Murdoch

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

Based on analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Murdoch's population is estimated at around 3,674 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 322 people (9.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,352 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,642, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest Estimated Resident Population data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 35 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 862 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Murdoch's 9.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (8.9%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. 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, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is utilising 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 population increase in the top quartile of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is forecast for Murdoch, with the suburb expected to grow by 942 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 30.2% in total 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 one dwelling development approval per year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated six homes. In FY26 so far, two approvals have been recorded.

Each new home built between FY21 and FY25 brought an average of 65.7 new residents to the area, indicating demand outstripping supply and potentially driving price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction cost for new dwellings in Murdoch is $401,000, aligning with regional trends. Compared to Greater Perth, Murdoch has significantly lower construction activity, which typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Recent development comprises 67% standalone homes and 33% medium and high-density housing, offering a mix of traditional family housing and more affordable compact alternatives. As of now, there are an estimated 1251 people per dwelling approval in Murdoch, reflecting its quiet development environment.

By 2041, AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Murdoch to grow by 1109 residents. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Murdoch has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified ten projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones include the New Women and Babies Hospital, Murdoch University's New Academic Building, the North Lake Road - Winterfold Road Intersection Upgrade, and Fiona Stanley Hospital. The following list details those most relevant.

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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.

AreaSearch assessment indicates Murdoch faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Murdoch's workforce is highly educated with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.7% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.0%.

As of June 2025, 1,801 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.8% higher than Greater Perth's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Murdoch lagged behind Greater Perth at 46.5% compared to 65.2%. Leading employment industries among residents included health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food, with a notable concentration in the latter at 1.7 times the regional average. Conversely, construction had lower representation at 5.1% versus the regional average of 9.3%.

There were 4.1 workers for every resident as per the Census, indicating Murdoch functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 4.0% and labour force grew by 5.5%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 1.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth saw employment rise by 3.7%, labour force grow by 3.8%, and unemployment increase by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Murdoch's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Murdoch's median income among taxpayers was $43,358 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $56,736 during the same period. In comparison, Greater Perth had figures of $58,380 and $78,020 respectively. By September 2025, estimates based on a 14.2% Wage Price Index growth suggest median income would be approximately $49,515 and average income around $64,793. Census data shows individual incomes at the 10th percentile were $584 weekly, while household incomes performed better at the 33rd percentile. In terms of income distribution, 26.0% of locals (955 people) fell into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, mirroring the region where 32.0% occupied this bracket. After housing expenses, 85.3% of income remained for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed 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 structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 78.0% houses and 22.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Perth metro's 76.5% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Murdoch stood at 53.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.0% and rented ones at 24.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,037, below Perth metro's average of $2,200. The median weekly rent was $445, compared to Perth metro's $400. Nationally, Murdoch's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 31.7%, with lone person households at 26.3% and group households making up 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% among residents aged 15+, which exceeds the Western Australia average of 27.9% and the SA4 region average of 28.6%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 26.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 27.4% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 11.6% and certificates for 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. Murdoch's four schools have a combined enrollment of 1,232 students. The area has significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement, with an ICSEA score of 1108. It functions as an education hub with 33.5 school places per 100 residents, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Murdoch has 55 active public transport stops, serving a mix of train and bus routes. There are 29 individual routes operating, collectively facilitating 5,886 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 156 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 840 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 107 weekly trips per stop.

Health outcomes in Murdoch are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Murdoch's health indicators show below-average outcomes with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age groups. As of 31 December 2020, approximately 50% (~1,827 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Perth's 65.2% and the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (8.4%) and mental health issues (6.7%), with 68.7% of residents reporting no medical ailments, compared to 72.5% in Greater Perth.

As of 30 June 2019, Murdoch has 32.1% (1,179 people) of residents aged 65 and over, higher than Greater Perth's 22.4%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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 has a high level of cultural diversity, with 31.0% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 45.0% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Murdoch, comprising 51.3% of the population. Buddhism is notably overrepresented in Murdoch compared to Greater Perth, making up 5.4% versus 2.9%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (22.9%), Australian (18.6%), and Chinese (15.9%), which is higher than the regional average of 9.0%. Some ethnic groups show notable differences in representation: South African at 1.0% compared to 0.9% regionally, Sri Lankan at 0.8% versus 0.4%, and Korean at 0.7% compared to 0.6%.

Murdoch hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

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 comprises 23.2% of Murdoch's population, compared to Greater Perth, while the 5-14 age group makes up 6.0%. This concentration of young adults is well above 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%, while the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 9.4% to 6.8%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for Murdoch. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 155%, reaching 758 people from 297. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 73% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 35-44 cohort shows minimal growth of just 2%, with an increase of only 6 people.