Murdoch

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

Following examination of demographic adjustments by the ABS alongside newer addresses verified by AreaSearch subsequent to the Census, the suburb of Murdoch is calculated to have approximately 3,690 residents as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 338 people (10.1%) from the 2021 Census, when the count stood at 3,352 people. This shift is derived from a resident headcount of 3,689, which AreaSearch projected using the ABS June 2025 release of ERP figures in combination with 34 verified new addresses added after the Census. Such population numbers translate to a density of 866 persons per square kilometer, a figure that aligns closely with standard averages documented by AreaSearch. The suburb of Murdoch recorded a 10.1% expansion rate post the 2021 census, tracking ahead of the 9.3% national benchmark and establishing it as a local growth frontrunner. This population growth was predominantly driven by international migration, which was responsible for roughly 95.0% of the overall population gains recorded lately.

Projections generated by the ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024 (using 2022 as its baseline) are used by AreaSearch for SA2 regional estimates. In instances where SA2 data is unavailable, or to calculate growth trends past 2032, AreaSearch utilizes cohort-specific growth rates from the latest ABS Greater Capital Region projections published in 2023 based on 2022 figures. Looking at prospective demographic shifts, the suburb of Murdoch is anticipated to experience substantial growth placing it in the top national quartile, with projections indicating an addition of 1,047 residents by 2041 across combined SA2 estimates, which translates to a total rise of 28.4% over the 16 years.

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

AreaSearch evaluations of building approvals from the ABS, mapped from regional statistics, indicate that Murdoch averaging about 2 new dwellings authorized each year, totaling roughly 13 residential approvals over the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, and 41 registrations during the course of FY-26. Because an average of 11.3 additional occupants arrived per built dwelling over the 5 financial years spanning FY-21 to FY-25, new additions are trailing behind demand, typically resulting in intensified buyer competition and upward pricing pressure, while new structures are registering an average valuation of $401,000, indicating that developer projects are concentrated on high-end, premium housing.

Compared against the broader Greater Perth area, building approvals in Murdoch are substantially lower, tracking 88.0% underneath the regional average per capita. Such low volumes of new additions generally elevate demand and valuation metrics for established homes. This represents a slower pace than the national trend, indicating a mature market and probable developmental boundaries. Furthermore, recent construction approvals consist entirely of detached houses, which helps retain the low-density profile of the neighborhood and appeals to buyers looking for larger properties. Crucially, building plans show developers are creating a higher proportion of detached houses than the historical baseline of 78.0% recorded at the Census, demonstrating sustained interest in family properties despite broader trends toward higher density. The calculated ratio of 1831 individuals in the area per single dwelling approval highlights a quiet, low-scale development setting.

Looking forward, the suburb of Murdoch is projected to add 1,046 residents by 2041 based on the most recent AreaSearch quarterly calculations. If current construction rates persist, the supply of new dwellings may not keep pace with demographic expansion, potentially intensifying rivalry among purchasers and bolstering property valuations.

Murdoch has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 38thth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure projects, major developments, and urban planning changes can heavily influence neighborhood dynamics. In total, 11 projects have been identified by AreaSearch as likely to affect the area. Major developments include the New Women and Babies Hospital (Fiona Stanley Hospital Precinct), the New Women and Babies Hospital, the Murdoch University New Academic Building, and the North Lake Road - Winterfold Road Intersection Upgrade, with details provided below for those of highest 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.

The labour market performance in Murdoch lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Murdoch has a highly credentialed workforce, with strong representation in essential services fields, and an unemployment rate of 6.2%, according to AreaSearch compilation of regional statistical data. As of March 2026, 1,713 local citizens are employed, while the jobless rate runs 2.0% higher than the Greater Perth metric of 4.2%, and labor force participation is notably lower at 54.0% compared to 70.2% across Greater Perth. Census records indicate that a modest 8.8% of employed individuals worked from their homes, although the impact of lockdowns related to Covid-19 during that period should be kept in mind.

Workforce roles among local citizens are heavily concentrated within health care & social assistance, retail trade, along with accommodation & food. Accommodation & food services show a particularly strong presence, employing workers at 1.7 times the metropolitan average. By contrast, the construction sector is underrepresented, accounting for 5.1% of employment compared to the regional rate of 9.3%. Given that the Census recorded 4.1 jobs for every local resident, the suburb serves as an employment center, containing more local positions than working residents and drawing commuting staff from surrounding neighborhoods.

Based on AreaSearch calculations of SALM and ABS statistics gathered from regional areas, the year leading to March 2026 saw the local labor pool shrink by 1.7% alongside a 2.1% drop in overall employment, resulting in a rise of 0.4 percentage points in the unemployment rate. In comparison, Greater Perth experienced a 2.0% rise in employment and a 2.5% expansion of its labor force, alongside a 0.4 percentage point increase in its unemployment rate. Predictions from Jobs and Skills Australia published in May-25 offer additional perspective on prospective employment needs within Murdoch. These forecasts, looking at five and ten-year horizons, have been modeled against local workforce distributions to estimate prospective trends. Globally, national employment is predicted to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though actual rates vary by industry. Mapping these sector-specific forecasts directly to the local industrial makeup suggests Murdoch employment could grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, representing a basic weighted calculation for demonstration purposes that does not incorporate specific local demographic projections.

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

Based on the most recent postcode tax data released by the ATO for financial year 2023, the suburb of Murdoch has a median taxpayer income of $43,358, with an average of $56,736. These figures sit below the national benchmarks, and compare with a median of $60,748 and an average of $80,248 across Greater Perth. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, updated estimates point to approximately $48,097 (median) and $62,937 (average) as of March 2026. The 2021 Census highlights that individual earnings lag at the 10th percentile ($584 weekly), whereas household incomes perform relatively better at the 33rd percentile. In terms of earnings distribution, the largest cohort consists of 26.0% earning between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (comprising 959 residents), which mirrors the broader metropolitan area where this bracket represents 32.0%. After housing expenses are met, 85.3% of income is available for other needs, and the suburb ranks in the 6th decile on the SEIFA index for income.

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

Residential property types in Murdoch at the latest Census comprised 78.0% detached houses and 22.0% other options like semi-detached homes, apartments, and alternative structures, compared to 77.8% detached houses and 22.1% other options throughout the Perth metro area. Outright home ownership in Murdoch stood significantly above the Perth metro level, registering at 53.0%, while the remaining properties were either held under a mortgage (23.0%) or rented (24.0%). The median monthly home loan repayment of $2,037 was higher than the Perth metro median of $1,907, and the median weekly rent of $445 also exceeded the metropolitan median of $350. On a national level, Murdoch mortgage commitments exceed the Australian average of $1,863, while local rental rates are substantially higher than the national benchmark of $375.

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

Families comprise the majority of households at 68.3%, consisting of 26.8% couples with children, 34.2% couples without children, and 5.8% single parent families. The remaining 31.7% consists of non-family setups, with single person households accounting for 26.3% and shared houses comprising 5.0% of the total. The median household occupancy of 2.5 residents is slightly below 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 educational profile of the area is distinct within the region, with university graduation rates (37.8% of individuals aged 15+) tracking well above the WA average of 27.9% and the SA4 region level of 28.6%, showcasing a strong local focus on higher education. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 26.0%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 8.3% and graduate diplomas at 3.5%. Practical and technical qualifications are also common, with 27.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, split between advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (15.8%).

Participation in study is remarkably strong, with 38.2% of the local population currently enrolled in education. This breakdown includes 23.8% attending university or college, 5.3% in high school, and 5.0% in primary school.

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

Public transit data shows 51 active transit stops operating within the suburb of Murdoch, providing a combination of train and bus connections. These stops are served by 27 separate routes, which combine to support 7,051 passenger journeys every week. Transit access is excellent, with residents living an average of 156 meters from their nearest stop. As a major residential area, most citizens commute to work outside the suburb, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode of travel at 71%, followed by 16% using trains and 8% utilizing buses. Households own an average of 1.4 vehicles. A minor 8.8% of residents worked from home during the 2021 Census, which may reflect the pandemic conditions at that time.

Transit service schedules average 1,007 journeys each day across all active routes, which translates to approximately 138 weekly departures from each 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 shows favorable health metrics based on AreaSearch analysis of mortality rates and chronic illness, with both youth and senior groups showing low rates of standard medical conditions. The rate of private health insurance is relatively low, covering approximately 50% of the population (~1,835 people), compared to 59.0% across Greater Perth and a national average of 55.7%.

The most frequent health diagnoses in the locality are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.4 and 6.7% of the population, respectively, while 68.7% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. The working-age population is exceptionally healthy with low chronic illness rates. Residents aged 65 and over make up 32.7% of the population (1,206 people), which is double the Greater Perth average of 16.1%. Senior health outcomes are particularly positive, with national comparisons generally aligning with the broader 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 demonstrates a high degree of cultural diversity, with 31.0% of the population speaking a non-English language at home and 45.0% born outside of Australia. Christianity is the primary religion, representing 51.3% of the community. However, the most distinct religious difference is in Buddhism, which accounts for 5.4% of local residents, compared to 2.7% across Greater Perth.

In terms of parent country of birth, the top three ancestries in Murdoch are English at 22.9% of the population (lower than the regional average of 28.0%), Australian at 18.6%, and Chinese at 15.9% (substantially higher than the regional average of 4.0%). In addition, notable variations occur in other backgrounds: South Australian ancestry accounts for 1.0% of Murdoch (matching the 1.0% regional average), Sri Lankan ancestry makes up 0.8% (compared to 0.2% regionally), and Korean ancestry represents 0.7% (compared to 0.3% regionally).

Murdoch hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age of 42 years in the suburb of Murdoch is notably higher than the Greater Perth average of 37 and the national average of 38 years. The 15 - 24 cohort is strongly represented at 25.2% of the population, whereas the 35 - 44 cohort is smaller at 8.4%. The concentration of young adults aged 15 - 24 is significantly higher than the national rate of 12.7%. Post-2021 Census data indicates the suburb has become younger, with the median age falling 1.1 years from 43 to 42. Specifically, the 15 to 24 age bracket rose from 22.0% to 25.2%, and the 75 to 84 cohort expanded from 11.1% to 12.6%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 bracket fell from 9.4% to 6.2%, and the 65 to 74 cohort decreased from 12.5% to 11.2%. By 2041, Murdoch is projected to experience major shifts in age demographics. The 85+ cohort is expected to more than double, growing by 464 people (141%) from 328 to 793. Crucially, the combined 65+ cohorts will represent 75% of all population growth, highlighting the aging profile of the community. In contrast, population drops are forecast for the 35 to 44 and 5 to 14 age groups.