Morley

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

As of February 2026, the population of the suburb of Morley is estimated at around 25,707. This reflects an increase of 3,168 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 22,539. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population as 24,796 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 106 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,448 persons per square kilometer, placing Morley in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 14.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%). Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 78.0% 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 areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch utilises 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. The suburb is expected to increase by 3,840 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

Based on AreaSearch analysis, Morley averaged approximately 126 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 633 homes. As of FY-26, 57 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3 new residents arrive per year per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand exceeds supply, which typically drives price growth and increased buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average value of $375,000, 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 and 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 shows a developing market. Future projections estimate Morley will add approximately 2,920 residents by 2041, indicating that 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 likely to affect the area. Notable ones are 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's workforce is skilled with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.7% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.9%.

As of that date, 14,034 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.2% lower than Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Morley was somewhat below standard at 69.6%, compared to Greater Perth's 71.6%. According to Census responses, only 6.4% of residents worked from home. The dominant employment sectors were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Morley had a notably high concentration in accommodation & food services with employment levels at 1.2 times the regional average. Conversely, mining showed lower representation at 5.1% compared to the regional average of 7.0%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 1.9%, labour force grew by 2.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points in Morley. In contrast, Greater Perth experienced higher employment growth of 2.9% and marginal unemployment increase. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggested potential future demand within Morley. These projections indicated national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Morley's employment mix, local employment was estimated to 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 median income in Morley is $52,887 and average income is $63,500. This is lower than national averages of $60,748 (median) and $80,248 (average). In Greater Perth, the median income is $60,748 and average income is $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth from financial year 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income in Morley would be approximately $57,975 and average income would be around $69,609. Census 2021 data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Morley rank modestly, between the 36th and 40th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 33.3% of residents (8,560 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, similar to regional levels where 32.0% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Morley, with only 84.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 41st percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

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

The latest Census evaluated Morley's dwelling structures as 83.7% houses and 16.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Perth metro's 73.7% houses and 26.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Morley stood at 35.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.9% and rented ones at 28.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, lower than Perth metro's average of $1,907. The median weekly rent in Morley was $360, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Morley's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Morley features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-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 comprise the remaining 30.0%, with lone person households at 25.6% and group households at 4.4%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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

Morley's educational qualifications trail regional benchmarks, with 25.5% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to the SA3 area's 33.0%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 18.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 33.6% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 10.9% and certificates at 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

Morley has 161 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are covered by 30 routes facilitating 7,376 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 188 meters to the nearest stop. As predominantly residential, most commute outward using cars (83%), followed by buses at 8%. The average vehicle ownership is 1.4 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, only 6.4% work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Daily service frequency averages 1,053 trips across all routes, translating to about 45 weekly trips per stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

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 data for Morley shows positive outcomes, with mortality rates and health conditions comparable to national benchmarks. The prevalence of common health conditions is low across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover stands at approximately 52% of the total population (~13,473 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Perth's 59.0%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (7.1%) and mental health issues (7.0%), with 71.6% of residents reporting no medical ailments, similar to Greater Perth's 71.9%. Residents under 65 have better-than-average health outcomes. Morley has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 20.1% (5,167 people), compared to Greater Perth's 16.3%. Despite this, senior health outcomes in Morley are above average and align with national rankings for the general 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

Morley's population shows high cultural diversity, with 37.3% speaking a language other than English at home and 44.4% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion, making up 49.4%. Judaism, however, is overrepresented at 0.7%, compared to Greater Perth's 0.3%.

Top ancestry groups are English (19.9%), Australian (16.7%), and Other (14.5%). Notably, Serbian (1.0% vs regional 0.3%), Vietnamese (4.0% vs 0.8%), and Italian (8.4% vs 4.2%) populations are higher than the 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 proportion of individuals aged 75-84 (7.4% locally) but a lower proportion of those aged 5-14 (10.4%). Post-2021 Census data shows the 85+ age group grew from 2.3% to 3.4% of Morley's population, while the 25-34 cohort declined from 16.1% to 15.2%. By 2041, demographic forecasts indicate significant changes for Morley. The 85+ group is expected to grow by 115%, reaching 1,878 people from 874. Residents aged 65 and older are anticipated to represent 63% of the population growth, while the 0-4 and 5-14 cohorts are projected to decline in population.