Northbridge (WA)

Northbridge lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the Northbridge (WA) statistical area (Lv2)'s population is estimated at around 1,879 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 459 people (32.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,420 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,878, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in Jun 2024 and an additional 4 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 4,175 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Northbridge's 32.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.7%), along with the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 94.0% of overall 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 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). As we examine future population trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australian statistical areas is forecast for the Northbridge (WA) (SA2), with the area expected to expand by 477 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 19.5% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Northbridge has recorded around 6 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 31 homes. So far in FY-26, 0 approvals have been recorded. On average, 13.2 people move to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand significantly exceeds new supply. New properties are constructed at an average value of $636,000, targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

This financial year has seen $41.5 million in commercial approvals, reflecting strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Perth, Northbridge shows substantially reduced construction activity (50.0% below regional average per person), supporting stronger demand and values for established properties. Recent development has been entirely comprised of medium and high-density housing, appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. At around 133 people per approval, Northbridge reflects a developing area with future projections estimating an addition of 366 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Future projections show Northbridge adding 366 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Northbridge has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 23 projects likely affecting this region. Notable initiatives include Perth City Link Redevelopment, Perth Cultural Centre Rejuvenation, METRONET, and Perth City Deal - Cultural Precinct. The following list details projects particularly relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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

Northbridge has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. As of September 2025, its unemployment rate is 7.8%.

The area's unemployment rate is 3.9% higher than Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation in Northbridge is high at 71.4%, compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Key industries employing residents are accommodation & food, professional & technical services, and health care & social assistance. The area specializes in accommodation & food, with an employment share three times the regional level.

Conversely, health care & social assistance employs only 9.7% of local workers, below Greater Perth's 14.8%. As of the Census, there are 8.3 workers per resident, indicating Northbridge functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.6%, and employment declined by 4.6%, raising unemployment by 2.0 percentage points in contrast to Greater Perth's marginal unemployment increase despite employment growth of 2.9%. State-level data from 25-Nov shows WA employment contracted by 0.27% (losing 5,520 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.6%, slightly higher than the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Northbridge's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.3% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch reports that in Northbridge, median income among taxpayers was $52,340 and average income was $75,914 based on postcode level ATO data for the financial year 2023. Nationally, these figures are high compared to Greater Perth's median of $60,748 and average of $80,248. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $57,375 (median) and $83,217 (average), adjusting for Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023. Census data indicates individual earnings rank at the 82nd percentile nationally ($1,049 weekly), while household income ranks at the 56th percentile. Income distribution shows that 37.7% (708 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 band, consistent with regional trends of 32.0%. High housing costs consume 19.4% of income, yet strong earnings place disposable income at the 52nd percentile. Northbridge's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Northbridge features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Northbridge, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 3.0% houses and 97.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Perth metro had 37.1% houses and 62.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Northbridge was at 9.4%, with the rest either mortgaged (21.4%) or rented (69.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,690, below Perth metro's average of $2,167. The median weekly rent was $400, compared to Perth metro's $390. Nationally, Northbridge's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Northbridge features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 45.5% of all households, including 8.3% couples with children, 32.4% couples without children, and 4.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 54.5%, with lone person households at 38.8% and group households comprising 14.6%. The median household size is 1.9 people, which is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.1.

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

Northbridge has a notably high level of educational attainment, with 50.6% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications. This figure is significantly higher than the broader benchmarks of 27.9% in Western Australia (WA) and 30.1% in Greater Perth. The area's strong educational advantage is evident in its high proportion of residents with bachelor degrees (35.2%), postgraduate qualifications (12.2%), and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 29.6% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications.

This includes advanced diplomas held by 13.6% of residents and certificates by 16.0%. Educational participation is notably high in Northbridge, with 36.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes tertiary education (16.0%), primary education (2.3%), and secondary education (1.3%).

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

Northbridge has ten active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops are served by a mix of buses along six different routes. Together, these routes facilitate 1,655 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport in Northbridge is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 105 meters from their nearest transport stop. On average, there are 236 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 165 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Northbridge's health outcomes show excellent results, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Private health cover rate is high at approximately 57% (around 1,077 people), compared to Greater Perth's 69.5%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 9.1 and 6.2% of residents respectively. A total of 81.6% report no medical ailments, higher than Greater Perth's 74.5%. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 6.9% (129 people), compared to Greater Perth's 15.1%. However, health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population.

Northbridge is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Northbridge has a population where 45.8% speak a language other than English at home, with 62.7% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Northbridge, comprising 27.8% of its population. However, Buddhism is overrepresented compared to Greater Perth, making up 7.6% versus 4.3%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (19.9%), Other (19.7%), and Chinese (12.1%). Spanish (2.0%), Korean (4.4%), and French (1.6%) ethnicities are notably overrepresented in Northbridge compared to regional averages of 0.6%, 0.6%, and 0.8% respectively.

Northbridge hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Northbridge's median age is 31 years, which is lower than Greater Perth's average of 37 and Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Perth, Northbridge has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (42.9%), but fewer residents aged 5-14 (1.8%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between 2021 and the present, the proportion of Northbridge's population aged 75-84 has grown from 0.9% to 2.4%, while the proportion of those aged 85 and over has increased from 0% to 1.4%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 45-54 has declined from 8.0% to 6.6%. By 2041, demographic projections suggest that Northbridge's age profile will change significantly. The number of residents aged 25-34 is projected to increase by 127 people (a growth of 16%), from 806 to 934. Meanwhile, the number of residents aged 5-14 is projected to decrease by 2 people.