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 ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Murdoch's population is estimated at around 3511 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 159 people (4.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3352 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3463 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP 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 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%. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 95% 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, an above median population growth of statistical areas across the nation is projected, with the area expected to grow by 877 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 34.4% 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, allocated from statistical area data, shows Murdoch has received around 2 dwelling approvals per year over the past 5 financial years, totalling approximately 12 homes. So far in FY-26, 1 approval has been recorded. On average, each new home built between FY-21 and FY-25 attracted 32.8 new residents, indicating demand significantly exceeded supply during this period.

Developers targeted the premium market segment with higher-end properties, constructing new dwellings at an average expected cost of $401,000. Compared to Greater Perth, Murdoch had substantially reduced construction activity, with 89.0% fewer approvals per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, though recent periods have seen increased development activity, albeit still under the national average, suggesting potential planning limitations. Recent construction comprised 75.0% standalone homes and 25.0% medium to high-density housing, maintaining Murdoch's traditional low density character focused on family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval was 751 people, reflecting its quiet development environment.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Murdoch is expected to grow by 1,207 residents through to 2041. 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 38thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified ten projects likely to affect the region. Notable ones are Fiona Stanley Hospital Precinct (New Women and Babies Hospital), New Women and Babies Hospital, Murdoch University New Academic Building, and North Lake Road - Winterfold Road Intersection Upgrade. The following list details those 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 drivers in Murdoch are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Murdoch's workforce is highly educated with significant representation from essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.5% in the past year, showing an estimated employment growth of 3.7%, according to AreaSearch aggregated statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 1,807 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 6.6%, which is 1.6% above Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Murdoch lagged significantly at 46.5% compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Leading employment industries among residents included health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food, with the latter showing a notable concentration at 1.7 times the regional average. Conversely, construction showed lower representation at 5.1% versus the regional average of 9.3%.

The area functioned as an employment hub with 4.1 workers for every resident, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. In the 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 3.7% while labour force grew by 4.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.6 percentage points. This contrasted with Greater Perth where employment rose by 2.9%, labour force grew by 3.0%, and unemployment rose marginally. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 showed WA employment contracted by 0.27% (losing 5,520 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.6%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 projected a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years for Murdoch, based on AreaSearch's mapping of industry-specific projections against the local employment profile.

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

Murdoch suburb's median income among taxpayers was $43,358 in financial year 2023. Average income stood at $56,736 during the same period. Greater Perth's figures were $60,748 and $80,248 respectively. By September 2025, estimated median income was approximately $47,529 and average income was around $62,194 based on a 9.62% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Income at the 10th percentile for individuals was $584 weekly according to census data. Household income was better off at the 33rd percentile. Most locals (26.0%, or 912 people) fell into the $1,500 - $2,999 income category, similar to the region's 32.0% in this bracket. After housing expenses, 85.3% of income remained for other costs. Murdoch suburb ranked in the 6th decile based on SEIFA income ranking.

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 compares to Perth metro's 76.5% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Murdoch was 53.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.0% and rented ones at 24.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Murdoch was $2,037, lower than Perth metro's average of $2,200. The median weekly rent in Murdoch was $445, higher than Perth metro's $400. Nationally, Murdoch's mortgage repayments were above the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 comprise the remaining 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 educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates of 37.8% among residents aged 15+, surpassing both the WA average of 27.9% and the SA4 region's rate of 28.6%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent 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.

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, serving a mix of train and bus routes. There are 27 individual routes operating in total, facilitating 7,051 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 156 meters to the nearest stop.

The service frequency across all routes is 1,007 trips per day, translating to approximately 138 weekly trips per individual 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 results with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 50% of Murdoch's total population (~1,746 people) has private health cover, compared to 66.5% in Greater Perth and the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (8.4%) and mental health issues (6.7%).

68.7% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.5% in Greater Perth. Murdoch has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 32.2% (1,130 people), compared to 22.4% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors in Murdoch are particularly 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, making up 51.3% of people there. However, Buddhism is more prevalent in Murdoch compared to Greater Perth, comprising 5.4% versus 2.9%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (22.9%), Australian (18.6%), and Chinese (15.9%), with the latter being substantially higher than the regional average of 9.0%. There are also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups, such as 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 a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Murdoch has a median age of 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, while the 5-14 age group is less prevalent at 6.0%. This percentage for the 15-24 age group 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 age group has decreased from 9.4% to 6.8%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for Murdoch. The 85+ age group is expected to grow by 162%, reaching 745 people from 284, leading the demographic shift. Notably, combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 68% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile.