Nedlands

An assessment of population growth drivers in Nedlands 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, the Nedlands statistical area's population is estimated at around 12,432 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,871 people (17.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,561 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 12,130 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 150 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,336 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Nedlands's 17.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.7%), along with the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch utilises growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Future population trends project an above median growth for statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch. The Nedlands area is expected to increase by 1,730 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 9.5% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Nedlands had around 101 new homes approved per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 509 homes. As of FY26, 29 approvals have been recorded. This results in an average of approximately 1.9 new residents per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years (FY21 to FY25), suggesting balanced supply and demand conditions. However, recent data indicates this ratio has increased to 5.7 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, reflecting Nedlands' growing popularity and potential supply constraints. The average construction value of new homes is $906,000, indicating developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

In FY26, $78.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Perth, Nedlands has 72.0% higher new home approvals per person, providing buyers with ample choice, although construction activity has recently eased. Recent construction comprises 36.0% detached houses and 64.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from existing housing patterns (currently 75.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. With around 143 people per dwelling approval, Nedlands exhibits characteristics of a growth area. Future projections estimate Nedlands adding 1,184 residents by 2041, with current development rates comfortably meeting demand, potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Future projections show Nedlands adding 1,184 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 25 projects that may affect this region. Notable initiatives include Nedlands Square, ALDI Nedlands, Numa, and the Nedlands Masterplan Project. The following list details those expected to have the most 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.

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

Nedlands has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate is 0.7%.

As of September 2025, there are 6,455 residents in work, with an unemployment rate 3.2% below Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is 63.0%, compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. The area specializes in professional & technical services with an employment share twice the regional level.

Construction employs only 4.1% of local workers, below Greater Perth's 9.3%. There are 1.5 workers per resident, indicating it functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. In the year to September 2025, labour force decreased by 2.8%, alongside a 2.8% employment decline, keeping unemployment relatively stable. Meanwhile, Greater Perth experienced employment growth of 2.9%. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows WA employment contracted by 0.27%, with the state unemployment rate at 4.6%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Nedlands's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.7% over five years and 15.6% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

Nedlands suburb shows median taxpayer income of $79,102 and average income of $214,131 according to latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This ranks among top percentile nationally, contrasting with Greater Perth's median income of $60,748 and average income of $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $86,712 (median) and $234,730 (average). From the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Nedlands rank highly nationally, between 86th and 95th percentiles. Distribution data shows that 38.5% of residents (4,786 people) fall into the $4000+ bracket, contrasting with broader area where $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 32.0%. Economic strength is evident through 48.1% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 87.6% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power. Area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

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

Nedlands' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 75.2% houses and 24.8% other dwellings. This compares to Perth metro's 68.6% houses and 31.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Nedlands was 44.9%, similar to Perth metro, with the rest either mortgaged (28.2%) or rented (26.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,347, higher than Perth metro's average of $3,293. Median weekly rent in Nedlands was $500, compared to Perth metro's $450. Nationally, Nedlands' mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863, and rents substantially above the national figure of $375.

Nedlands features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 73.1% of all households, including 37.4% couples with children, 27.3% couples without children, and 7.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 26.9%, with lone person households at 20.5% and group households comprising 6.3%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.6 people.

Nedlands demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Nedlands has a notably high educational attainment among residents aged 15 and above, with 64.6% holding university qualifications. This figure exceeds the state average of 27.9% for Western Australia and the Greater Perth area's 30.1%. The majority of these qualifications are bachelor degrees (38.5%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (20.8%) and graduate diplomas (5.3%). Technical qualifications make up 13.4%, with advanced diplomas at 7.5% and certificates at 5.9%.

Educational participation is notably high, with 34.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.2% in tertiary education, 9.9% in primary education, and 9.2% pursuing secondary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 88 active stops in Nedlands, served by buses via 18 routes. These provide 4,223 weekly passenger trips. Residents' average distance to nearest stop is 176 meters.

Daily service averages 603 trips across all routes, or about 47 trips per stop weekly.

Nedlands's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis shows Nedlands had low prevalence of common health conditions across all ages. Private health cover was high at approximately 112%, compared to Greater Perth's 86.3% and Australia's 55.7%. Common conditions were arthritis (6.3%) and mental health issues (6.3%).

73.3% reported no medical ailments, close to Greater Perth's 74.2%. Seniors made up 20.8%, with strong health outcomes despite their age.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Nedlands was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Nedlands was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 18.4% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 35.7% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Nedlands, comprising 47.3% of people. Judaism is overrepresented compared to Greater Perth, making up 0.6% of Nedlands' population versus 0.5%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (26.9%), Australian (21.4%), and Chinese (9.1%). Welsh (0.9%) is notably more represented in Nedlands than regionally (0.8%), as are French (0.8% vs 0.7%) and South African (0.8% vs 1.1%).

Nedlands's median age exceeds the national pattern

Nedlands has a median age of 41 years, which is notably higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 years and slightly older than Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, Nedlands has an over-representation of the 15-24 age cohort (20.1% locally), while the 35-44 age group is under-represented (10.5%). This concentration of young residents in Nedlands is significantly higher than the national average of 12.5%. Following the census conducted on 28 August 2021, younger residents have contributed to a decrease in median age by 1.1 years, bringing it down to 41 years. Specifically, the percentage of residents aged 15-24 has increased from 14.6% to 20.1%, and those aged 25-34 have risen from 9.5% to 11.0%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 65-74 has decreased from 10.9% to 9.5%, and the 55-64 age group has dropped from 11.5% to 10.3%. By the year 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Nedlands' age profile. The 85+ cohort is expected to grow by 138%, adding 583 residents and reaching a total of 1,006. Notably, the combined age groups of 65+ will account for 63% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 35-44 age cohorts.