Morley

Population growth drivers in Morley are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

According to assessments of ABS population updates for the broader region and newly validated addresses from AreaSearch, the suburb of Morley has an estimated population of 25,310 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 2,771 individuals, which corresponds to a 12.3% rise since the 2021 Census that recorded 22,539 people. The adjustment derives from a resident population count of 25,235 established by AreaSearch after reviewing the latest ERP data release issued by the ABS in June 2025, plus 102 newly validated addresses since the Census date. Such a population level translates to a density of 2,410 persons per square kilometer, positioning the suburb within the upper quartile compared to other national locations evaluated by AreaSearch. The suburb of Morley's 12.3% expansion since the 2021 census surpassed both the national average of 9.3% and the SA3 area rate, identifying it as a leading growth area in the region. The primary driver of population increase has been overseas migration, accounting for roughly 78.0% of total gains during recent periods.

Projections for each SA2 zone utilize 2024 releases from the ABS and Geoscience Australia, using 2022 as the baseline. For regions lacking these specific figures, as well as for projecting trends past 2032, growth rate assumptions by age bracket are sourced from the ABS 2023 Greater Capital Region forecasts, which are built on 2022 statistics. Over the projection period, the suburb of Morley is anticipated to experience population growth exceeding the national median. Aggregated SA2 projections indicate an increase of 3,530 residents by 2041, which represents a total growth of 13.7% over the 16 years.

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

Data on municipal building approvals compiled by AreaSearch shows that the suburb of Morley registered an annual average of about 125 residential approvals, representing roughly 626 new dwellings over the last 5 financial years. Within FY-26, there have been 92 approvals registered so far. With an average of 3.1 additional residents for each completed dwelling during the 5 financial years spanning FY-21 to FY-25, residential construction is lagging behind local demand. This undersupply typically heightens competition among buyers and places upward pressure on prices. Newly approved homes carry an average construction value of $375,000, which is moderately higher than the regional benchmark and points to a focus on premium builds. Furthermore, commercial approvals totaling $62.7 million have been logged in the current financial year, demonstrating robust business development activity.

In comparison to the broader Greater Perth area, the suburb of Morley has experienced a higher volume of construction, running 31.0% above the regional per capita average over the 5 year period. This helps maintain choice for buyers while preserving the value of existing local properties. Of the houses built recently, 75.0% were traditional standalone houses while 25.0% consisted of medium or high-density formats, keeping the classic suburban feel intact for families prioritizing space. The ratio of approximately 223 people per approved dwelling highlights a market undergoing transition.

Looking forward, the suburb of Morley is projected to add 3,455 new residents by 2041, according to the latest quarterly calculations from AreaSearch. The current pace of residential construction appears aligned with this long-term demand, which should support stable market conditions without driving dramatic price inflation.

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

Local infrastructure updates, planning policies, and development projects play a major role in shaping local market performance. AreaSearch has identified 21 projects expected to influence the suburb of Morley. Key projects include the Morley Galleria Shopping Centre Redevelopment, the Les Hansman Community Centre Redevelopment, the residential development at 55 Vera Street Morley Apartments, and the Morley Station Precinct Structure Plan, with the primary projects outlined below.

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.

The employment environment in Morley shows above-average strength when compared nationally

The suburb of Morley is characterized by a skilled resident workforce with a notable presence in industrial and manufacturing jobs. The local unemployment rate stands at a low 3.6%, accompanied by an estimated annual employment growth rate of 3.9%, according to aggregated regional statistics. By March 2026, the employed resident population reached 14,415, while the jobless rate remained 0.6% below the 4.2% average recorded across Greater Perth. The proportion of the population participating in the labor force is close to the Greater Perth benchmark of 70.2%. Census records indicate that only a small portion of the workforce, measured at 6.4%, worked from home, though these figures may reflect the influence of temporary pandemic lockdowns.

The primary employment fields for working residents are retail trade, construction, and health care & social assistance. Local employment in accommodation & food services is particularly prominent, occurring at 1.2 times the wider regional rate. On the other hand, mining employment is less common among residents, accounting for 5.1% compared to the regional average of 7.0%. The mismatch between the census day working population and the resident labor force suggests that this predominantly residential suburb offers limited local employment opportunities.

According to AreaSearch analysis of ABS and SALM statistics compiled from regional datasets, the year ending March 2026 saw local employment rise by 3.9% and the labor force expand by 4.0%, keeping the overall unemployment rate steady. Over the same timeframe, Greater Perth recorded a 2.0% increase in employment and a 2.5% expansion in the labor force, resulting in a rise in the unemployment rate of 0.4 percentage points. The May-25 national employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia provide further context regarding prospective staffing requirements in the suburb of Morley. These projections, spanning five and ten-year horizons, have been applied to the local workforce structure to model future employment paths. While national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, trends vary widely by sector. Applying these industry projections to the local occupational mix suggests employment for the suburb of Morley will grow by 6.2% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, representing a basic weighted extrapolation that does not account for local population changes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The latest postcode-level ATO statistics for the 2023 financial year show that incomes in the suburb of Morley are below the national average. The median income is recorded at $52,887 and the average income is $63,500, compared to the Greater Perth median of $60,748 and average of $80,248. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since the 2023 financial year, estimated incomes as of March 2026 are approximately $58,668 for the median and $70,441 for the average. According to 2021 Census data, individual, family, and household incomes in the suburb of Morley are modest, placing between the 36th and 40th percentiles. In terms of income brackets, the largest group of residents falls into the $1,500 - 2,999 range, accounting for 33.3% of the population (8,428 people), which is comparable to the 32.0% regional average. Housing cost pressures are significant, with residents retaining only 84.4% of their income, which ranks in the 41st percentile, while the SEIFA index places the area in the 4th decile for income.

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

According to the latest Census, residential dwellings in the suburb of Morley consisted of 83.7% standalone houses and 16.3% alternative housing types, such as apartments and semi-detached properties, compared to the metropolitan Perth average of 77.8% houses and 22.1% alternative types. The level of home ownership in the suburb of Morley stood at 35.4%, exceeding the metropolitan Perth average, while the remaining homes were mortgaged (35.9%) or occupied by tenants (28.8%). Homeowners with mortgages had a median monthly payment of $1,733, which is below the metropolitan Perth average of $1,907. The median weekly rent was $360, compared to $350 across metropolitan Perth. Nationally, mortgage costs in the suburb of Morley are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are lower than the national median of $375.

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

Families make up the majority of households in the suburb of Morley at 70.0%, consisting of couples with children (29.3%), couples without children (27.0%), and single-parent households (11.9%). The remaining 30.0% are non-family households, which are mostly individuals living alone (25.6%) alongside group households (4.4%). The median household size is 2.5 residents, which is slightly lower than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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

Residents in the suburb of Morley have lower formal qualification levels than the surrounding region, with 25.5% of people aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 33.0% across the SA3 area. This gap indicates potential opportunities for local skill building. Among degree holders, 18.0% have a bachelor degree, 5.5% have postgraduate credentials, and 2.0% hold graduate diplomas. Technical and vocational qualifications are common, with 33.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational qualifications, split between advanced diplomas (10.9%) and certificates (22.7%).

Enrolment in education is strong, with 26.4% of local residents currently undertaking study. This group is composed of 8.0% in primary schools, 6.6% in secondary schools, and 5.4% studying at the tertiary level.

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

Public transport connectivity in the suburb of Morley includes 161 active stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 30 separate transit routes that combine to provide 7,376 weekly passenger trips. Access to public transport is highly rated, with the average distance to the nearest stop being 188 meters. Due to the suburban nature of the area, most workers commute out of the suburb, with private cars remaining the primary travel mode at 83% and buses serving 8%. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.4 cars per home. A small proportion of residents (6.4%) worked from home, as recorded in the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 rules.

Transit services run at an average frequency of 1,053 daily trips across all routes, which equals roughly 45 weekly services per transit stop. The associated map details the 100 closest transit stops to the central point of the area.

Morley's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Health indicators for the suburb of Morley are generally positive. Analysis of mortality and morbidity data by AreaSearch shows outcomes consistent with national averages, with low rates of common health conditions across both younger and older cohorts. Private health insurance coverage is slightly higher than the average SA2 area, with approximately 52% of the population holding private policies, representing about 13,264 people, compared to 59.0% across Greater Perth.

The most prevalent health conditions reported locally are arthritis and mental health challenges, affecting 7.1% and 7.0% of the population, respectively. Meanwhile, 71.6% of residents reported having no long-term health conditions, compared to 71.9% for Greater Perth. Residents under the age of 65 experience better-than-average health outcomes. The suburb of Morley has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over (19.6% or 4,960 people) than Greater Perth (16.1%). Seniors in the area experience above-average health outcomes, with national rankings aligning with the broader population.

Morley is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

The suburb of Morley displays high levels of cultural diversity, with 37.3% of the population speaking a non-English language at home and 44.4% of residents born overseas. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 49.4% of the population. The most distinct religious concentration relative to the metropolitan average is Judaism, which accounts for 0.7% of residents in the suburb of Morley compared to 0.3% across Greater Perth.

In terms of parental country of birth, the three most common backgrounds in the suburb of Morley are English at 19.9% (below the regional average of 28.0%), Australian at 16.7%, and Other at 14.5%. Notable deviations from regional averages are seen in several ancestry groups, with Serbian ancestry representing 1.0% of the population (compared to 0.3% regionally), Vietnamese background at 4.0% (compared to 0.8% regionally), and Italian heritage at 8.4% (compared to 4.2% regionally).

Morley's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age of residents in the suburb of Morley is 39 years, which is slightly higher than the Greater Perth median of 37 and close to the Australian median of 38. The 75 - 84 age cohort is over-represented locally at 7.3% compared to the Greater Perth average, while the 5 - 14 cohort is under-represented at 10.2%. Post-2021 Census data reveals that the 35 to 44 age group increased from 14.2% to 15.3% of the population, and the 85+ cohort grew from 2.3% to 3.4%, while the 65 to 74 group fell from 10.0% to 8.9%. Future projections for 2041 point to significant changes, with the group aged 85 and over expected to grow by 112% (an increase of 963 people), rising from 860 to 1,824. This aging trend is further highlighted by the fact that residents aged 65 and older represent 59% of the expected growth, while the 5 to 14 and 35 to 44 age brackets are projected to shrink.