Mount Lawley

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

Based on analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates for Mount Lawley and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb's population is estimated at around 12,760 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,432 people (12.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,328 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 12,738 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest Estimated Resident Population data release by the ABS in Jun 2024 and an additional 102 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,940 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Mount Lawley's 12.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (8.9%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 86.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each Statistical Area Level 2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, 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). As we examine future population trends, an above median population growth of national areas is projected for Mount Lawley, with the suburb expected to grow by 1,895 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 13.0% over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Mount Lawley when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Mount Lawley had around 49 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 249 homes. By FY-26, 11 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.6 people moved to the area per dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand exceeding supply. New dwellings were developed at an average cost of $738,000, targeting the premium segment.

This financial year saw $98.3 million in commercial development approvals, suggesting strong local business investment. Building activity comprised 57% detached houses and 43% medium to high-density housing, offering a mix of price brackets from traditional family homes to more affordable alternatives.

Mount Lawley had around 363 people per dwelling approval, indicating a developed market. AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects the area will grow by 1,654 residents by 2041, with building activity keeping pace with growth projections despite potential heightened buyer competition.

Mount Lawley has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 35 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Alma Square at 387 Fitzgerald Street, 299 Charles Street North Perth, West Residences Mount Lawley, and ECU Mount Lawley Campus Redevelopment. The following list details those projects likely to be 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.

While Mount Lawley retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.8%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Mount Lawley has a highly educated workforce with professional services being strongly represented. Its unemployment rate is 3.8%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, there are 7,754 residents employed in the area, with an unemployment rate aligned with Greater Perth's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation stands at 70.0%, compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. The leading employment industries among residents include professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Mount Lawley shows a particularly strong specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share of 1.9 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction has lower representation at 5.6% compared to the regional average of 9.3%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, Mount Lawley's labour force decreased by 1.4%, while employment declined by 2.7%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 1.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 3.7% during the same period. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in Sep-22, project national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mount Lawley's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.2% over ten years.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022. Mount Lawley's median income among taxpayers was $66,594 with an average of $101,657. Nationally, these figures are exceptionally high compared to Greater Perth's median of $58,380 and average of $78,020. As of September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $76,050 (median) and $116,092 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022. Census 2021 income data shows Mount Lawley's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 73rd and 87th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 27.5% of residents earn $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, mirroring metropolitan region where 32.0% occupy this bracket. A substantial proportion, 35.9%, earn above $3,000 per week, indicating strong economic capacity in the suburb. Housing accounts for 14.0% of income, and residents rank within the 75th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Mount Lawley displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Mount Lawley's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 52.6% houses and 47.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Perth metro had no such breakdown available for houses or other dwellings. Home ownership in Mount Lawley stood at 30.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.3% and rented ones at 37.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,200, aligning with Perth metro's figure. Weekly rent median was $350, unlike Perth metro where such data wasn't provided. Nationally, Mount Lawley's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,200 compared to Australia's average of $1,863. Rents in Mount Lawley were lower than the national average of $375, at $350.

Mount Lawley features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a median household size of 2.2 people

Family households constitute 59.7% of all households, including 23.7% couples with children, 28.1% couples without children, and 6.7% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 40.3%, with lone person households at 34.4% and group households making up 5.9%. The median household size is 2.2 people.

Mount Lawley demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

In Mount Lawley, educational attainment is notably higher than broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15 and above, 50.7% hold university qualifications, compared to 27.9% in Western Australia (WA) and 30.1% in Greater Perth. University qualifications are led by bachelor degrees at 33.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 12.1% and graduate diplomas at 4.9%. Vocational pathways account for 23.8% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 10.5% and certificates at 13.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.3% in tertiary education, 6.7% in secondary education, and 6.5% pursuing primary education. Mount Lawley's four schools have a combined enrollment of 3,643 students. The area demonstrates significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement, with an ICSEA score of 1135. The educational mix includes two primary schools, one secondary school, and one K-12 school. With 28.6 school places per 100 residents, the area shows strong educational infrastructure serving both local and surrounding communities.

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

Mount Lawley has 55 active public transport stops, including train and bus services. These stops are served by 25 different routes that together facilitate 6,567 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated excellent, with residents typically located just 198 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 938 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 119 weekly trips per individual stop.

Mount Lawley's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis shows Mount Lawley had low prevalence of common health conditions among both young and old age groups. Private health cover was high at approximately 68% (8,619 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues were most common, affecting 9.8% of residents, followed by asthma at 7.0%. A total of 71.4% declared no medical ailments, contrasting with Greater Perth's 0%. Mount Lawley had 17.1% (2,181 people) aged 65 and over, with seniors' health outcomes aligning with the general population's profile.

Mount Lawley 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

Mount Lawley's population showed higher cultural diversity compared to most local areas, with 17.6% speaking a language other than English at home and 33.3% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Mount Lawley, accounting for 41.0% of its population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented in Mount Lawley at 1.0%, compared to None% across Greater Perth.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (26.5%), Australian (19.3%), and Other (9.9%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: Polish at 1.3% (vs None% regionally), Welsh at 0.8% (vs None%), and Italian at 7.0% (vs None%).

Mount Lawley's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Mount Lawley is 38 years, close to Greater Perth's average of 37 and equivalent to Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Perth, Mount Lawley has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (18.3%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (8.7%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 35-44 has grown from 14.8% to 15.9%. Conversely, the proportion of those aged 45-54 has decreased from 12.5% to 11.7%. By 2041, Mount Lawley's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 83%, reaching 1,239 people from 676. The population aged 65 and above is expected to comprise 60% of the total growth. Meanwhile, declines are projected for the 5-14 and 0-4 age groups.