Nedlands

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

According to ABS population releases and new location data confirmed by AreaSearch following the Census, the suburb of Nedlands has an estimated population of 12,570 in May 2026. This represents a rise of 2,009 residents (19.0%) relative to the 2021 Census, which recorded 10,561 individuals. This adjustment is based on a resident count of 12,520 calculated by AreaSearch using the ABS June 2025 ERP release, combined with 157 newly validated addresses post-Census. Such a population size translates to 2,362 persons per square kilometer, placing the suburb of Nedlands in the highest national quartile of locations evaluated. The area's 19.0% expansion rate since the 2021 census outpaced both the national benchmark (9.3%) and the surrounding SA3 region, positioning it as a local growth frontrunner. This population lift was almost entirely powered by overseas migration, which served as the primary contributor to demographic additions in recent times.

Projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024, using 2022 as a baseline, are applied by AreaSearch to each SA2 region. For locations lacking this specific data, or to model trends past 2032, growth rate projections by age cohort from the 2023 Greater Capital Region dataset (based on 2022 figures) are utilised. Future outlooks suggest the suburb of Nedlands will experience population growth above the national median, with aggregated SA2 models predicting an expansion of 1,662 individuals by 2041, representing a total increase of 12.8% over the 16 years.

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

AreaSearch's evaluation of ABS building approval records shows that Nedlands averages roughly 96 residential approvals annually, amounting to 481 dwellings over the preceding 5 financial years. Thus far in FY-26, 42 approvals have been registered. The construction of each new residence coincided with an average population increment of 3 people per year between FY-21 and FY-25, pointing to healthy demand that underpins property valuations. The average expected construction cost for these new dwellings is $906,000, illustrating that developers are prioritizing the upmarket, premium sector. Furthermore, local commercial project approvals have reached $78.8 million this financial year, pointing to strong corporate investment in the locality.

Nedlands displays a development rate per capita that is 63.0% higher than Greater Perth, giving purchasers plenty of opportunities, even though construction momentum has slowed recently. Approved projects consist of 35.0% separate houses and 65.0% multi-unit dwellings. Focusing on denser residential options offers cheaper entry prices and appeals to downsizers, property investors, and first-time buyers. This represents a marked departure from the existing housing stock, where houses make up 75.0% of homes, showing a scarcity of development sites alongside changing lifestyle choices and budget constraints. Reflecting its status as a growth sector, Nedlands averages 208 people per approved dwelling.

Looking forward, the population is predicted to rise by 1,612 residents by 2041, based on the most recent quarterly projections from AreaSearch. Ongoing construction volume indicates that housing additions will sufficiently satisfy demand, fostering favorable buyer dynamics and potentially paving the way for expansion that outpaces current predictions.

Nedlands has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally

The progression of a locality is closely linked to updates in public infrastructure, major developments, and urban zoning policies. A total of 25 projects have been identified by AreaSearch as having a potential impact on the neighborhood. Prominent initiatives include Nedlands Square, ALDI Nedlands, Numa, and the Nedlands Masterplan Project, with the following index highlighting those expected to have the most direct significance.

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The exceptional employment performance in Nedlands places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Nedlands features a highly credentialed workforce with substantial employment in professional sectors, an unemployment rate of only 1.4%, and an annual job growth rate estimated at 2.5% based on statistical area data compiled by AreaSearch. In March 2026, there were 6,768 employed residents, with the unemployment rate tracking 2.8% lower than the Greater Perth level of 4.2%, while labor force participation is notably lower at 64.6% compared to 70.2% across the wider metropolitan area. Census returns indicate that a moderate 14.1% of working locals operated from home, though this may have been influenced by pandemic containment measures.

The major employment fields for residents are healthcare & social assistance, professional & technical roles, and education & training. The concentration of professionals and technical specialists is particularly high, reaching 2.0 times the metropolitan baseline. By contrast, construction workers are underrepresented, accounting for 4.1% of the workforce compared to the metropolitan average of 9.3%. Given that there are 1.5 jobs for every working resident as of the Census, the locality serves as a major job center, drawing commuters from neighboring suburbs.

AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS figures indicates that over the 12 months ending March 2026, the employed population grew by 2.5% while the labor force expanded by 2.8%, leading to a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. Over the same period, Greater Perth saw employment grow by 2.0% and the labor force expand by 2.5%, also resulting in a 0.4 percentage point rise. National employment projections from May-25 compiled by Jobs and Skills Australia provide further context regarding future labor demand. These five and ten-year forecasts have been aligned with the local industry profile to project future employment trajectories. Nationally, overall employment is predicted to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though individual sector growth rates vary. Applying these sectoral trends to the local employment distribution suggests that employment among residents will grow by 7.7% over five years and 15.6% over ten years, noting that this is a simple weighted extrapolation that does not account for local population forecasts.

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

Data from the ATO for financial year 2023 at the postcode level indicates that taxpayers in the suburb of Nedlands had a median income of $79,102 and an average income of $214,131. These figures place the area in the highest national percentile, compared to Greater Perth averages of $60,748 and $80,248. Adjusted for a Wage Price Index increase of 10.93% since financial year 2023, the current estimates stand at roughly $87,748 for the median and $237,536 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census confirms that household, family, and individual incomes are all highly ranked, positioning the area between the 86th and 95th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows a predominant group of 38.5% of residents (4,839 people) earning weekly incomes of $4000+, differing from Greater Perth where the largest group (32.0%) falls within the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket. High earners are highly represented, with 48.1% of the population receiving over $3,000 per week, showing significant financial capacity. Residents keep 87.6% of their earnings after meeting housing expenses, and the area is positioned in the 10th decile on the SEIFA index.

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

According to the last Census, the housing inventory in Nedlands was made up of 75.2% standalone houses and 24.8% alternative residences like townhouses and apartments, compared to 77.8% houses and 22.1% alternative residences across the Perth metropolitan region. Home ownership rates were considerably higher than the metropolitan benchmark, standing at 44.9%, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with a mortgage (28.2%) or renting tenants (26.9%). The median monthly mortgage payment was $3,347, significantly higher than the metropolitan average of $1,907, while the median weekly rent was $500 compared to $350 across wider Perth. On a national level, Nedlands mortgage costs are much higher than the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are also well above the countrywide figure of $375.

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

Families make up 73.1% of all households, consisting of 37.4% couples with children, 27.3% couples without children, and 7.5% single parents. The remaining 26.9% are non-family households, which include lone person households at 20.5% and shared group households at 6.3%. The median household size is 2.7 residents, slightly higher than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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

The proportion of residents with tertiary qualifications in Nedlands is substantially higher than state and metropolitan levels, with 64.6% of individuals aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 27.9% in WA and 30.1% in Greater Perth. This high level of educational attainment prepares the area well for professional and academic opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 38.5%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 20.8% and graduate diplomas at 5.3%. Vocational and technical training makes up 13.4% of qualifications for those aged 15+, consisting of advanced diplomas (7.5%) and certificates (5.9%).

Student enrollment is high, with 34.1% of the population engaged in formal studies. This group is composed of 11.2% in higher education, 9.9% in primary schooling, and 9.2% attending secondary schools.

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

Public transit data shows 91 active stops within Nedlands, consisting of bus services. These stops accommodate 18 different routes, which support a total of 4,223 weekly passenger journeys. Accessibility is excellent, with homes located an average of 176 meters from the nearest stop. Because the area is mostly residential, the majority of commuters travel out of the suburb, with private vehicles being the primary mode of travel at 72%, followed by buses at 12% and walking at 7%. Households own an average of 1.5 vehicles. Around 14.1% of residents work from home, based on 2021 Census data which may reflect pandemic-related changes.

Routes average 603 daily trips in total, which corresponds to roughly 46 departures per week at each individual transit stop.

Nedlands's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis of mortality statistics and chronic health conditions indicates excellent wellness outcomes in Nedlands, with very low rates of common illnesses across all age cohorts. The private health insurance rate is extremely high, covering approximately 112% of the population (14,101 people). This compares to 59.0% in Greater Perth and a national average of 55.7%.

Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent health concerns, each affecting 6.3% of the population, while 73.3% of residents reported having no long-term medical conditions, compared to 71.9% in Greater Perth. Seniors aged 65 and older represent 19.3% of the community (2,426 people), which exceeds the metropolitan average of 16.1%. The health status of these older residents is very strong, with national rankings reflecting those of the broader local population.

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 displays higher cultural diversity than most comparable areas, with 18.4% of residents speaking a non-English language at home and 35.7% born outside Australia. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 47.3% of the population. The most prominent religious overrepresentation is Judaism, which accounts for 0.6% of residents compared to 0.3% across Greater Perth.

Regarding ancestral backgrounds, the three largest groups in Nedlands are English at 26.9%, Australian at 21.4%, and Chinese at 9.1%, with the latter being significantly higher than the metropolitan average of 4.0%. There are also minor differences in other backgrounds, with Welsh representing 0.9% of the population (compared to 0.7% regionally), French at 0.8% (compared to 0.5% regionally), and South Australian at 0.8% (compared to 1.0% regionally).

Nedlands's median age exceeds the national pattern

With a median age of 40, the suburb of Nedlands is slightly older than Greater Perth at 37 and Australia at 38. Compared to the metropolitan average, the 15 - 24 age bracket is highly represented at 21.7% of the population, whereas 35 - 44 year-olds are underrepresented at 10.0%. The concentration of young adults aged 15 - 24 is much higher than the national figure of 12.7%. Since 2021, younger arrivals have reduced the median age by 1.7 years to 40. The 15 to 24 cohort expanded from 14.6% to 21.7% of the population, and the 25 to 34 group rose from 9.5% to 12.2%. In contrast, the 65 to 74 bracket dropped from 10.9% to 8.5%, while the 5 to 14 age group fell from 13.8% to 11.8%. Long-term forecasts for 2041 suggest major demographic changes, led by a 135% growth in the 85+ cohort (an increase of 541 people), rising from 402 to 944. The combined cohorts aged 65 and over will account for 53% of overall population growth, indicating a graying demographic trend. Conversely, the 35 to 44 and 5 to 14 groups are projected to contract.