Suburb profile · Greater Perth
Melville (WA) has an estimated 6,672 residents, up 7.5% since the 2021 Census, with 20 projects tracked in the area around Melville (WA).
Updated 14 Oct 2026.
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The suburb of Melville (WA) lies 11.3 kilometres south-southwest of the Perth CBD. Based on AreaSearch's analysis, its population is estimated at around 6,672 as of Aug 2026. This figure draws on aggregated SA2-level Estimated Resident Population (ERP) counts, which are released yearly, alongside national address file data that is updated each quarter. The estimate represents an increase of 468 people (7.5%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 6,204 people.
The population includes a high proportion of teenagers as well as middle-aged and elderly residents. The community is very well educated and enjoys high levels of income, and population growth shows moderate expansion patterns.
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01Profile
The analysis, national rankings and who lives there.
The suburb of Melville (WA) lies 11.3 kilometres south-southwest of the Perth CBD. Based on AreaSearch's analysis, its population is estimated at around 6,672 as of Aug 2026. This figure draws on aggregated SA2-level Estimated Resident Population (ERP) counts, which are released yearly, alongside national address file data that is updated each quarter. The estimate represents an increase of 468 people (7.5%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 6,204 people.
The population includes a high proportion of teenagers as well as middle-aged and elderly residents. The community is very well educated and enjoys high levels of income, and population growth shows moderate expansion patterns.
Estimated resident population by year (ABS, not Census counts): 5,057 in 2006 and 6,654 in 2025. The dashed segment ends at the AreaSearch estimate for Aug 2026: 6,672 (ABS June 2025 base).
Share of residents in each age band (ABS age profile, scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate). Largest: 15 to 24, 15%.
Share of households in each weekly household income band (2021 Census). Largest: $1,500 - 2,999, 26.4%.
Melville (WA) ranks in the 93rd percentile nationally for employment drivers and the 83rd for income.
Each bar and spoke is a national percentile; the dashed ring is the typical area. 99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better. Orange marks the top three measures where a higher percentile is better; not Age, Housing or Housing Cost.
02Market and pipeline
Rents, sale prices and what is being built.
The median rent in Melville (WA) is $800 a week, up 1.6% over 12 months to Sep 2026 and 11% above Greater Perth.
11% above Greater Perth on median weekly rent
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $800 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2026 | |
| Change in median rent over 12 months | +1.6% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2026 | |
| Median rent, Melville | $818 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, Melville, over 12 months | +6.7% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2026 | |
| Median rent, Perth - South West | $717 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2026 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Change in median rent, Perth - South West, over 12 months | +6.4% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2026 | |
| Median rent, Greater Perth | $723 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, Greater Perth, over 12 months | +6.5% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2026 | |
| Median rent, WA | $714 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, WA, over 12 months | +7.0% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2026 |
See the development applications we track, then draw your own catchment and map retailers, health, schools and more.
Status of the 37 tracked applications: 26 approved, 4 under assessment, 7 other (refused, withdrawn or no status).
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AreaSearch tracks 20 projects in and around Melville (WA), 4 of them under construction.
A new purpose-built aged care facility at the historic Woodside site in East Fremantle designed to provide high-quality residential care with modern amenities, therapy spaces, and landscaped gardens for elderly residents.
Modular transportable homes designed for social and affordable housing with minimal environmental impact, complemented by skills training programs for unemployed and vulnerable individuals. The project is coordinated from the headquarters in Booragoon, WA.
Blackwall Reach is a major urban renewal project in Bicton, transforming former public housing into a vibrant residential precinct. The redevelopment delivers over 400 new dwellings including a mix of social, affordable, and private apartments and townhouses.
Proposed mixed use development on the former Palmyra Bowling Club site, comprising 98 apartments above ground floor commercial tenancies, delivering new housing and local shops close to Fremantle in partnership between 10 Development and DevelopmentWA.
Proposed upgrade and expansion of the existing Point Walter Recreation and Conference Centre, providing modern and functional facilities for school and community camps, conferences, and workshops. The wider precinct is a site of deep cultural significance to the Whadjuk Noongar people, known as Dyoondalup.
The proposal focuses on improving transport capacity and modal options along corridors connecting Murdoch and Cockburn Central to Fremantle to address growing congestion from population growth and high car-dependency.
Bicton Central is a modern neighbourhood shopping hub that underwent a significant redevelopment to enhance its retail and dining offering. The centre is anchored by a flagship Coles supermarket and Liquorland, complemented by a diverse range of specialty stores including wellness services, boutique retail, and alfresco dining options.
Boutique house and land estate by Yolk Property Group overlooking Alan Edwards Park and near Frank Cann parkland. Civil works and home builds are underway with most lots sold and a small number of park front survey strata lots and turnkey homes still available. Close to Murdoch University, Fiona Stanley Hospital and the Kardinya Park shopping precinct.
Owned and developed by Luke Beumont Barrett, the project at 14 Silas Street in East Fremantle involves a multi-storey mixed-use development on a 211m² corner site adjacent to the East Fremantle Medical Centre. The scheme integrates ground-floor commercial and professional suites with residential apartments on upper floors.
A completed masterplanned residential community by Cedar Woods featuring a mix of apartments, townhouses and house-and-land packages immediately adjacent to Palmyra town centre.:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Installation of new traffic signals, on-road bicycle lanes, pedestrian path and crossing facilities to improve safety at the boundary intersection jointly managed by the Cities of Melville and Cockburn.
Redevelopment and expansion of the former Attadale Private Hospital under Ramsay Health Care, transitioning the facility to a dedicated private rehabilitation hospital. Works included a 7-bed ward extension completed in 2019, bringing the facility to 39 licensed beds.
Images marked AI impression are illustrative only and not photographs of the project; follow the project links for actual imagery. Original imagery? Contact us.
Estimated completion year of the 13 projects in and around the area that are not yet completed and have one: 2026 3, 2027 4, 2028 3, 2029 0, 2030 0, 2031 1, 2032 1, 2033 0, 2034 0, 2035 1. 1 have no completion year.
AreaSearch has tracked 37 substantial development applications lodged in and around Melville (WA) over the past 5 years, 15 in the last 12 months; 4 are recorded as under assessment. Coverage varies by council.
Applications per year (dashed: part year): 2022 (part year) 5, 2023 5, 2024 4, 2025 11, 2026 (to Oct) 12.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tracked applications | 37 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years | |
| Tracked, last 12 months | 15 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area | |
| ABS building approvals | 2.3 per 1,000 people | ABS building approvals | 30th percentile nationally |
| Average approvals a year | 15 | ABS building approvals | 27th percentile nationally |
| Applications approved | 26 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years | |
| Applications under assessment | 4 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years |
Key infrastructure and planning changes likely to influence the suburb of Melville include: The Point Attadale (Proposed); Melville District Activity Centre Plan - Palmyra Precinct (Approved); Attadale Reserve Masterplan & Sports Facilities Upgrade (Planning); Bicton Central (Completed); and Santa Clara Estate (Completed). These projects represent significant developments that will shape the area's future infrastructure landscape.
Infrastructure development impacting the suburb of Melville spans multiple sectors including Transport & Logistics, Residential Development, and Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal, among others.
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AreaSearch's development drivers ranking sees Melville recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide.
Dwelling approval activity in the suburb of Melville area has seen 40 residential approvals over the past two financial years, based on AreaSearch's SA2 aggregation method. The suburb of Melville's current population of 6,672 has been supported by 15 approvals on average over recent years.
The suburb of Melville has seen 2.3 approvals per 1,000 people in recent years, compared to 7.4 approvals in Greater Perth. This means that one dwelling has been approved for every 331 people in the suburb of Melville, compared to one for every 118 in Greater Perth.
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Looking at development activity over the past five years, the suburb of Melville's approval levels have been significantly above the yearly average of 15, indicating strong recent growth in development activity.
Over the past five years, the population in the suburb of Melville has grown by approximately 288 people, while 75 residential approvals were recorded. This equates to a ratio of 3.8 people added for each new dwelling approval. This high ratio suggests strong population growth relative to housing supply, potentially indicating unmet housing demand.
03People
Population, age, income, work, education and more.
99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better.
Population growth drivers in Melville are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 6,672 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | |
| Growth since 2021 Census | +7.5% | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | 55th percentile nationally |
| Population density | 2,785 per km² | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | 82nd percentile nationally |
| Average yearly growth, 2020 to 2025 | +0.9% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Average yearly growth, 2015 to 2025 | +1.0% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population at the 2021 Census | 6,204 | 2021 Census | |
| Residents added since the 2021 Census | 468 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | |
| Average yearly growth, 2022 to 2025 | +1.3% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Population growth, 2024 to 2025 | +0.8% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Land area | 2.40 km² | AreaSearch boundary analysis |
Total population for the suburb of Melville was estimated to be approximately 6,672 as at Aug 2026. This is based upon an estimated resident population of 6,654 from the ABS up to June 2025.
The suburb of melville has added approximately 468 people and shown a 7.54% increase from the 6,204 people recorded at the 2021 Census period.
The population density in the suburb of Melville is estimated at 2,780 persons per square kilometre based on the latest population estimate.
Over the past 10 years, the population in the suburb of Melville has shown a compound annual growth rate of 1.0% per annum.
Population growth in the suburb of Melville is driven by: Overseas migration (94.0%), Interstate migration (6.0%), Natural increase (0.0%). The primary driver is Overseas migration, contributing 94.0% of overall population gains.
Melville's median age exceeds the national pattern.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 42 years | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | 67th percentile nationally |
| Aged 65 and over | 17.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Children under 15 | 17.2% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 34 | 25.5% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 64 | 50.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age at the 2021 Census | 42 years | 2021 Census | |
| Aged 0 to 4 | 4.5% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 5 to 14 | 12.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 24 | 15.0% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 34 | 10.5% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 35 to 44 | 12.1% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 45 to 54 | 14.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 55 to 64 | 13.1% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 65 to 74 | 8.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 75 to 84 | 5.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 85 and over | 3.8% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
AreaSearch estimates the median age in the suburb of Melville at 42 years as at August 2026. That is in line with the 2021 Census figure of 42 years, on an age profile AreaSearch re-estimates for population change recorded since the Census.
At an estimated 42 years as at August 2026, Melville is 5 years older than the Greater Perth 2021 Census average (37 years) and 4 years older than the national Census average (38 years).
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most over-represented age group in the suburb of Melville compared to the Greater Perth region is the 45 - 54 group, making up 14.7% of the population.
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most under-represented age group in the suburb of Melville compared to the Greater Perth region is the 25 - 34 group, making up 10.5% of the population.
Yes, certain age groups in the suburb of Melville show significant variance compared to Greater Perth. The most over-represented age group is 85+ year-olds (3.8% vs 2.0%).
AreaSearch estimates children aged 0-14 years at 17.2% of the population in the suburb of Melville as at August 2026.
AreaSearch estimates people aged 65 and over at 17.9% of the population in the suburb of Melville as at August 2026.
Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 83% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median taxable income (ATO) | $68,602 a year | ATO FY-24, annual | 81st percentile nationally |
| Average taxable income | $101,323 a year | ATO FY-24, annual |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Census household income / week | $2,183 | 2021 Census, weekly | 77th percentile nationally |
| Census personal income / week | $991 | 2021 Census, weekly | 77th percentile nationally |
| High-income households | 37.2% | 2021 Census | |
| Census family income / week | $2,903 | 2021 Census, weekly | |
| Low-income households | 19.9% | 2021 Census |
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the suburb of Melville is approximately $73,432. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded a median of $68,602.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the suburb of Melville is approximately $108,456. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded an average of $101,323.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the suburb of Melville is approximately $73,432 compared to $68,556 in Greater Perth. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $68,602 and $64,047 respectively.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the suburb of Melville is approximately $108,456 compared to $90,565 in Greater Perth. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $101,323 and $84,609 respectively.
As per the 2021 Census, the weekly household income bracket containing the largest proportion of the suburb of Melville's households (~26.4% / 606 households) is the $1,500 - 2,999 cohort.
The largest weekly household income cohort in the suburb of Melville is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing about 26.4% of households. In comparison, Greater Perth's largest household income cohort is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing 32.0% of its households, according to the 2021 Census.
The 2021 Census data indicates that the median household income in the suburb of Melville is $2,183/wk.
According to the 2021 Census, the median family income in the suburb of Melville is $2,903/wk.
The 2021 Census shows that the median personal income in the suburb of Melville is $991/wk.
As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-24, the suburb of Melville's median income among taxpayers is $68,602, with an average of $101,323. This is among the top percentile nationally, and compares to Greater Perth's median of $64,047 and average of $84,609. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 7.04% since FY-24, current estimates would be approximately $73,432 (median) and $108,456 (average) as of June 2026.
The estimated disposable income in the suburb of Melville is $8,126 per year according to AreaSearch analysis.
The suburb of melville's disposable income is $8,126 compared to $6,842 for Greater Perth, based on AreaSearch analysis.
AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Melville performing better than 93% of local markets assessed across Australia.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment rate | 1.2% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Workforce participation | 71.1% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Employed residents | 3,887 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Daytime population | 5,148 | AreaSearch estimate of residents and workers present on a weekday | |
| Labour force | 3,935 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch |
As of March 2026, the suburb of Melville has approximately 3,887 employed residents with an unemployment rate of 1.2%. This very low unemployment rate indicates a tight labour market with strong demand for workers. The area ranks in the top 25% nationally for employment performance, indicating a robust job market.
As of March 2026, the unemployment rate in the suburb of Melville stands at 1.2%, which is 3.0 percentage points below Greater Perth's rate of 4.2%. This lower unemployment rate suggests stronger local employment conditions. For comparison, the national unemployment rate is 4.2%.
The employment landscape in the suburb of Melville is dominated by several key sectors. The largest employers are health care & social assistance (13.8% of employment), education & training (13.4%), and professional & technical (9.3%). Other significant employers include construction and retail trade.
Over the past year to March 2026, the suburb of Melville has experienced a decline in employment, with total jobs decreasing while the labour force decreased. As a result, the unemployment rate has risen. By comparison, Greater Perth saw employment increased and its unemployment rate rose.
The workforce participation rate in the suburb of Melville is 71.1%, which represents the proportion of working-age residents who are either employed or actively seeking work. This high participation rate indicates strong workforce engagement and economic vitality. The local rate leading the Greater Perth average of 69.9%, showing similar workforce dynamics to Greater Perth.
The suburb of melville shows notable specialisation in education & training, which employs 13.4% of the local workforce compared to 9.2% across Greater Perth. This moderate specialisation indicates some local strength in the sector.
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The suburb of melville's employment market shows strong performance nationally, ranking in the top 25% of areas assessed by AreaSearch. This indicates robust employment conditions and economic vitality compared to other regions. Recent job advertisement trends show the broader employment region experienced 4.5% growth, ranking 12th out of 37 regions nationally.
Melville shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor qualifications | 26.2% | 2021 Census | 78th percentile nationally |
| Postgraduate qualifications | 7.7% | 2021 Census | 67th percentile nationally |
| University qualifications | 38.6% | 2021 Census | |
| Vocational qualifications | 19.2% | 2021 Census | 33rd percentile nationally |
| Graduate diploma or certificate | 4.7% | 2021 Census | 92nd percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced diploma or diploma | 11.3% | 2021 Census | 65th percentile nationally |
| No post-school qualification | 30.9% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending an educational institution | 30.7% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending university or other higher education | 6.8% | 2021 Census | 78th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending primary school | 10.1% | 2021 Census | 50th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending secondary school | 9.3% | 2021 Census | 79th percentile nationally |
38.6% of people aged 15 and over in the suburb of Melville have university qualifications, compared to 30.1% in Greater Perth.
30.9% of people aged 15 and over in the suburb of Melville have no formal qualifications, compared to 35.6% in Greater Perth.
The suburb of melville ranks in the 83th percentile nationally for education based on AreaSearch's analysis of qualification and performance metrics.
The most common qualifications in the suburb of Melville are: Bachelor Degree (26.2%), Certificate (19.2%), Advanced Diploma (11.3%).
30.7% of the population in the suburb of Melville is currently engaged in formal education, including 10.1% in primary school, 9.3% in secondary school, 6.8% at university (all shares of total residents).
The average ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) score for schools in the suburb of Melville is 1088, indicating average socio-educational advantage (national average is 1000).
There are 2 schools within the suburb of Melville, with a combined enrollment of approximately 2,025 students.
The suburb of melville includes 1 primary school, 1 secondary school.
Melville features high concentrations of couples with children but relatively few couples without children, with an average household size in line with Greater Perth.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household size | 2.6 people | 2021 Census | 63rd percentile nationally |
| Lone-person households | 24.6% | 2021 Census | 47th percentile nationally |
| Couples with children | 37.8% | 2021 Census | 73rd percentile nationally |
| Couples without children | 24.2% | 2021 Census | 28th percentile nationally |
| One-parent families | 10.1% | 2021 Census | 45th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group households | 2.3% | 2021 Census | 35th percentile nationally |
| Households at the 2021 Census | 2,296 | 2021 Census | |
| Estimated households | 2,469 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026 | |
| Family households | 73.2% | 2021 Census | 58th percentile nationally |
| Average children per family | 1.5 per family | 2021 Census | 32nd percentile nationally |
As of the 2021 Census, the suburb of Melville had 2,296 households. Based on population growth patterns, this has grown by approximately 7.5% to an estimated 2,469 households today.
The average household size in the suburb of Melville is 2.6 people. This compares to 2.6 in Greater Perth and reflects the area's household composition mix.
Family households dominate at 73.2% of all households. Non-family households consist of lone person households (24.6%), group households (2.3%), and other household types (0.0%).
Of the 1,681 family households, couples with children account for 37.8% of all households, couples without children at home 24.2%, and single parent families 10.1%. This mix shapes local demand for schools, family services, and housing types.
Compared to Greater Perth, the suburb of Melville shows distinct household patterns. This family-oriented profile influences local demand for family homes, schools, and children's services.
Families in the suburb of Melville have an average of 1.5 children, slightly below the Greater Perth average of 1.6. This influences local demand for child-related services and larger family homes.
Marriage patterns reveal 50.5% of the adult population are currently married, while 32.6% have never married. This compares to 47.6% married and 36.1% never married across Greater Perth.
Single-person households represent 24.6% of all households in the suburb of Melville, similar to the average for Greater Perth of 24.9%. This affects demand for smaller dwellings and single-person accommodation.
Group households (unrelated people sharing) account for 2.3% of households, below the Greater Perth average of 3.5%. This lower rate suggests less student or young professional shared accommodation.
In terms of cultural diversity, Melville records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born overseas | 23.4% | 2021 Census | 49th percentile nationally |
| Speak another language at home | 10.4% | 2021 Census | 43rd percentile nationally |
| English only at home | 89.6% | 2021 Census | 56th percentile nationally |
| Australian citizens | 90.4% | 2021 Census | 79th percentile nationally |
| Born in Australia | 76.6% | 2021 Census | 50th percentile nationally |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents | 0.4% | 2021 Census | 16th percentile nationally |
Melville was found to be above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 10.4% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 23.4% born overseas.
The main religion in Melville was found to be Christianity, which makes up 50.2% of people in Melville. This compares to 45.0% across Greater Perth.
In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Melville are English, comprising 29.6% of the population, Australian, comprising 25.0% of the population, and Irish, comprising 8.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Welsh is notably overrepresented at 1.1% of Melville (vs 0.7% across Greater Perth), Croatian at 1.4% (vs 0.8%) and Italian at 7.1% (vs 4.2%).
23.4% of the suburb of Melville population was born overseas, compared to 37.7% across Greater Perth.
10.4% of the population in the suburb of Melville speaks a language other than English at home, compared to 22.0% in Greater Perth.
0.4% of the suburb of Melville population identifies as Australian Aboriginal, compared to 1.4% in Greater Perth.
90.4% of the suburb of Melville population holds citizenship, compared to 83.0% in Greater Perth.
04Place
Housing, health, transport, local services and the reports on them.
Melville is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rented homes | 15.8% | 2021 Census | 14th percentile nationally |
| Owned outright | 39.2% | 2021 Census | 68th percentile nationally |
| Detached houses | 77.7% | 2021 Census | 35th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment | $2,325 a month | 2021 Census, monthly | 83rd percentile nationally |
| Owned with a mortgage | 45.0% | 2021 Census | 79th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-detached, terrace and townhouses | 19.0% | 2021 Census | 82nd percentile nationally |
| Median weekly rent paid, 2021 Census | $420 | 2021 Census, weekly | 73rd percentile nationally |
| Median rent as a share of median household income | 19.2% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 35th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment as a share of household income | 24.6% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 56th percentile nationally |
| People per bedroom | 0.8 per bedroom | 2021 Census | 72nd percentile nationally |
In the suburb of Melville, 39.2% of homes are owned outright, 45.0% are owned with a mortgage, and 15.8% are rented.
According to the latest data, 77.7% of dwellings in the suburb of Melville are houses.
In the suburb of Melville, 3.3% of dwellings are apartments or units, with an additional 19.0% being semi-detached dwellings.
Outright home ownership in the suburb of Melville stands at 39.2%, compared to 29.3% in Greater Perth.
The median monthly mortgage repayment in the suburb of Melville is $2,325, compared to $1,907 in Greater Perth.
The aggregate monthly housing cost in the suburb of Melville is $1,333, which represents the average monthly cost across all housing types.
In the suburb of Melville, households with mortgages typically spend 24.6% of their income on mortgage repayments, while renters spend 19.2% of their income on rent.
The average persons per bedroom ratio in the suburb of Melville is 0.8, indicating the level of household density.
Housing affordability in the suburb of Melville shows mortgage holders spending 24.6% of income on repayments (vs 23.6% in Greater Perth), while renters spend 19.2% of income on rent (vs 18.8% in Greater Perth).
The dwelling mix in the suburb of Melville consists of 77.7% detached houses, 19.0% semi-detached dwellings, 3.3% apartments, and 0.0% other dwelling types.
Housing in Melville consumes approximately 14.1% of median household income ($9,452 monthly), indicating costs are highly affordable. The generally accepted benchmark is that housing should not exceed 30% of household income.
Recent development applications in Melville show attached dwellings contributing 10% of approvals compared to 22% of existing stock, while detached houses represent 90% of applications versus 78% of current dwellings. This suggests development patterns consistent with existing housing mix. Housing density growth is around the national average.
Melville's residents are extremely healthy relative to locations nationally with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private health cover | 65.8% | ATO FY 2024, private health cover | 87th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition | 72.4% | 2021 Census | 68th percentile nationally |
| Need help with daily activities | 4.4% | 2021 Census | 32nd percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition, under 65 | 79.5% | 2021 Census | 71st percentile nationally |
| Three or more long-term health conditions, under 65 | 0.5% | 2021 Census | 10th percentile nationally |
Around 65.8% of people in the suburb of Melville are covered by private health insurance, which compares to 59.1% in Greater Perth.
In the suburb of Melville, 4.4% of the population is identified as requiring ongoing medical assistance. By comparison, 4.6% of people in Greater Perth require similar assistance.
6.3% of people in the suburb of Melville are diagnosed with asthma. In comparison, 6.8% of the population across Greater Perth is affected by asthma.
Diabetes affects 2.5% of the suburb of Melville population, while in Greater Perth, 4.0% of people are diagnosed with diabetes.
3.8% of people in the suburb of Melville have heart disease. Across Greater Perth,3.3% of the population is affected by heart disease.
In the suburb of Melville, 65.8% of the population are estimated to have private health insurance. Comparatively, Greater Perth sees an estimated private health coverage rate of 59.1%.
Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport access | 66 out of 100 | AreaSearch transport analysis of timetable data | 66th percentile nationally |
| Public transport stops | 25 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 25th percentile nationally |
| Weekly public transport trips | 1,849 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 47th percentile nationally |
| People per public transport stop | 263 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Public transport routes | 7 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per dwelling | 1.5 per dwelling | 2021 Census | |
| Working residents who worked from home | 11.0% | 2021 Census, taken during COVID-19 restrictions |
There are 25 public transport stops within the suburb of Melville.
The suburb of Melville has 1,849 weekly trips across 7 routes, averaging 264 trips per day.
On average, residential properties are 239 metres from the nearest transport stop.
From the typical resident, the nearest child care centre is 432 m away and the nearest GP 526 m.
Distance from the typical resident to the nearest of each service. Every bar starts at 0 m. The nearest is orange.
Public transport 25 stops nearby, 1,849 weekly trips, access rating 66 out of 100.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amenity score | 51 out of 100 | AreaSearch proximity analysis | 51st percentile nationally |
| Nearest dentist | 424 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest child care | 432 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest GP | 526 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest school | 572 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest supermarket | 821 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest shopping centre | 927 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest pharmacy | 951 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest fitness centre | 1.1 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest bank | 3.1 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest government service | 4.9 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest hospital | 5.0 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
Sector reports that go deeper on these services: child care, medical, retail, aged care and specialist disability accommodation (SDA). There are 2 long day care centres with 69 places in Melville (WA), about 4.1 children aged 0-4 per place.
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05Reports and tools
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06About this profile
Where the figures come from, downloads and nearby areas.
AreaSearch's development drivers ranking sees Melville recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide.
Melville has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 43rd percentile nationally.
No headline figures are reported for this area.
Median rent in Melville (WA) is $800 a week, +1.6% over 12 months to Sep 2026.
Population growth drivers in Melville are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends.
Melville's median age exceeds the national pattern.
Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 83% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch.
AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Melville performing better than 93% of local markets assessed across Australia.
Melville shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators.
Melville features high concentrations of couples with children but relatively few couples without children, with an average household size in line with Greater Perth.
In terms of cultural diversity, Melville records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics.
Melville is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership.
Melville's residents are extremely healthy relative to locations nationally with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions.
Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
Amenity provision was found to be in line with the typical area assessed nationally by AreaSearch, based on counts and proximity analysis.
Melville (WA) has an estimated 6,672 residents, up 7.5% since the 2021 Census, with 20 projects tracked in the area around Melville (WA).
Latest estimate as at Aug 2026; other figures from the 2021 Census, ATO FY-24 and AreaSearch estimates where labelled. Updated 14 Oct 2026.
Sources: ABS Census 2021, ABS estimated resident population, ATO taxation statistics, state rental bonds and property sales records where published, and AreaSearch analysis for Melville (WA).
Data currency
Refreshed . Rents to Sep 2026, population and age estimated to Aug 2026 and taxable income FY 2024. Housing, households and cultural diversity are from the 2021 Census (next update with the 2026 Census results).
Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, and are labelled as such. Other sections were compiled 15 Oct 2026 from sources that update on their own cycles; "See the evidence" lists each source and its cycle.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For a complete picture, consider both boundary types where available.
Main sources: ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL50932). QuickStats reports 2021 only; the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.
This page uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries (suburb-style geography). SAL represents commonly-known suburb names used in addresses, while Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census and statistical reporting. Even when sharing the same name, SAL and SA2 boundaries often cover different geographic areas with different populations.
AreaSearch compiles this page from official and industry sources, including ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia, then calculates statistics for the boundary shown, and ranks, growth rates and benchmarks itself. Property sales come from the state valuation authority, rents from state rental bond lodgements, development applications from council and state planning portals, school data from ACARA, and public transport from state transport departments. Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, labelled as such.
No. Most of this page is built beyond the Census. Dated for this area: population (Aug 2026), age profile (Aug 2026) and income (FY 2024). Compiled with this profile from sources that publish on their own cycles: development and approvals, property sales and rents, infrastructure projects, employment, education, transport, health and services and amenities. Only housing, households and cultural diversity remain wholly Census-based, because no more current small-area dataset exists for those measures.
Key demographics and figures for Melville (WA) from the 2021 Census, ATO taxpayer data and AreaSearch estimates and analysis. Each topic has its own table of key figures beside the section it belongs to, and each row names its source and date. The percentile compares Melville (WA) with every neighbourhood-sized area across Australia (ABS SA2 areas): a higher percentile means more of that measure than most, not necessarily better.
Source: AreaSearch (areasearch.com.au) compiled from ABS Census 2021, ATO and other public sources.
