Middle Swan

An assessment of population growth drivers in Middle Swan reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of Middle Swan as of November 2025 is around 3,273. This reflects an increase of 421 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,852 people, marking a growth rate of 14.8%. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,210 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 74 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 244 persons per square kilometer. Middle Swan's growth since the 2021 census exceeded both national (8.9%) and state averages, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 48.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, for covered areas. For un-covered areas and post-2032 estimations, AreaSearch utilises the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Future population trends project an above median growth for Australian statistical areas. By 2041, Middle Swan is expected to increase by 494 persons, reflecting a total increase of 13.1% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Middle Swan among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Middle Swan has seen approximately 23 dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS data. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 119 homes were approved, with an additional 13 approved in FY-26. Each new dwelling has resulted in an average of 2.9 new residents per year over the past five financial years.

The average construction cost of new homes is $367,000. This year, there have been $15.0 million in commercial approvals. Compared to Greater Perth, Middle Swan records around 60% of building activity per person and ranks among the 80th percentile nationally.

New development consists of 92.0% detached dwellings and 8.0% attached dwellings. This results in approximately 137 people per approval. By 2041, Middle Swan is forecasted to gain 429 residents based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Current construction levels are expected to meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth beyond current forecasts.

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

AreaSearch has identified seven projects that could significantly impact the area's performance due to changes in local infrastructure and planning initiatives. These include Bushmead Residential Estate, Midland Health Campus Redevelopment (St John of God Midland Public & Private Hospitals Expansion), Midland Redevelopment Scheme - Central Precinct (Stage 2), and METRONET High Wycombe Station & Transit Oriented Development. The following list provides details on those projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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The labour market performance in Middle Swan lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Middle Swan has a balanced workforce comprising both white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent.

The unemployment rate was 6.9% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.2%. As of June 2025, 1,622 residents are employed, but the unemployment rate is higher at 3.0%, compared to Greater Perth's 3.9%. Workforce participation is lower at 58.2% versus Greater Perth's 65.2%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Transport, postal & warehousing stands out with employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average. Conversely, education & training has a lower representation at 5.3%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work. In the past year, employment increased by 4.2% while labour force grew by 4.0%, reducing unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. Greater Perth saw employment growth of 3.7% and labour force growth of 3.8%, with a slight increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Middle Swan's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 30, 2022, Middle Swan had a median income among taxpayers of $48,315 with the average level standing at $58,906. This is below the national average and compares to levels of $58,380 and $78,020 across Greater Perth respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% from financial year ended June 30, 2022 to September 2025, current estimates would be approximately $55,176 (median) and $67,271 (average). According to Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data for the year ended June 30, 2021, household incomes in Middle Swan fall between the 21st and 22nd percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows 31.0% of the population (1,014 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen at regional levels where 32.0% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Middle Swan, with only 82.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 20th percentile nationally.

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

Middle Swan's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 84.9% houses and 15.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Perth metro's 84.9% houses and 10.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Middle Swan stood at 31.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.8% and rented dwellings at 29.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, below Perth metro's average of $1,842. The median weekly rent in Middle Swan was $310, compared to Perth metro's $340. Nationally, Middle Swan's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Middle Swan features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 66.0% of all households, including 25.7% couples with children, 22.4% couples without children, and 15.7% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 34.0%, with lone person households at 30.8% and group households making up 3.7% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.8.

Middle Swan faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 14.4%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 40.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 9.8% and certificates at 30.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.2% in primary, 8.6% in secondary, and 2.8% in tertiary education. Middle Swan operates a network of 6 schools educating approximately 3,415 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 950) and balanced educational opportunities. The area functions as an education hub with 104.3 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 15.6, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Transport analysis shows 49 active stops in Middle Swan, served by buses. These stops are covered by 17 routes offering 964 weekly passenger trips. Residents' access to transport is rated excellent, with an average distance of 188 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 137 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 19 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Middle Swan is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Middle Swan faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover in the area is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~1,655 people), compared to 54.1% across Greater Perth.

The most common medical conditions are mental health issues impacting 9.2% of residents and arthritis affecting 7.7%, while 66.5% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments. This compares to 72.6% across Greater Perth. The area has 18.5% of residents aged 65 and over (605 people), which is higher than the 12.6% in Greater Perth.

Middle Swan 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

Middle Swan's population shows higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 30.6% born overseas and 23.7% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Middle Swan, accounting for 51.3%. The category 'Other' is slightly overrepresented compared to Greater Perth (1.9% vs 2.4%).

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (27.1%), Australian (22.7%), and Other (7.2%), which is lower than the regional average of 13.3%. Certain ethnic groups show notable differences: Croatian is overrepresented at 2.8% vs regional 0.9%, Filipino at 4.4% vs 2.4%, and New Zealand at 1.1% vs 1.0%.

Middle Swan's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Middle Swan is 39 years, which is higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 years and close to the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, Middle Swan has a notably higher percentage of residents aged 55-64 (12.3% vs 10%) and a lower percentage of residents aged 25-34 (12.9% vs 15%). Post-2021 Census data shows the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 12.9% to 14.8%, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 12.0% to 13.8%. Conversely, the 0 to 4 cohort declined from 5.7% to 4.4% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 13.4% to 12.3%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Middle Swan. The 65 to 74 age group is expected to grow by 40%, reaching 449 people from 320, with residents aged 65 and older representing 74% of anticipated population growth. Conversely, the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.