Chart Color Schemes
This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
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 comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
Find a Recent Sale
Sales Detail
Mount Helena has an estimated 3,760 residents, up from 3,373 at the 2021 Census — a change of 387 people, or 11.5%. Growth has averaged 1.9% a year over five years, faster than 75% of areas nationally. Overseas migration accounts for 41.0% of that increase. That puts 129 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
As of Aug 2026, the population of the suburb of Mount Helena stands at approximately 3,760, based on AreaSearch's evaluation of wider ABS demographic releases alongside address validation since the Census. When measured against the 2021 Census tally of 3,373 people, this represents an addition of 387 people (11.5%). This calculation builds on an estimated resident population of 3,756 derived from the June 2025 ABS ERP update, combined with 47 validated new addresses established post-Census. With a density ratio of 129 persons per square kilometer, the locality affords substantial open room for occupants and scope for future expansion.
The suburb of Mount Helena outpaced the national growth benchmark of 9.5% with its 11.5% expansion since the 2021 census, establishing itself as an area of notable growth regionally. Overseas migration served as the principal demographic engine, accounting for roughly 41.0% of recent gains, while natural growth and interstate migration likewise recorded positive inflows. Projections developed by ABS/Geoscience Australia (published in 2024 with a 2022 baseline) are applied by AreaSearch across SA2 locations. Where SA2 data is unavailable, or when forecasting beyond 2032 across all districts, cohort-specific rates from the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (published in 2023 using 2022 figures) are implemented. Looking ahead, demographic forecasts suggest expansion just below the national statistical area median, with the suburb of Mount Helena anticipated to add 410 persons by 2041 according to consolidated SA2 figures, yielding an overall rise of 10.8% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
69 new dwellings have been approved in Mount Helena over the past five years, an average of 13 a year. That places the area in the 58th percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 3 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 17, running ahead of that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Residential building approvals in Mount Helena average approximately 13 per year based on AreaSearch's breakdown of ABS data. Over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), an estimated 69 dwellings received permits, including 17 recorded to date in FY-25. Across the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), incoming population averaged 8.8 new residents per year for every home built, creating a scenario where incoming demand substantially outstrips supply and typically puts upward pressure on prices and buyer activity. Furthermore, developers are prioritizing upmarket, higher-tier residences, as evidenced by an average expected construction cost of $594,000 per dwelling.
Residential construction in Mount Helena is substantially subdued relative to Greater Perth, tracking 56.0% below the regional per-capita rate. This constrained pipeline often bolsters pricing and interest for existing stock, despite a recent uptick in building approvals. Activity also remains under national figures, highlighting the established profile of the community and possible zoning constraints. Every recent project has consisted exclusively of standalone houses, preserving low-density neighbourhoods geared toward families wanting generous space. With roughly 285 people per approval, the district exhibits the characteristics of a shifting property environment. According to the most recent quarterly estimate from AreaSearch, future population projections indicate an increase of 406 residents in Mount Helena through to 2041. While residential building is currently progressing at a rate commensurate with anticipated demographic gains, prospective purchasers may face heightened competition as the local population expands.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Mount Helena
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 20 current infrastructure and development projects close to Mount Helena, worth an estimated $7.45 billion. 5 are already under construction and 6 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities and communities, precincts & urban renewal. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Community development and local performance are fundamentally shaped by capital works, strategic planning, and transport programs. At present, no projects have been identified by AreaSearch as having a direct local influence on the immediate area. Notable regional initiatives under development include EastLink WA, METRONET, METRONET High Capacity Signalling Program, and WA Police Satellite Technology Upgrade, with relevant components outlined below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
EastLink WA
EastLink WA is a long-term corridor project that will provide a safer and more efficient route between Perth and Northam. Planning and development for the full corridor has been completed, including the Ultimate Design Concept and land protection requirements. Construction is underway on associated Reid Highway interchanges at Altone Road and Daviot Road/Drumpellier Drive, with a further Henley Brook Avenue interchange funded. The broader EastLink WA mainline remains unfunded and is awaiting future business case and government investment decisions.
Gidgegannup Town Site
A proposed master-planned townsite with approximately 1,500 lots. The project aims to create a sustainable land development with services including roads, water, sewer, telecommunications, and power. The land is currently for sale and seeking a developer.
Gidgegannup Showgrounds Upgrade
Upgrades to the Gidgegannup Showgrounds including the hall, Burgo's bar, paving, car park, toilets, and arena. The project also includes a new sports pavilion, an advanced skate park, and remodelled BMX jumps.
Gidgegannup Play Space Public Art
The Gidgegannup Showgrounds is a significant community asset. The Showgrounds playspace will be renewed by 2024. This project is for the public art component of the renewal.
Swan View Rise
Swan View Rise is a DevelopmentWA residential subdivision planned to deliver around 150 new house-and-land lots in the established suburb of Swan View, just off Talbot Road. The project will provide new housing options close to local schools, Swan View Shopping Centre, public transport and the walking trails of John Forrest National Park, supporting growth within the City of Swan's Swan View local area.
The Vines Swan View
The Vines Swan View is a boutique house and land estate by LWP Property Group, delivering about 120 residential lots on an elevated site off Marlborough Road in Swan View with views across the Swan Valley and Perth Hills. Civil works and home construction are underway, with lots being released and built out progressively through to around 2026.
Altrove Swan View
Altrove Swan View is a completed master planned residential estate by Satterley in the Perth Hills, delivering around 400 house and land lots with local parks, walking trails and convenient access to the Swan View town centre and nearby services.
Bushmead Residential Estate
A masterplanned residential estate of 794 lots set amongst 185 hectares of retained native bushland on the former Bushmead Rifle Range site, 16km from Perth CBD. Developed by Cedar Woods Properties, the estate holds 6-Leaf EnviroDevelopment Accreditation and features 6km of walking trails, multiple parks, display villages, and house and land packages including townhomes. North and South precincts are both active, with lots continuing to sell into 2025-2026.
2,144 residents of Mount Helena are employed, from a labour force of 2,206. Unemployment sits at 2.8%, with participation at 72.1%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.8% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 3,138, about 83% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Mount Helena features a capable labour force heavily weighted toward essential services, accompanied by an unemployment rate of only 2.8% and yearly estimated job gains of 4.6% according to AreaSearch statistical area aggregations. As of March 2026, employed residents total 2,144, keeping joblessness 1.4% beneath the 4.2% recorded across Greater Perth, while labour force involvement is solid at 72.1% versus 69.9% regionally. Census returns show that working from home was limited to 9.1% of workers, though prevailing Covid-19 restrictions at the time must be taken into account. Health care & social assistance, mining, and construction represent the primary fields of work for local residents.
Mining stands out with a particularly heavy presence, employing personnel at 1.5 times the wider metropolitan average. Conversely, professional & technical roles are comparatively scarce, engaging 5.1% of workers locally against 8.2% across the wider region. Comparing the resident workforce with the count of active local jobs from Census records suggests that this largely residential setting provides few employment opportunities within its own borders. AreaSearch assessment of ABS and SALM figures indicates that in the 12 months to March 2026, local employment grew by 4.6% while the workforce expanded by 4.8%, nudging the unemployment rate up by 0.2 percentage points. In Greater Perth over the same timeframe, employment rose 2.0%, the labour pool increased 2.5%, and unemployment moved up 0.4 percentage points. Forward-looking expectations from Jobs and Skills Australia (dated Mar-26) offer further guidance on future workforce needs. Nationally, overall jobs are projected to rise by 6.6% across five years and 13.7% across ten years, though trajectories differ substantially by industry. Projecting these industry forecasts onto Mount Helena's current employment profile suggests local workplace expansion of 5.8% over five years and 12.6% over ten years (a weighted extrapolation provided for context without factoring in local population adjustments).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Mount Helena is $1,941 a week (about $101,000 a year), with median personal income at $824 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $57,550 a year against an average of $75,151. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
ATO figures aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023 place Mount Helena taxpayers well above the Australian income norm. The locality recorded a median taxpayer earnings figure of $57,550 and an average of $75,151, compared with $60,748 and $80,248 across Greater Perth. Applying the 10.93% Wage Price Index increase observed since financial year 2023 lifts estimated earnings to roughly $63,840 (median) and $83,365 (average) as of March 2026. Across personal, family, and household levels, Census earnings sit near the 57th percentile across Australia. About 32.9% of residents (1,237 individuals) earn between $1,500 - 2,999, mirroring the wider regional proportion of 32.0%.
Accommodation overheads absorb 15.4% of earnings; nonetheless, robust receipts leave disposable funds at the 62nd percentile, with the locality positioned in the 5th decile of the SEIFA income index.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Mount Helena had 1,154 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 99% detached houses and 0% apartments. 55% are owned with a mortgage, 11% rented and 35% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $380 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,048 a month. Rent absorbs 19.6% of household income here and mortgage repayments 24.3%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Census data reveals that standalone houses account for 99.4% of residential properties in Mount Helena, while semi-detached units, apartments, and other dwellings make up just 0.6%, in stark contrast to the Perth metro distribution of 77.8% separate houses and 22.1% attached or multi-unit stock. Outright property ownership reached 34.5%, well above the metropolitan rate, with the balance comprising mortgaged properties (55.0%) and rental dwellings (10.5%). Median monthly mortgage costs stood at $2,048 and median weekly rent reached $380, both higher than the Perth metro benchmarks of $1,907 and $350 respectively.
On a national scale, local monthly mortgage obligations exceed the Australian benchmark of $1,863, and weekly rents surpass the national level of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Mount Helena counted 1,154 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 1,286 today, averaging 2.8 people each. 37% are couples with children, against 32% couples without children. 17% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.8 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the vast majority of local households at 80.8%, consisting of couples with children (36.9%), couples without children (31.8%), and single parent families (11.5%). The remaining 19.2% comprises non-family residences, with lone person households representing 17.4% and group households accounting for 2.0%. The typical household size sits at 2.8 people, higher than the Greater Perth benchmark of 2.6.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
18.1% of adults in Mount Helena hold a university qualification, including 12.6% with a bachelor degree and 2.9% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 33.5% hold a vocational qualification. 2 schools serve the area, with 958 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 989 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational attainment reveals an area requiring improvement, as the proportion of university-qualified residents sits at 18.1%, notably lower than the Australian benchmark of 30.4%, highlighting a clear target for future educational programs. Bachelor degrees form the largest share of higher education at 12.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 2.9% and graduate diplomas at 2.6%. Meanwhile, vocational and technical qualifications are widespread, with 45.4% of residents aged 15+ possessing trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (11.9%) and certificates (33.5%). A significant 30.5% of the local population is currently enrolled in formal schooling or study.
By level, this comprises 10.9% attending primary education, 9.8% in secondary education, and 3.7% engaged in tertiary education institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Mount Helena means driving: households keep an average of 2.2 vehicles, and scheduled services reach only a handful of stops. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Mount Helena is served by 50 public transport stops, providing bus transit across the suburb. A network of 4 separate routes operates through these locations, delivering a combined total of 82 weekly passenger trips. Access to public transit is moderate, with residents being situated an average of 574 meters from their nearest stop. Given the area's commuter nature, private vehicles are the dominant mode of travel, used by 89% of commuters, and households maintain an above-average rate of 2.2 vehicles per dwelling. Work-from-home participation was recorded at 9.1% (2021 Census; potentially impacted by COVID-19 conditions).
Across all operating lines, public transport frequency averages 11 trips per day, which translates to roughly 1 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
68.2% of residents in Mount Helena report no long-term health condition. 4.5% need daily assistance with core activities, and 57.0% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 4.9 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Mount Helena residents experience generally favourable health metrics, as AreaSearch records for mortality and medical conditions align closely with national averages. The prevalence of standard chronic ailments remains low across both older and younger demographics, while private health insurance uptake is extensive, covering approximately 57% of the community (~2,144 people). Asthma and mental health issues represent the most prevalent health conditions locally, diagnosed in 8.7% and 8.8% of residents respectively, whereas 68.2% reported having no health conditions, compared to 71.9% throughout Greater Perth. Chronic conditions show higher incidence among the working-age population.
Furthermore, 19.3% of the community is aged 65 and over (725 people), exceeding the 15.9% share recorded in Greater Perth. Health measures among older residents are notably strong, exceeding the national rankings seen across the wider local population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Mount Helena is largely Australian-born, at 78.2% of residents, with 4.0% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (35.2%) and Australian (27.9%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity in the area is lower than average, with 78.2% of residents born in Australia, 89.4% holding Australian citizenship, and 96.0% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the predominant religious faith, embraced by 36.2% of residents. Conversely, the most pronounced difference in representation is found in Judaism, which accounts for no recorded residents locally versus 0.3% regionally throughout Greater Perth. Regarding parental country of birth, the three most common ancestral backgrounds are English at 35.2% (exceeding the regional benchmark of 28.0%), Australian at 27.9% (above the wider metropolitan figure of 21.2%), and Scottish at 8.6%.
Distinct variations appear among other heritages as well, with New Zealand ancestry recording 1.3% (against 0.8% regionally), Dutch background at 2.1% (compared with 1.5%), and Welsh heritage representing 0.7% (matching 0.7% across the region).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Mount Helena is 41. 21.4% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The age distribution of the suburb of Mount Helena aligns closely with Greater Perth averages, with no broad generational group deviating by more than 7.2 percentage points. The median age is estimated at 41 as at August 2026, matching the 2021 Census level and sitting 4 years above the Greater Perth median of 37 recorded at that Census. Seniors and retirees (65+) have increased their share from 16.2% at the Census to an estimated 19.3%. Projections indicate that the 65+ demographic will experience the largest expansion to 2041, increasing by 338 (47%) to 1,064, whereas cohorts of children and young adults are forecast to contract.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Mount Helena
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · Jun 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 last month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 4 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 6 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 2 months ago all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 47 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (3,373 at the 2021 Census → 3,760 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL51016). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.