Perth (Tas.)

Population growth drivers in Perth 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, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Perth's population is estimated at around 3,840 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 368 people (10.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,472 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,638, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 154 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 53 persons per square kilometer. Perth's growth exceeded the state average of 5.3% since the 2021 census, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 54.0% 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, Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering projected demographic shifts, lower quartile growth is anticipated for Australia's regional areas, with the suburb expected to increase by 145 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a reduction of 0.6% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Perth when compared nationally

Perth recorded approximately 24 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 123 homes were approved, with a further 21 approved in FY-26. On average, each dwelling built accommodates about 2.2 new residents per year.

The average construction value of these dwellings is approximately $377,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment. This financial year has seen around $7.4 million in commercial approvals, reflecting Perth's primarily residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Tas., Perth maintains similar construction rates per person, contributing to market stability aligned with regional patterns.

Recently, all building activity consists of detached dwellings, preserving the area's low-density character and appealing to those seeking family homes. There are approximately 156 people per dwelling approval in Perth, suggesting an expanding market. Despite stable or declining population forecasts, this may lead to less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers in the future.

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

Eleven projects have been identified by AreaSearch as likely to impact the area. Key projects include Skyeview Estate, South Perth Outline Development Plan, Perth Sports Precinct Master Plan, and West Perth Stormwater Upgrades (Stages 1-3). The following list details those expected to be most relevant.

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

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

Perth's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs, with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.0% as of September 2025, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. In this period, 1,946 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate 1.8% lower than Rest of Tas.'s 3.8%.

Workforce participation was high at 67.3%, compared to Rest of Tas.'s 58.6%. Census responses showed that only 5.3% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction had notably high representation, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing showed lower representation at 4.2% versus the regional average of 8.4%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force decreased by 2.5%, alongside a 2.6% employment decline, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. In comparison, Rest of Tas. recorded employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 0.5%, with unemployment falling by 0.2 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 projected that national employment would expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differed significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Perth's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, although this was a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and did not take into account localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Perth's median income among taxpayers was $52,636 in financial year 2023, with an average of $62,879. This is lower than the national average. In comparison, Rest of Tas.'s median income was $49,689 and average was $59,358. Based on a 9.6% growth in wages since financial year 2023, estimated median income for Perth as of September 2025 would be approximately $57,689, with an average of $68,915. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Perth rank modestly, between the 32nd and 40th percentiles. Income brackets show that 36.4% of Perth's population falls within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, which is similar to the broader area where 28.5% occupy this income bracket. After housing expenses, 86.5% of income remains for other expenses.

Perth is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Perth's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, was 88.3% houses and 11.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Tas. had 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Perth was at 34.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 47.6% and rented ones at 18.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,317, higher than Non-Metro Tas.'s average of $1,274. The median weekly rent in Perth was $280, compared to Non-Metro Tas.'s $250. Nationally, Perth's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,317 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $280 compared to the national figure of $375.

Perth has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 73.1% of all households, including 29.1% couples with children, 32.4% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 26.9%, with lone person households at 26.2% and group households comprising 1.0%. The median household size is 2.4 people, larger than the Rest of Tas. average of 2.3.

Perth faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 13.4%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 9.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.3%) and certificates (33.5%).

Educational participation is high, with 25.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.7% in primary education, 7.0% in secondary education, and 2.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Perth has two active public transport stops operating within the area, both offering bus services. These stops are served by two distinct routes that collectively facilitate 433 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport options is limited, with residents typically residing 742 meters away from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential region, most inhabitants commute outward, with cars being the primary mode of transportation at 96%. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, only 5.3% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 61 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 216 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Perth is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Perth faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is slightly lower than the average SA2 area at approximately 52% of the total population (~2,000 people), compared to 49.1% across Rest of Tas.. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.3 and 9.0% of residents respectively. However, 64.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.0% across Rest of Tas.. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 21.5% of residents aged 65 and over (825 people), which is lower than the 24.9% in Rest of Tas.. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The latest Census data sees Perth placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Perth's population shows low cultural diversity, with 91.8% born in Australia, 94.7% being citizens, and 97.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, at 45.6%. Judaism, however, is underrepresented compared to other regions, comprising 0.0% of Perth's population versus 0.1% elsewhere in Tasmania.

The top three ancestry groups are English (37.1%), Australian (35.6%), and Scottish (7.6%). Notably, Dutch (2.0%) and Hungarian (0.2%) are overrepresented compared to regional averages, while Australian Aboriginal is underrepresented at 2.3% versus 4.1%.

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

The median age in Perth is 38 years, which is notably lower than the Rest of Tasmania's average of 45 but equal to Australia's median age of 38. Compared to the Rest of Tasmania's average, the 25-34 age cohort is over-represented at 15.4% in Perth, while the 45-54 age group is under-represented at 9.1%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 6.2% to 7.7% of Perth's population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.0% to 9.1%, and the 55 to 64 age group has dropped from 13.7% to 12.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Perth, with the 85+ age cohort projected to grow by 74 people (an increase of 88%) from 84 to 159. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 67% of projected growth. Conversely, the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.