Morley

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census Morley statistical area's (Lv2) population is estimated at around 25,704 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 3,165 people (14.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 22,539 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 24,796 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS on Jun 2024 and an additional 96 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,448 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Morley's (SA2) 14.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.7%), along with the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 78.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, 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. Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth of national areas is projected for Morley (SA2), expected to increase by 3,839 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 11.4% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Morley shows an average of around 126 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 633 homes. As of FY-26 so far, 57 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3 new residents arrive per year for each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating significant demand exceeding supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average value of $375,000, somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development.

This financial year has seen $62.7 million in commercial development approvals, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Perth, Morley records elevated construction, with 33.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period, maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. New development consists of 75.0% standalone homes and 25.0% townhouses or apartments, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space.

With around 212 people per dwelling approval, Morley exhibits a developing market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Morley is projected to add approximately 2,922 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Morley 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 22 projects that could affect the region. Notable projects include Bayswater Bridge Medical and Wellness Centre, Morley Galleria Shopping Centre Redevelopment, Les Hansman Community Centre Redevelopment, and 55 Vera Street Morley Apartments. 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 indicates Morley maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Morley has a skilled workforce with manufacturing and industrial sectors well-represented. Its unemployment rate was 3.7% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.9%.

As of September 2025, 14,034 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.8%, 0.2% lower than Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation was at 62.6%, slightly below Greater Perth's 65.2%. The dominant employment sectors among residents included health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Notably, accommodation & food services had employment levels at 1.2 times the regional average, while mining showed lower representation at 5.1% compared to the regional average of 7.0%.

Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 1.9%, labour force by 2.1%, leading to an unemployment rise of 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth experienced employment growth of 2.9% and a marginal unemployment increase. State-level data from November 25 showed WA employment contracted by 0.27%, with the state unemployment rate at 4.6%. National forecasts suggest total employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Morley's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.0% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows that Morley's median income is $52,887 and average income is $63,500. This is lower than the national averages of $60,748 (median) and $80,248 (average). By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $57,975 (median) and $69,609 (average), based on a 9.62% Wage Price Index growth since June 2023. According to Census 2021 data, Morley's household, family, and personal incomes rank between the 36th and 40th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 33.3% of residents (8,559 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, similar to regional levels at 32.0%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 41st percentile. Morley's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

In Morley, as per the latest Census evaluation, 83.7% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 16.3% comprising semi-detached properties, apartments, and other types of dwellings. This is compared to Perth metropolitan area's breakdown of 72.7% houses and 27.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Morley stood at 35.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.9% and rented properties at 28.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, lower than Perth metro's average of $1,855. The median weekly rent in Morley was recorded as $360, slightly higher than Perth metro's figure of $340. Nationally, Morley's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were lower than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 70.0% of all households, including 29.3% couples with children, 27.0% couples without children, and 11.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 30.0%, with lone person households at 25.6% and group households comprising 4.4% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.3.

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

Morley's educational qualifications lag behind regional benchmarks; 25.5% of residents aged 15 and over hold university degrees compared to the SA3 area's 33.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common, at 18.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 33.6% of residents aged 15 and over possessing vocational credentials – advanced diplomas account for 10.9%, while certificates make up 22.7%. Educational participation is high, with 26.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 8.0% in primary education, 6.6% in secondary education, and 5.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates 149 active transport stops operating within Morley. These include a mix of train and bus services. There are 30 individual routes serving these stops, collectively providing 7,376 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 188 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 1,053 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 49 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Morley residents show positive health outcomes, with low prevalence of common conditions across age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 52%, slightly higher than the SA2 area average but lower than Greater Perth's 56.2%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (7.1%) and mental health issues (7%). About 71.6% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 70.2% in Greater Perth. Morley has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 19.7%, compared to Greater Perth's 18.1%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are above average, mirroring the general population's profile.

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

Morley's cultural diversity is notable, with 37.3% speaking a language other than English at home and 44.4% born overseas. Christianity dominates religiously, making up 49.4%, but Judaism is overrepresented at 0.7% compared to Greater Perth's 0.7%. Ancestrally, English (19.9%), Australian (16.7%), and Other (14.5%) are the top groups.

Serbian (1.0%), Vietnamese (4.0%), and Italian (8.4%) populations exceed regional averages.

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

The median age in Morley 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, Morley has a notably higher percentage of residents aged 75-84 (7.2%) and a lower percentage of residents aged 5-14 (10.4%). Post-2021 Census data shows that the 35-44 age group grew from 14.2% to 15.2%, while the 0-4 cohort declined from 5.9% to 5.1%. Population forecasts for Morley in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes, with the 85+ group expected to grow by 128% (from 822 to 1,878 people). Residents aged 65 and older are anticipated to represent 66% of this growth. Conversely, the 0-4 and 5-14 age cohorts are projected to decrease in population.