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

As of November 2025, Northbridge's population is estimated at around 1869 people, reflecting a growth of 449 individuals since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 31.6% rise from the previous figure of 1420 residents. The current population estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, which estimated the resident population at 1791 people. This growth places Northbridge among the top 10% of locations nationally in terms of population density, with a ratio of approximately 4153 persons per square kilometer. Northbridge's population growth since the 2021 Census has outpaced both national (8.9%) and state averages, marking it as a significant growth leader in the region. This growth is primarily attributed to overseas migration, which accounted for around 94% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. 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 indicate a significant increase for Northbridge, with an expected expansion of 477 persons to reach 2041. This projection reflects a total increase of approximately 20.1% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Northbridge among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Northbridge has recorded approximately five residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 26 homes. So far in FY-26, zero approvals have been recorded. On average, 15.7 people per year have moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating significant demand exceeding new supply.

The average construction value of these dwellings is $636,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. Compared to Greater Perth, Northbridge has markedly lower building activity, at 58.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes, though recent years have seen increased activity. The area's established nature is further indicated by its level being under the national average, potentially due to planning limitations. Recent development has been entirely comprised of medium and high-density housing, creating more affordable entry points and suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. With around 164 people per dwelling approval, Northbridge exhibits characteristics of a growth area.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Northbridge is projected to add 376 residents by 2041. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 23 projects likely to affect the region. Notable initiatives include METRONET, Perth City Link Redevelopment, Edith Cowan University City Campus, and Perth Cultural Centre Rejuvenation. The following list details those expected to be 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.

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

Northbridge has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate as of June 2025 was 7.5%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

At this time, 1,284 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 3.6% higher than Greater Perth's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Northbridge was 71.4%, compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Employment is concentrated in accommodation & food, professional & technical, and health care & social assistance sectors. The area specializes particularly in accommodation & food, with an employment share 3.0 times the regional level.

Conversely, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 9.7% of Northbridge's workforce compared to 14.8% in Greater Perth. There are 8.3 workers for every resident, indicating that Northbridge functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between June 2024 and June 2025, the labour force decreased by 1.4%, while employment declined by 3.6%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 2.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth experienced employment growth of 3.7% and labour force growth of 3.8%, with a 0.1 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that Northbridge's employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that Northbridge has a median income of $52,340 and an average income of $75,914. This is higher than the national averages of $58,380 (median) and $78,020 (average). Greater Perth's figures are $58,380 (median) and $78,020 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Northbridge would be approximately $59,772 (median) and $86,694 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, individual earnings in Northbridge are at the 82nd percentile nationally ($1,049 weekly), but household income ranks lower at the 56th percentile. Income distribution shows that 37.7% of residents (704 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, similar to the metropolitan region where 32.0% occupy this bracket. Housing costs consume 19.4% of income in Northbridge, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 52nd percentile. The area'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

Northbridge's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 3.0% houses and 97.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Perth metro's 37.1% houses and 62.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Northbridge stood at 9.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 21.4% and rented ones at 69.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,690, lower than Perth metro's $2,167. Median weekly rent in Northbridge was $400, higher than the national average of $375 but lower than Perth metro's $390. Nationally, Northbridge's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863.

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

Family households constitute 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 make up 54.5%, with lone person households at 38.8% and group households comprising 14.6%. The median household size is 1.9 people, 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's residents aged 15 and above have a higher proportion of university qualifications at 50.6% compared to Western Australia's 27.9% and Greater Perth's 30.1%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 35.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 12.2% and graduate diplomas at 3.2%. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 29.6% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas at 13.6% and certificates at 16.0%. Educational participation is high, with 36.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 16.0% in tertiary education, 2.3% in primary education, and 1.3% pursuing secondary education. However, educational facilities appear to be located outside Northbridge's immediate boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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 currently. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with five individual routes in total. The combined weekly passenger trips across these routes amount to 1,632.

Residents' accessibility to transport is rated as excellent, with an average distance of 105 meters to the nearest stop. Service frequency averages at 233 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 163 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 data shows excellent results with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 57% (~1,071 people) have private health cover, compared to 69.8% in Greater Perth.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 9.1 and 6.2% of residents respectively. 81.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.5% in Greater Perth. Northbridge has 6.9% (128 people) of residents aged 65 and over, lower than the 15.1% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention despite being strong overall.

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. 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%). Notably, Spanish (2.0%) Korean (4.4%) and French (1.6%) ethnicities are overrepresented 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 (42.8%), but fewer residents aged 5-14 (1.7%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of residents aged 75-84 has increased from 0.9% to 2.4%, while those aged 85+ increased from 0% to 1.4%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 45-54 has declined from 8.0% to 6.7%. By 2041, demographic projections suggest significant changes in Northbridge's age profile. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to grow by 131 people (16%), from 799 to 931 residents. Meanwhile, the 5-14 age cohort is projected to remain unchanged at 0 people.