Palmyra (WA)

Population growth drivers in Palmyra are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of November 2025, the estimated population of Palmyra (WA) is around 8,304. This reflects an increase of 719 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,585. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and validation of 11 new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,644 persons per square kilometer, placing Palmyra (WA) in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 9.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average of 8.9%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing 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 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). Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for Palmyra (WA), with the area expected to grow by 1,121 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 13.3% in total 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 13 dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis. Between FY21 and FY25, around 65 homes were approved, with another 4 in FY26 so far. This results in an average of 11.2 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years.

The demand significantly exceeds supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. Developers target the premium market segment, with new dwellings valued at around $731,000 on average. Additionally, $1.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered this year, indicating the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Perth, Palmyra has significantly less development activity, 74.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new homes can strengthen demand and prices for existing properties.

The level is also below national average, suggesting maturity and possible planning constraints. New construction in Palmyra has been entirely standalone homes, maintaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. Despite increasing density pressures, there is robust demand for family homes, as indicated by 57.0% detached housing compared to current patterns at Census. Palmyra reflects a highly mature market with around 630 people per dwelling approval. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Palmyra is projected to add 1,103 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified seven projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones are The Point Palmyra, The Point Attadale, Palmyra Local Centre Structure Plan (Area 2), and Kwinana Freeway Upgrade (Roe Highway to Safety Bay Road).

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

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Employment performance in Palmyra ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

Palmyra has a well-educated workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.3% as of June 2025, lower than Greater Perth's 3.9%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 5.3%, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of that date, 5,061 residents were employed with a workforce participation rate of 68.3%, slightly higher than Greater Perth's 65.2%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Notably, education & training has a concentration 1.5 times the regional average.

Retail trade, however, has limited presence with 7.6% employment compared to the regional average of 9.3%. The area's predominantly residential nature suggests limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Over the preceding 12 months, employment increased by 5.3%, while labour force grew by 5.8%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 3.7% with a 0.1 percentage point increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Palmyra's employment mix, local employment is estimated to increase by 6.7% over five years and 14.0% over ten years.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

Palmyra had a median taxpayer income of $62,749 and an average income of $87,815 in financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is notably higher than the national figures for Greater Perth, which had a median income of $58,380 and an average income of $78,020 during the same period. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $71,659 (median) and $100,285 (average), based on a 14.2% growth in wages since financial year 2022. The 2021 Census data shows that personal income ranks at the 77th percentile ($991 weekly), while household income is at the 48th percentile. In terms of earnings, 29.9% of Palmyra's community falls within the $1,500 - 2,999 range (2,482 individuals). This trend is similar to that seen in the surrounding region, where 32.0% of residents occupy this income band. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Palmyra, 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 a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Palmyra's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 57.1% houses and 42.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Perth metro had 76.5% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Palmyra stood at 29.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 43.2% and rented ones at 27.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, below Perth metro's average of $2,200. The median weekly rent in Palmyra was $350, compared to Perth metro's $400. Nationally, Palmyra's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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 account for 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

Educational attainment in Palmyra is notably high, with 39.2% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, compared to 27.9% in Western Australia (WA) and 28.6% in the Small Area (SA4) region. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 27.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 7.1% and graduate diplomas at 4.6%. Vocational credentials are also common, with 31.7% of residents aged 15 and above 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, including 9.1% in primary, 7.0% in secondary, and 6.2% pursuing tertiary education.

Palmyra Primary School and Our Lady of Fatima School serve a total of 681 students, contributing to the area's significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement (ICSEA: 1106). Both schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas due to limited local school capacity (8.2 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 19.6), leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

Palmyra has 22 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by six different routes that together facilitate 1,758 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of the transport system is rated as good, with residents on average living 274 meters away from their nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 251 trips across all routes, which amounts to approximately 79 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 superior health results, with both youth and elderly experiencing low rates of common ailments. Approximately 62% of its total population (5,153 people) has private health cover, compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Nationally, this figure stands at 55.3%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions in Palmyra, affecting 8.9% and 7.2% of residents respectively. A total of 71.3% report no medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Perth's 72.5%. The area has a senior population (65 years and over) of 19.1%, or 1,586 people, which is less than Greater Perth's 22.4%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Palmyra are notably strong, mirroring the overall population's health profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Palmyra was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Palmyra's population 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 equally represented as in Greater Perth, at 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (31.4%), Australian (24.3%), and Irish (9.4%). Notably, French (0.8% vs 0.6%) and Italian (5.4% vs 4.9%) populations showed higher representation compared to the regional averages.

Palmyra's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Palmyra is 39 years, which is slightly higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 years, and very close to the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, the 75-84 age cohort is notably over-represented in Palmyra at 6.6%, while the 15-24 age group is under-represented at 10.6%. According to data from the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group has grown from 5.1% to 6.6% of Palmyra's population. Conversely, the 45-54 age cohort has declined from 13.4% to 12.6%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Palmyra. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 75%, reaching 957 people from 548, leading the demographic shift. Residents aged 65 and older are anticipated to represent 65% of this growth. However, the 0-4 and 5-14 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.