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 ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Mount Lawley's population is estimated at around 12,908 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,580 people (13.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,328 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 12,647, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 102 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,974 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Mount Lawley's growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.7%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area 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 SA2 area, 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). Future population trends project an above median growth for national areas, with Mount Lawley expected to grow by 1,886 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 11.6% in total 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 for Mount Lawley shows approximately 49 dwellings receiving development approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 247 homes. As of FY-26, 12 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.6 people move to the area per dwelling built each year between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand significantly exceeds new supply. The average construction cost value for new dwellings is $740,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This financial year has seen $88.0 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting robust local business investment. New building activity comprises 59.0% detached houses and 41.0% medium and high-density housing, offering a mix of opportunities across price brackets.

Mount Lawley shows a developed market with around 425 people per dwelling approval. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Mount Lawley is expected to grow by 1,497 residents through to 2041. Present construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

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

"Thirty-five infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area's performance. 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 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.

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

Mount Lawley has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 4.4%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 7,558 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.5% higher than Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Perth's at 70.0%. Leading employment industries include professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area specializes in professional & technical services with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction shows 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 September 2024 and September 2025, Mount Lawley's labour force decreased by 3.0% and employment declined by 4.7%, increasing unemployment rate by 1.7 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 2.9%. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows WA employment contracted by 0.27% with an unemployment rate of 4.6%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 indicate that Mount Lawley's employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to its current employment mix.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates Mount Lawley's median income among taxpayers is $66,596. The average income in the suburb was $101,682 during this period. Nationally, these figures are exceptionally high compared to Greater Perth's median of $60,748 and average of $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Mount Lawley would be approximately $73,003 (median) and $111,464 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Mount Lawley rank highly nationally, between the 73rd and 87th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that the largest segment comprises 27.5% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (3,549 residents). This is similar to the metropolitan region where 32.0% occupy this bracket. A substantial proportion of high earners in Mount Lawley, at 35.9%, indicates strong economic capacity throughout the suburb. Housing accounts for 14.0% of income while strong earnings rank residents 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 strong rates of outright home ownership

Mount Lawley's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 52.6% houses and 47.5% other dwellings including semi-detached units, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. Home ownership in Mount Lawley stood at 30.3%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 32.3% and rented properties making up 37.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,200, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded as $350. Nationally, Mount Lawley's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents being less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute 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

Mount Lawley's educational attainment is notably higher than broader averages. Among residents aged 15+, 50.7% hold university qualifications, compared to 27.9% in Western Australia (WA) and 30.1% in Greater Perth. This indicates a significant educational advantage for the area. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 33.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.1%) and graduate diplomas (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.

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

Transport analysis shows 50 active stops in Mount Lawley, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 36 unique routes, collectively facilitating 6,865 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents on average located 198 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 980 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 137 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 of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Mount Lawley. Both young and old age cohorts show low prevalence of common health conditions.

The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 68% of the total population (8,720 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 9.8 and 7.0% of residents respectively. Seventy-one point four percent of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 0% across Greater Perth. The area has 17.1% of residents aged 65 and over (2,207 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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's population showed significant cultural diversity, with 17.6% speaking a language other than English at home and 33.3% born overseas. Christianity was the dominant religion in Mount Lawley, comprising 41.0% of its population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented, making up 1.0% compared to none across Greater Perth.

The top three ancestry groups were English (26.5%), Australian (19.3%), and Other (9.9%). Some ethnic groups showed notable divergences: Polish at 1.3%, Welsh at 0.8%, and Italian at 7.0%.

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

The median age in Mount Lawley is close to Greater Perth's average at 37 years and equivalent to Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, Mount Lawley has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (18.4%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (8.7%). From the 2021 Census, the population aged 35-44 grew from 14.8% to 15.9%. Conversely, the population aged 45-54 declined from 12.5% to 11.7%. By 2041, Mount Lawley's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 75-84 group is projected to grow by 81%, reaching 1,235 people from 684. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 63% of the population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5-14 and 0-4 age groups.