Murdoch

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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Murdoch is around 3,511, reflecting an increase of 159 people since the 2021 Census. The resident population was estimated at 3,463 by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, with an additional 34 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this increase. This results in a density ratio of 824 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Murdoch has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.0%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 95.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth 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. Looking at population projections moving forward, a significant increase is forecast for Murdoch, with an expected growth of 897 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 35.1% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Murdoch according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Murdoch has received approximately 2 dwelling approvals per year over the past 5 financial years, totalling around 12 homes. In FY-26 so far, 1 approval has been recorded. This translates to an average of about 32.8 new residents per year for every home built between FY-21 and FY-25.

Compared to Greater Perth, Murdoch's construction levels are significantly lower, at approximately 89.0% below the regional average per person. Recent construction in Murdoch comprises 75.0% standalone homes and 25.0% medium and high-density housing. The estimated population density is around 751 people per dwelling approval. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Murdoch is projected to grow by approximately 1,231 residents by 2041.

Looking ahead, Murdoch is expected to grow by 1,231 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Murdoch has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 37thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified ten projects likely influencing the region. Notable initiatives include Fiona Stanley Hospital Precinct's new women and babies hospital, a separate new women and babies hospital, Murdoch University's new academic building, and North Lake Road-Winterfold Road intersection upgrade. Relevant projects are listed below.

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 drivers in Murdoch are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Murdoch has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.5% as of the past year, with estimated employment growth at 3.6%. As of September 2025, 1,799 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.6% higher than Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Murdoch was 62.0%, compared to Greater Perth's 71.6%. According to Census responses, only 8.8% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. The area had a notably high concentration in accommodation & food, with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average.

Conversely, construction showed lower representation at 5.1%, compared to the regional average of 9.3%. There were 4.1 workers for every resident as at the Census, indicating Murdoch functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. In the 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 3.6% while labour force grew by 4.2%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points. This contrasted with Greater Perth where employment rose by 2.9%, labour force grew by 3.0%, and unemployment rose marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insight into potential future demand within Murdoch. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Murdoch's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Murdoch suburb's income level is lower than average nationally, per latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Median income among taxpayers in Murdoch is $43,358, with an average of $56,736. Greater Perth's figures are $60,748 (median) and $80,248 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $47,529 (median) and $62,194 (average). Census data shows individual income at the 10th percentile is $584 weekly, with household income at the 33rd percentile. Income distribution reveals that 26.0% of locals (912 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, mirroring the region where 32.0% occupy this bracket. After housing expenses, 85.3% of income remains for other expenses. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Murdoch is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Murdoch's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 78.0% houses and 22.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is similar to Perth metro's structure of 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. In Murdoch, home ownership stood at 53.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.0% and rented ones at 24.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Murdoch was $2,037, higher than Perth metro's average of $1,907. The median weekly rent in Murdoch was $445, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Murdoch's mortgage repayments were above the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher than the national figure of $375.

Murdoch features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 68.3% of all households, including 26.8% couples with children, 34.2% couples without children, and 5.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 31.7%, with lone person households at 26.3% and group households comprising 5.0%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Murdoch shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's university qualification rate is 37.8%, exceeding the Western Australia average of 27.9%. This rate is also higher than that of the SA4 region at 28.6%. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualifications, with 26.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them.

Postgraduate qualifications and graduate diplomas follow, at 8.3% and 3.5% respectively. Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 27.4% of residents aged 15+ having them. Advanced diplomas account for 11.6%, while certificates make up 15.8%. Educational participation is high, with 38.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 23.8% in tertiary education, 5.3% in secondary education, and 5.0% pursuing primary education.

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

Murdoch has 51 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 27 routes, providing 7,051 weekly passenger trips in total. The average distance to the nearest stop for residents is 156 meters. Most commuters travel outward from this primarily residential area. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 71%, with trains at 16% and buses at 8%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 8.8% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, there is an average service frequency of 1,007 trips per day, equating to approximately 138 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Murdoch is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Murdoch demonstrates above-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts show low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population, around 1,746 people, compared to 59.0% across Greater Perth and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.4 and 6.7% of residents respectively. 68.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 32.4% of residents aged 65 and over, totaling 1,137 people, which is higher than the 16.3% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Murdoch is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Murdoch's population shows high cultural diversity, with 31.0% speaking a language other than English at home and 45.0% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Murdoch, accounting for 51.3%. Buddhism stands out as overrepresented, comprising 5.4%, compared to Greater Perth's 2.7%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups are English (22.9%), Australian (18.6%), and Chinese (15.9%). Notably, South African (1.0%) is equally represented in Murdoch as regionally, Sri Lankan (0.8%) is overrepresented compared to regional average (0.2%), and Korean (0.7%) is also higher than the regional figure of 0.3%.

Murdoch hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Murdoch is 42 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. The 15-24 age group makes up 23.2% of Murdoch's population, compared to Greater Perth's percentage, while the 5-14 age group comprises 5.9%. This concentration of young adults is notably higher than the national average of 12.5%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15-24 age group has increased from 22.0% to 23.2%, and the 75-84 age group has grown from 11.1% to 12.2%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group has decreased from 9.4% to 6.4%, and the 45-54 age group has dropped from 7.6% to 6.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Murdoch, with the 85+ age group expected to grow by 152%, reaching 734 people from 291. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 66% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile.