Palmyra (WA)

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

In the suburb of Palmyra (WA), the population is estimated to have reached approximately 8,680 by May 2026, a figure calculated using the latest ABS population statistics and address verifications conducted by AreaSearch since the Census. This represents an addition of 1,095 residents (14.4%) compared to the 2021 Census, which counted 7,585 people. The estimate is grounded in a baseline resident count of 8,672 from the ABS June 2025 ERP data release, combined with 11 validated new addresses registered since the Census. This population size results in a density of 2,764 residents per square kilometer, placing the suburb in the highest quartile of all locations evaluated nationwide by AreaSearch. The growth rate of 14.4% in the suburb of Palmyra (WA) since the 2021 census outpaced both the national benchmark (9.3%) and the local SA3 region, positioning the suburb as a primary growth driver. The expansion was largely fueled by arriving overseas migrants, who accounted for roughly 68.0% of the overall population increases during recent periods.

Projections for each SA2 region are based on the 2024 releases from the ABS and Geoscience Australia, using 2022 as the baseline. For locations without direct projections and for periods extending past 2032, growth calculations apply the age-specific growth rates published in the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections, which also utilized 2022 data. Anticipating these shifting demographics, the suburb of Palmyra (WA) is projected to experience population expansion exceeding the median of areas assessed by AreaSearch. Specifically, collective SA2 data indicates the suburb of Palmyra (WA) will add 1,056 residents by 2041, representing a total increase of 12.1% over the 16-year timeframe.

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

Analysis of ABS building approvals indicates that Palmyra has maintained an average of roughly 12 new home approvals annually, resulting in an estimated 62 completed dwellings over the last 5 financial years. In the current FY-26 period, 15 approvals have been registered to date. Given that 15.4 new residents were added for every single constructed dwelling during the 5 financial years spanning FY-21 to FY-25, demand is outpacing local supply, which typically accelerates price growth and intensifies buyer competition. The average value of these newly approved builds is $731,000, indicating a focus by developers on upscale, higher-end property segments. Additionally, commercial approvals of $2.6 million have been documented during this financial year, suggesting that non-residential development remains a minor focus.

When contrasted with Greater Perth, construction activity in Palmyra is minimal, tracking at 76.0% below the per capita regional average. This constrained pipeline of new housing generally reinforces demand and sustains valuations for established properties. Activity is also below the national standard, highlighting the mature, built-out character of the suburb and pointing to possible planning restrictions. Recent building permits consist of 91.0% freestanding houses and 9.0% attached residences, maintaining the area's low-density suburban profile and appealing to buyers seeking detached homes. This construction trend leans more toward detached structures than the existing dwelling profile recorded at the Census, which was 57.0% houses, showing that demand for traditional family residences remains strong despite density trends. At approximately 712 residents for each new approval, Palmyra displays the characteristics of a fully established community.

Long-term forecasts indicate that Palmyra will gain 1,048 residents by 2041, according to the most recent quarterly estimates from AreaSearch. Under the current pace of construction, the supply of new housing may fail to keep up with this population increase, which could intensify competition among buyers and support upward pressure on property values.

Palmyra has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 34thth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure projects, major planning decisions, and development updates are key drivers of regional performance. AreaSearch has identified 6 projects that are expected to influence the local area. Key developments include The Point Palmyra, The Point Attadale, the Palmyra Local Centre Structure Plan (Area 2), and the Santa Clara Estate, with details of the most relevant projects provided below.

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

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

Palmyra is characterized by a highly educated workforce with a strong representation of workers in key service industries, an unemployment rate of only 2.2%, and stable employment patterns over the previous year. As of March 2026, employed residents total 5,019, while the local jobless rate sits 2.0% below the 4.2% recorded across Greater Perth. The proportion of residents participating in the labor force is generally comparable to the Greater Perth average of 70.2%. Census details show that a minor 8.4% of the workforce operated from home, though this figure may reflect the influence of COVID-19 restrictions.

The primary employment sectors for local workers are health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. The local concentration of workers in education & training is notable, measuring 1.5 times the regional average. Conversely, retail trade is less prominent, employing 7.6% of working residents compared to 9.3% across the wider region. Because the area is mostly residential, local job openings appear limited, as shown by comparing the count of resident workers against the local working population.

According to AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data aggregated from local statistical divisions, the last 12-month period saw a contraction of 0.4% in the labor force alongside a 0.4% decline in total employment, leaving the unemployment rate virtually unchanged. In contrast, Greater Perth experienced a 2.0% rise in employment, a 2.5% expansion in the labor force, and a 0.4 percentage point increase in unemployment. National employment projections released in May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia provide context for future workforce demand in Palmyra. These five and ten-year forecasts have been applied to the local workforce structure to model future trends. Globally, national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though individual sector growth rates vary. Projecting these industry trends onto the local workforce mix suggests that Palmyra's employed resident base would expand by 6.7% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, representing a basic weighted calculation that does not incorporate localized population adjustments.

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

Palmyra residents recorded a median taxpayer income of $62,749 and an average income of $87,815 based on ATO postcode data compiled by AreaSearch for the 2023 financial year. These figures represent high earnings on a national scale, exceeding the Greater Perth median of $60,748 and average of $80,248. Factoring in a Wage Price Index rise of 10.93% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates point to a median income of roughly $69,607 and an average of $97,413 as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, individual weekly earnings place the area in the 77th percentile at $991, while household earnings sit in the 48th percentile. In terms of distribution, the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly bracket accounts for 29.9% of the local population, totaling 2,595 individuals, which matches the wider region where 32.0% fall into this band. Housing cost pressures are prominent, with residents retaining 83.3% of their income, placing the suburb in the 48th percentile, while the SEIFA index ranks the area in the 7th decile for income.

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

At the time of the last Census, the housing mix in Palmyra was composed of 57.1% standalone houses and 42.9% alternative structures like townhouses and apartments, differing from the broader Perth metro area where houses made up 77.8% and other dwellings accounted for 22.1%. The rate of home ownership was identical to the metropolitan average at 29.7%, with remaining properties held under a mortgage (43.2%) or occupied by tenants (27.1%). The median monthly cost for mortgaged households was $1,950, which is higher than the Perth metro average of $1,907, while median weekly rent was equivalent to the metropolitan figure at $350. Nationally, mortgage costs in Palmyra exceed the Australian median of $1,863, whereas rental costs sit below the nationwide figure of $375.

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

Families represent the majority of local households at 60.1%, consisting of couples with children (25.1%), couples without children (22.7%), and single parents (11.2%). The remaining 39.9% are non-family households, which are mostly single-person households (36.3%) along with group shared arrangements (3.6%). The average 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

The proportion of residents with tertiary qualifications in Palmyra is higher than broader regional averages, with 39.2% of people aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 27.9% across WA and 28.6% within the SA4 region. This education profile positions the suburb well for employment in professional fields. Undergraduate degrees are the most common qualification at 27.5%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 7.1% and graduate diplomas at 4.6%. Technical qualifications are also common, with 31.7% of residents aged 15+ possessing vocational education, including advanced diplomas (11.5%) and certificate level credentials (20.2%).

Enrolment rates in education are high, with 27.5% of the population currently engaged in study. This group is composed of 9.1% in primary school, 7.0% in high school, and 6.2% enrolled in higher education courses.

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

Public transport services in Palmyra include 21 active stops serviced by various bus lines. These stops accommodate 6 distinct routes, which provide a total of 1,752 passenger trips each week. Transport access is favorable, with residents living an average of 274 meters from their nearest stop. Because Palmyra is primarily residential, the majority of working residents travel outside the suburb for employment, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode of travel at 82%, followed by buses at 7% and trains at 6%. The average number of vehicles per household is 1.1, which is below the metropolitan average. A relatively low 8.4% of residents worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect the impact of pandemic conditions.

Bus services run at an average frequency of 250 trips daily across all routes, which translates to roughly 83 weekly departures for each 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 records positive health metrics according to AreaSearch data on mortality and long-term health issues, with both younger and older cohorts showing low rates of common illnesses. Private health insurance coverage is high, with approximately 62% of the population (5,386 people) holding cover. This compares to 59.0% across Greater Perth and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent health issues reported locally are mental health conditions and arthritis, affecting 8.9% and 7.2% of the population, respectively. Meanwhile, 71.3% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 71.9% in the wider Greater Perth area. Residents under 65 show positive overall health profiles. The suburb has 19.1% of its population aged 65 and older (1,657 people), which is higher than the Greater Perth average of 16.1%. Seniors in the area record favorable health outcomes, with rankings that align closely with the broader community.

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

The local population displays a high level of cultural diversity, with 10.0% of residents speaking a non-English language at home and 25.8% born outside of Australia. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 42.7% of the community. The most notable religious variance is in Judaism, which accounts for 0.1% of residents compared to 0.3% across Greater Perth.

Looking at ancestral backgrounds, the three most common ancestries are English (31.4%), Australian (24.3%), and Irish (9.4%). Notable differences from regional averages include a higher representation of French ancestry at 0.8% of the population (compared to 0.5% regionally), Croatian at 1.1% (compared to 0.8%), and Italian at 5.4% (compared to 4.2%).

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

The median age of 39 years in Palmyra is slightly older than the Greater Perth average of 37 and close to the national median of 38 years. Compared to the wider Perth metropolitan area, the 75 - 84 age bracket is more prominent (6.7% of the local population), while the 15 - 24 age group is less represented (10.7%). Post-2021 Census estimates indicate that the 75 - 84 age cohort increased its share of the population from 5.1% to 6.7%, whereas the 45 - 54 bracket decreased from 13.4% to 12.2%. Population projections for 2041 point to demographic shifts, with the 75 - 84 cohort expected to grow by 61% (adding 356 people) to reach 938 from a baseline of 581. This aging trend is further reflected by the fact that residents aged 65 and older represent 63% of the projected population growth, while the 0 - 4 and 5 - 14 youth cohorts are forecast to decline.