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 reviews of ABS demographic updates for the broader zone, along with new address records validated by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Mount Lawley has an estimated population of 13,038 as of May 2026. This represents an addition of 1,710 people (15.1%) since the 2021 Census, which counted a population of 11,328 people. This shift is calculated from a resident population of 13,032, calculated by AreaSearch through analysing the latest ERP data release from the ABS (June 2025) and an extra 85 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level means a density ratio of 3,004 persons per square kilometer, placing the suburb of Mount Lawley in the top quartile of all national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The 15.1% growth rate in the suburb of Mount Lawley since the 2021 census was higher than the national average (9.3%), making it a regional growth leader. Population gains for the suburb of Mount Lawley were mostly driven by overseas migration, which accounted for approximately 86.0% of total population gains during recent times.

AreaSearch applies ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 region, which were published in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For SA2 regions lacking this dataset, and to project growth across all areas after 2032, AreaSearch uses cohort-specific growth rates provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (published in 2023, utilizing 2022 data). Looking at future demographic trends, population growth in the suburb of Mount Lawley is projected to exceed the national median, with the suburb of Mount Lawley expected to add 1,795 persons by 2041 using combined SA2-level projections, which represents a total growth of 13.7% over the 16 years.

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

By looking at ABS building approval data mapped from statistical areas, Mount Lawley has seen an annual average of approximately 47 new home approvals, with 239 residences approved over the last 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 62 approvals recorded during FY-26 so far. With an average of 5.3 new residents per year for every home constructed over the last 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is outstripping new supply, which typically drives up prices and intensifies buyer competition, while new homes carry an average estimated construction cost of $740,000, indicating developers are targeting high-end premium housing. Additionally, commercial approvals have reached $88.0 million this financial year, showing robust local business construction activity.

Recent residential construction activity comprises 56.0% detached houses and 44.0% medium and high-density housing, demonstrating a growing selection of medium-density choices that provide various options across price ranges, from classic family properties to more affordable compact homes. Given there are approximately 443 people for every dwelling approval, Mount Lawley displays a mature market profile.

Demographic projections indicate Mount Lawley will add 1,789 residents by 2041 (starting from the most recent AreaSearch quarterly calculation). Construction activity is keeping pace with these expansion forecasts, though purchasers could face increased competition as the population expands.

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

Local infrastructure projects, major developments, and planning schemes significantly shape local performance. In total, AreaSearch has identified 33 projects that are expected to influence the local area. Prominent projects include Alma Square, Alma Square, Smith Street Build-to-Rent Project, and 299 Charles Street North Perth, with the following list detailing those that are likely to be of greatest relevance.

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.

Employment conditions in Mount Lawley remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Mount Lawley has a highly qualified workforce with a strong presence of professional service workers, showing an unemployment rate of 5.3% and an estimated job growth rate of 1.2% over the previous year, according to statistical area data compiled by AreaSearch. In March 2026, 7,935 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 1.1% higher than the Greater Perth rate of 4.2%, and labour force participation was close to typical levels (73.8% compared to Greater Perth's 70.2%). According to Census records, a minor 11.8% of residents worked from home, although this should be viewed in light of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.

The primary employment sectors for local residents are professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The community shows a particularly high concentration of workers in professional & technical fields, with employment levels reaching 1.9 times the regional average. In contrast, construction workers are underrepresented at 5.6% compared to the regional average of 9.3%. Even though local jobs are available within the area, Census data comparing the working population to the local population indicates a high proportion of residents travel to other areas for work.

According to AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS statistics aggregated from broader statistical regions, during the year ending March 2026, employment grew by 1.2% and the labour force expanded by 3.1%, resulting in a 1.8 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate. Over the same period, Greater Perth saw employment rise by 2.0% and the labour force expand by 2.5%, with a 0.4 percentage point increase. National employment projections from May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia provide additional context on prospective future demand in Mount Lawley. These five and ten-year projections have been applied to the local workforce structure to model future growth. While nationwide employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates vary widely by industry. Projecting these industry-specific trends onto Mount Lawley's employment profile indicates local employment would grow by 6.9% over five years and 14.2% over ten years (note that this is a basic weighted extrapolation for demonstration purposes and does not incorporate localized population forecasts).

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

According to the latest postcode-level ATO statistics from AreaSearch for financial year 2023, incomes in Mount Lawley are exceptionally high on a national scale, with the median recorded at $66,596 and the average income sitting at $101,682. This compares to Greater Perth's median income of $60,748 and average income of $80,248. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $73,875 (median) and $112,796 (average) as of March 2026. Based on 2021 Census data, household, family, and personal incomes in Mount Lawley all rank highly, placing between the 73rd and 87th percentiles nationwide. Income breakdown shows the weekly earnings band of $1,500 - 2,999 contains 27.5% of the population (3,585 individuals), which is similar to the broader region where this group makes up 32.0%. A substantial 35.9% of residents earn more than $3,000 weekly, pointing to pockets of wealth that support strong local business activity. Housing costs consume 14.0% of income, while high earnings place residents in the 75th percentile for disposable income, and the area sits in the 9th decile for the SEIFA income index.

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

The mix of housing in Mount Lawley, as measured in the latest Census, consisted of 52.6% separate houses and 47.5% other dwelling types (semi-detached, apartments, and alternative housing), compared to the Perth metro split of 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the home ownership rate in Mount Lawley matched the Perth metro figure of 30.3%, with remaining households holding a mortgage (32.3%) or renting (37.4%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was significantly above the Perth metro average at $2,200, while the median weekly rent stood at $350, compared to Perth metro figures of $1,907 and $350. On a national level, mortgage repayments in Mount Lawley are much higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while weekly rents are below the national average of $375.

Mount Lawley features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Families make up the majority of households at 59.7%, which includes 23.7% couples with children, 28.1% couples without children, and 6.7% single parent households. The remaining 40.3% consists of non-family households, made up of lone persons at 34.4% and group households at 5.9%. The median household size of 2.2 residents is below the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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

Academic achievement in Mount Lawley is significantly higher than broader averages, with 50.7% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 27.9% across WA and 30.1% across Greater Perth. This strong educational profile positions the community well for professional opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 33.7%, followed by postgraduate degrees (12.1%) and graduate diplomas (4.9%). Vocational training makes up 23.8% of qualifications for those aged 15+ – consisting of advanced diplomas (10.5%) and certificates (13.3%).

Participation in study is notably high, with 30.2% of local residents enrolled in some form of education. This includes 11.3% studying at a tertiary level, 6.7% in secondary school, and 6.5% in primary school.

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

An analysis of public transport reveals 49 active stops in Mount Lawley, providing a combination of train and bus services. These locations are served by 36 distinct routes, which combine to offer 6,865 passenger trips per week. Access to transport is rated as excellent, with residents living an average of 198 meters from their nearest stop. Being a mostly residential area, the majority of residents travel out of the suburb for work - private vehicles remain the main transport mode at 68%, followed by 16% taking the bus and 6% using the train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 cars per household, which is below the regional average. A relatively small 11.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census; potentially reflecting COVID-19 rules).

Service frequency averages 980 trips per day across all routes, which corresponds to approximately 140 weekly trips per individual stop.

Mount Lawley's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

An evaluation of health indicators shows positive results across Mount Lawley, based on AreaSearch's review of mortality rates and chronic illness prevalence, showing low rates of common health conditions across every age cohort, and the rate of private health insurance is exceptionally high, covering approximately 68% of the population (8,808 people). This compares to 59.0% across Greater Perth and a national average of 55.7%.

The most frequent health issues recorded in the area were mental health conditions and asthma, affecting 9.8 and 7.0% of residents, respectively, while 71.4% of the population reported no long-term medical conditions, compared to 71.9% in Greater Perth. Working-age residents are particularly healthy with low levels of chronic illness. Residents aged 65 and over make up 16.5% of the population (2,151 people). Health profiles for these senior residents are strong, with national rankings generally matching the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Mount Lawley was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Mount Lawley shows greater cultural diversity than most local property markets, with 17.6% of residents speaking a non-English language at home and 33.3% born outside Australia. The most common religion in Mount Lawley is Christianity, representing 41.0% of residents. However, the most distinct religious representation is Judaism, which accounts for 1.0% of the population, compared to 0.3% across Greater Perth.

Looking at ancestral backgrounds (parents' country of birth), the top three ancestries represented in Mount Lawley are English at 26.5%, Australian at 19.3%, and Other at 9.9%. Furthermore, there are notable differences in the representation of other ethnic groups: Polish ancestry is overrepresented at 1.3% of Mount Lawley (compared to 0.7% regionally), Welsh at 0.8% (compared to 0.7%), and Italian at 7.0% (compared to 4.2%).

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

The median age of 38 years in Mount Lawley is close to the Greater Perth average of 37 and matches the national median of 38. Compared to Greater Perth, Mount Lawley has a larger proportion of residents aged 25 - 34 (18.9%) but a smaller share of children aged 5 - 14 (8.8%). Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age cohort has increased from 14.8% to 16.0% of the population, while the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 12.5% to 11.6%. By 2041, Mount Lawley is expected to experience key changes in its age profile. Leading these demographic changes, the 75 to 84 age group is projected to increase by 77% (541 people), growing from 704 to 1,246. This aging trend is clear, with residents aged 65+ representing 56% of the projected growth. Conversely, population drops are projected for the 5 to 14 and 35 to 44 age groups.