Mount Pleasant (WA)

Population growth drivers in Mount Pleasant are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

The suburb of Mount Pleasant (WA) has an estimated population of around 8,199 as of May 2026, according to assessments combining Australian Bureau of Statistics population updates and new addresses confirmed by AreaSearch since the Census. This figure represents an increase of 743 people, or 10.0%, compared to the 2021 Census count of 7,456 people. The adjustment derives from a resident population of 8,178, calculated by AreaSearch after reviewing the latest ERP data release by the ABS dated June 2025 and adding 155 newly validated addresses recorded after the Census date. With a population density of 2,949 persons per square kilometer, the suburb falls within the upper quartile when compared to other locations evaluated by AreaSearch. The 10.0% growth observed since the 2021 census outperformed the national average of 9.3%, identifying the suburb as a leading growth area in its region. Recent population expansion was mainly fueled by overseas migration, which accounted for approximately 77.0% of the total increase, while interstate migration and natural growth also contributed positively to the overall rise.

AreaSearch adopts projections published in 2024 by the ABS and Geoscience Australia for every SA2 region, utilizing 2022 as their baseline year. For any SA2 divisions missing from these files, or to project changes beyond 2032, AreaSearch applies the age-specific growth percentages published in the 2023 Greater Capital Region forecasts, which are based on 2022 figures. Looking ahead, the suburb of Mount Pleasant (WA) is projected to experience population growth that exceeds the median of analyzed areas, with an anticipated gain of 1,344 residents by 2041 according to compiled SA2 data, representing an overall increase of 16.1% over the 16-year timeframe.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Mount Pleasant among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

According to building approval figures from the ABS that AreaSearch compiled from local statistical data, Mount Pleasant registers approximately 57 annual dwelling approvals, accumulating to roughly 288 residential units over the last 5 financial years. Thus far during FY-26, 18 approvals have been documented. The addition of approximately 2.1 new residents per completed home between FY-21 and FY-25 points to strong demand supporting area property values, with new construction showing an average valuation of $1,023,000 as builders target the upscale market segment with high-end projects. Furthermore, commercial building approvals have reached $4.9 million this financial year, showing that commercial construction is not a major focus.

Compared against the Greater Perth region, building activity in Mount Pleasant is moderately elevated, tracking 17.0% higher per capita over the 5-year timeframe, which supports property valuations while ensuring choices for buyers. Recent approvals consist of 41.0% stand-alone houses and 59.0% multi-unit dwellings. This orientation toward higher-density options offers more affordable entry points and appeals to downsizers, property investors, and first-time buyers. This is a marked change from the current housing stock, which is 69.0% stand-alone houses, indicating a decreasing supply of vacant land alongside shifting preferences for diverse and cost-effective housing styles. Recording approximately 151 residents for every residential approval, Mount Pleasant exhibits the profile of an expanding area.

Projecting forward, Mount Pleasant is expected to add 1,323 residents by 2041 based on the most recent quarterly projections from AreaSearch. At the current pace of construction, the supply of new housing should easily satisfy this demand, offering favorable market conditions for purchasers and potentially allowing growth to outpace current projections.

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

Local infrastructure projects, major works, and planning decisions are key drivers of regional property trends. AreaSearch has identified a total of 20 projects that are expected to impact this locality. Notable examples include the Mount Pleasant Primary School Redevelopment, the Westfield Booragoon Redevelopment, the Townhouse Fund Applecross Development, and the Applecross Village Redevelopment (Stage 2), with the list below highlighting the most significant works.

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AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Mount Pleasant performing better than 85% of local markets assessed across Australia

Mount Pleasant possesses a highly qualified workforce with substantial employment in professional sectors, alongside an unemployment rate of only 1.5%, based on regional statistical data compiled by AreaSearch. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 4,610, with the local unemployment rate sitting 2.7 percentage points below the 4.2% registered for Greater Perth, while labor participation is slightly lower than typical, standing at 66.9% compared to the regional average of 70.2%. Census records show a modest 13.4% of employees working from home, though this figure may have been influenced by COVID-19 pandemic control measures.

The primary employment sectors for local workers are health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. The community shows a strong concentration in professional & technical services, with an employment share 1.5 times the wider metropolitan average. In contrast, the construction sector is less prominent, employing 7.3% of workers compared to 9.3% across the region. The residential nature of the suburb means local jobs are relatively scarce, as shown by comparing the count of local workers against the resident labor force.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS statistics compiled from regional datasets, the 12 months leading to March 2026 saw the local labor force shrink by 1.7% and the number of employed residents drop by 1.8%, leading to a 0.1 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate. Over the same period, Greater Perth experienced a 2.0% rise in employment, a 2.5% expansion of the labor force, and a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. National employment forecasts from May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia provide additional context regarding future demand in Mount Pleasant. These five and ten-year projections have been applied to the local workforce structure to model potential growth. Nationwide employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though individual industries vary. Applying these industry projections to Mount Pleasant suggests local employment could expand by 6.9% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, representing a basic weighted calculation based on industry mix without adjusting for local population trends.

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 tax data from the ATO for the 2023 financial year, taxpayers in Mount Pleasant earn a median income of $71,572 and an average income of $120,537. This is highly elevated on a national scale, comparing to a median of $60,748 and an average of $80,248 across Greater Perth. Adjusting for Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since the 2023 financial year, current estimated values would stand at roughly $79,395 for the median and $133,712 for the average in March 2026. The 2021 Census shows that household, family, and individual incomes in Mount Pleasant are positioned between the 85th and 87th percentiles nationally. The income distribution is dominated by the $4000+ weekly bracket, which includes 31.1% of residents (2,549 people), in contrast to the broader metropolitan area where the most common bracket is $1,500 - 2,999 at 32.0%. This economic strength is reflected in the 42.1% of households that earn weekly incomes over $3,000, which underpins local retail spending. Housing costs represent 14.0% of earnings, while strong incomes place residents in the 88th percentile for disposable funds and the area ranks in the 10th decile on the SEIFA income index.

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

At the time of the last Census, the housing mix in Mount Pleasant consisted of 68.8% detached houses and 31.2% alternative housing types, such as townhouses, units, and other dwellings, compared to the Perth metropolitan average of 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. The level of home ownership in Mount Pleasant was significantly higher than the Perth metropolitan average, standing at 43.7%, with the remaining properties being held with a mortgage (33.6%) or rented (22.7%). The median monthly payment for home loans in the area was recorded at $3,000, while the median weekly rental cost was $460, compared to Perth metropolitan averages of $1,907 and $350. Nationally, mortgage costs in Mount Pleasant are much higher than the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are also well above the national median of $375.

Mount Pleasant has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Families make up the majority of local households at 74.4%, consisting of couples with children at 34.6%, couples without children at 31.5%, and single parent families at 7.1%. The remaining 25.6% of households are non-family arrangements, with single person households accounting for 23.5% and group share houses representing 2.1%. The median number of residents per household is 2.5, which is slightly below the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Educational achievement in Mount Pleasant places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Level of education in Mount Pleasant is significantly higher than broader geographical averages, with 49.5% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 27.9% across WA and 28.6% within the SA4 region. This high concentration of tertiary education positions the community well for professional opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 31.9%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 12.6% and graduate diplomas at 5.0%. Vocational training accounts for 23.5% of qualifications among residents aged 15+, which includes advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificate level courses at 12.7%.

Enrolment rates in education are high, with 27.6% of the population participating in formal study. This comprises 8.6% of residents enrolled in primary school, 7.9% in high school, and 7.0% undertaking tertiary studies.

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

Analysis of public transport shows 34 active transit stops within Mount Pleasant, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 8 distinct routes, which provide a combined 1,598 passenger trips each week. Transport accessibility is high, with residents living an average of 185 meters from their nearest transit stop. As a primarily residential suburb, most workers commute to other areas, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode of travel at 82%, followed by bus transit at 8% and train travel at 6%. The average number of motor vehicles is 1.5 per household. A relatively low 13.4% of workers worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-related conditions.

Daily services average 228 trips across all active routes, which represents approximately 47 weekly transit runs for each individual stop.

Mount Pleasant's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health indicators show excellent results in Mount Pleasant, based on AreaSearch's analysis of mortality figures and the prevalence of chronic illnesses, with low rates of common sicknesses across all demographics. Additionally, private health insurance coverage is exceptionally high, encompassing approximately 75% of the population (6,153 people). This compare to 59.0% for the Greater Perth area and a national average of 55.7%.

Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent health issues reported locally, affecting 6.5 and 5.6% of residents respectively. Conversely, 75.0% of the population reported no chronic medical conditions, compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. Residents aged 65 and over represent 23.9% of the population (1,959 people), which is higher than the Greater Perth proportion of 16.1%. The health status of these older residents remains strong, with national health percentiles matching the broader population.

Mount Pleasant 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 Pleasant displays higher levels of cultural diversity than most comparable suburban areas, with 23.0% of residents using a non-English language at home and 38.8% born outside of Australia. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 52.1% of the population. The most distinct variance from regional averages is in the Other religious category, which accounts for 1.7% of the population compared to 1.4% across Greater Perth.

Regarding ancestral backgrounds, the three largest ethnic groups in Mount Pleasant are English at 25.9%, Australian at 18.5%, and Chinese at 10.8%, with the latter being significantly higher than the metropolitan average of 4.0%. Other distinct demographic differences include the representation of South Australian ancestry at 1.0% of the population (matching the 1.0% regional average), Croatian ancestry at 1.1% (compared to 0.8% regionally), and French ancestry at 0.7% (compared to 0.5% regionally).

Mount Pleasant hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age of 43 years in Mount Pleasant is higher than the Greater Perth average of 37 years and the national average of 38 years. The demographic mix is notable for a high proportion of residents in the 65 - 74 year age group (12.9%), while the 25 - 34 cohort is smaller (10.0%) than the regional average. Since 2021, the cohort aged 75 to 84 has increased from 6.3% to 8.1% of the population, while the group aged 5 to 14 has decreased from 12.1% to 10.9%. Projections to 2041 indicate significant changes in the age distribution of Mount Pleasant. The 75 to 84 cohort is expected to increase by 448 people (68%), rising from 664 to 1,113. Combined, cohorts aged 65 and over will represent 69% of the total population increase, highlighting the aging trend in the suburb. In contrast, the cohorts aged 5 to 14 and 35 to 44 are projected to experience population decreases.