% detached houses and 64.0% townhouses or apartments, shifting from the area's current housing composition of 78.0% houses. This change reflects decreasing developable sites and evolving lifestyles calling for more diverse, affordable housing options. Lathlain is projected to grow by 659 residents by 2041, according to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate.

Construction pace is maintaining reasonable growth, though increasing population may intensify buyer competition.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 12 projects that could affect this region. Notable ones include Perth Park (Perth Entertainment and Sporting Precinct), Burswood Point, Ebizco Rivervale Mixed-Use Tower (Armadale Road), and Lathlain Precinct Redevelopment Project. The following list details those most relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Lathlain performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Lathlain has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 1.7%, lower than the Greater Perth average of 4.0%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.0% based on AreaSearch data aggregation.

As of September 2025, 2,764 residents are employed with an unemployment rate of 2.3%, below Greater Perth's rate. Workforce participation is higher at 77.1%. According to Census responses, only 9.5% work from home, though Covid-19 impacts should be considered. Employment concentrations include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training.

Notably, professional & technical employment is high at 1.4 times the regional average. Retail trade has limited presence with 6.8% employment compared to the regional average of 9.3%. The predominantly residential area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 3.0%, labour force grew by 2.6%, and unemployment fell by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth saw employment rise by 2.9% with a marginal unemployment increase. 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 Lathlain's industry mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Lathlain had a high national income level according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers was $59,291 and the average income stood at $79,031, compared to Greater Perth's figures of $60,748 and $80,248 respectively. By September 2025, based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes would be approximately $64,995 (median) and $86,634 (average). Census data shows that household, family and personal incomes in Lathlain cluster around the 74th percentile nationally. The earnings profile reveals that 29.9% of residents (1,326 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly income bracket, reflecting patterns seen in the broader area where 32.0% similarly occupy this range. Notably, 32.6% earn above $3,000 weekly. Housing accounts for 14.7% of income, with residents ranking within the 70th percentile for disposable income. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Lathlain is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Lathlain's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 77.7% houses and 22.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is comparable to Perth metro's 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lathlain was 29.4%, similar to Perth metro's level. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 35.2% and rented dwellings made up 35.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than the Perth metro average of $1,907. The median weekly rent in Lathlain was $350, matching the Perth metro figure of $350. Nationally, Lathlain's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $375 compared to the national figure of $420 (as per the latest available data).

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

Family households account for 65.2% of all households, including 29.6% couples with children, 26.0% couples without children, and 7.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 34.8%, with lone person households at 28.2% and group households comprising 6.4%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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

In Lathlain, a notable educational advantage exists with 40.1% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications, surpassing WA's 27.9% and the SA4 region's 29.9%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 27.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.8%) and graduate diplomas (4.0%). Vocational credentials are also prominent with 30.0% of residents aged 15+ holding these, including advanced diplomas (11.4%) and certificates (18.6%). Educational participation is high at 29.5%, with 8.2% in primary education, 8.1% in tertiary education, and 6.9% pursuing secondary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.2% in primary education, 8.1% in tertiary education, and 6.9% pursuing secondary education.

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

Lathlain has 15 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 7 different routes that together facilitate 2,177 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 222 meters from the nearest stop. In this primarily residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the dominant mode of transportation at 77%, followed by trains at 10% and buses at 7%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 9.5% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 311 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 145 weekly trips per individual stop.

Lathlain's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Lathlain.

AreaSearch's assessment found very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover was exceptionally high at approximately 59% of the total population (2,599 people). The most common medical conditions were mental health issues and asthma, impacting 8.1 and 6.4% of residents respectively. 74.9% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. Working-age residents had low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 14.1% of residents aged 65 and over (625 people), lower than the 16.3% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors were particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Lathlain, surveyed in June 2016, had a higher linguistic diversity than most local areas, with 18.6% of its residents speaking a language other than English at home. In terms of birthplace, 29.6% of Lathlain's population was born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 43.8% of the population.

However, Buddhism had a higher representation in Lathlain compared to Greater Perth, with 2.8% versus 2.7%. The top three ancestry groups were English (27.0%), Australian (23.5%), and Other (9.5%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Polish was overrepresented at 1.1% (regional average 0.7%), Italian at 6.6% (4.2%), and New Zealand at 1.0% (0.8%).

Lathlain's population is younger than the national pattern

Lathlain's median age is 35 years, which is slightly younger than Greater Perth's 37 and somewhat younger than Australia's national average of 38. The 25-34 age group makes up 18.3% of Lathlain's population, higher than Greater Perth's percentage. Conversely, the 5-14 age group comprises 10.4%, lower than Greater Perth's figure. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 3.0% to 4.5%. Meanwhile, the 0-4 age group has decreased from 5.9% to 4.9%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic shifts in Lathlain. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to rise substantially, growing by 195 people (98%) from 199 to 395. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 56% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. In contrast, both the 5-14 and 35-44 age groups are expected to decrease in number.