Palmyra (WA)

Population growth drivers in Palmyra are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of the suburb of Palmyra (WA) is around 8,491 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 906 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,585 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 8,445 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 11 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,704 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Palmyra's growth of 11.9% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%), 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 that contributed approximately 68.0% 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 areas not covered by this data and post-2032 growth estimation, 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). Considering projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation is expected for Palmyra. The area is expected to grow by 914 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall gain of 8.2% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Palmyra recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Palmyra has seen approximately 14 dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 70 homes were approved, with an additional 8 approved in FY26 so far. Each year, about 10.4 new residents arrive per dwelling constructed during these years.

This significant demand outstripping supply typically drives price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction cost of new dwellings is $731,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment. In FY26, commercial approvals totaled $2.6 million, reflecting Palmyra's predominantly residential nature. Compared to Greater Perth, Palmyra has significantly less development activity, at 72.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new homes often strengthens demand and prices for existing properties.

The area's new building activity consists of 92.0% standalone homes and 8.0% attached dwellings, preserving Palmyra's suburban character with a preference for detached housing. Future projections estimate Palmyra will add 696 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

Palmyra has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 37thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects likely to impact the area. Notable ones are The Point Palmyra, The Point Attadale, Palmyra Local Centre Structure Plan (Area 2), and Santa Clara Estate. Relevant details are listed below.

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.

Palmyra ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Palmyra has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.3% as of September 2025, lower than Greater Perth's 4.0%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.8%.

Out of 4,934 residents in work, 1.6% fewer were unemployed compared to Greater Perth. Workforce participation matched Greater Perth's 71.6%. Only 8.4% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services.

Notably, education & training had employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average, while retail trade was lower at 7.6% compared to the regional 9.3%. The area's limited local job opportunities were evident in Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 3.8%, with labour force growth of 4.0%, leading to a slight unemployment rate rise of 0.2 percentage points. Greater Perth's employment and labour force grew by 2.9% and 3.0% respectively, with marginal unemployment increase. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project national growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Palmyra's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.7% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

The median taxpayer income in Palmyra is $62,749, with an average of $87,815, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. Nationally, these figures are high compared to 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 for September 2025 would be approximately $68,785 (median) and $96,263 (average). The 2021 Census ranks personal income at the 77th percentile ($991 weekly), while household income is at the 48th percentile. In Palmyra, 29.9% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 per week (2,538 individuals). Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 48th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Palmyra displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Palmyra, as per the latest Census evaluation, 57.1% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 42.9% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types of dwellings. In contrast, Perth metro had 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Palmyra stood at 29.7%, similar to Perth metro's level. The majority of dwellings were mortgaged (43.2%) or rented (27.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,950, higher than the Perth metro average of $1,907 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Palmyra was $350, which is lower than the national average of $375 but equal to the Perth metro figure.

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

Family households constitute 60.1% of all households, including 25.1% couples with children, 22.7% couples without children, and 11.2% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 39.9%, with lone person households at 36.3% and group households comprising 3.6%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Palmyra shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Palmyra's educational attainment exceeds broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 39.2% hold university qualifications compared to 27.9% in WA and 28.6% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most common at 27.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.1%) and graduate diplomas (4.6%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 31.7% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 11.5% and certificates at 20.2%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.1% in primary education, 7.0% in secondary education, and 6.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Palmyra has 21 active public transport stops, all served by buses. These stops are covered by six routes that together facilitate 1,752 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy good transport accessibility, with an average distance of 274 meters to the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 82%, followed by buses at 7% and trains at 6%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.1, below the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, only 8.4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. All routes combined offer an average of 250 trips daily, equating to approximately 83 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Palmyra is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Palmyra shows better-than-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts have low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 62% of the total population (5,269 people), compared to 59.0% across Greater Perth and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues affecting 8.9% and arthritis impacting 7.2% of residents. A total of 71.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 71.9% across Greater Perth. The under-65 population has better-than-average health outcomes. Palmyra has 19.5% of residents aged 65 and over (1,655 people), higher than the 16.3% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Palmyra records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Palmyra's population, as per the 2016 Census, showed cultural diversity with 10.0% speaking a language other than English at home and 25.8% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 42.7%. Judaism, however, was overrepresented compared to Greater Perth, making up 0.1% in Palmyra versus 0.3% regionally.

The top three ancestry groups were English (31.4%), Australian (24.3%), and Irish (9.4%). Some ethnicities showed notable differences: French (0.8% vs regional 0.5%), Croatian (1.1% vs 0.8%), and Italian (5.4% vs 4.2%) were overrepresented in Palmyra.

Palmyra's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Palmyra is 39 years, which is higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 years and close to the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, Palmyra has a notably higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (7.0% vs. 6.2%) and a lower proportion of residents aged 15-24 (10.7% vs. 12.9%). According to the 2021 Census, the percentage of Palmyra's population in the 75-84 age group has increased from 5.1% to 7.0%, while the proportion aged 45-54 has decreased from 13.4% to 12.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes, with the 75-84 age group expected to grow by 57% (from 594 to 934 people). Residents aged 65 and older are anticipated to represent 71% of this growth. Conversely, the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups are projected to experience population declines.