Perth (Tas.)

Population growth drivers in Perth 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, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Perth's population is estimated at around 3,760 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 288 people (8.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,472 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,676, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025, and an additional 160 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 52 persons per square kilometer. Perth's 8.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the state's (4.0%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed 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, Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year are adopted, adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering projected demographic shifts, lower quartile growth of Australia's regional areas is anticipated. The suburb of Perth is expected to increase by 64 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a reduction of 0.5% in total over the 16 years.

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

Perth has recorded approximately 24 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 123 homes were approved, with an additional 42 so far in FY-26. On average, each dwelling built over these years accommodates about 2.7 new residents per year.

The average construction cost value of new homes is approximately $377,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment. In terms of commercial approvals, Perth has seen around $7.4 million in FY-26 alone, reflecting its primarily residential nature. Comparing construction rates per person with the Rest of Tas., Perth shows similar figures, suggesting market stability aligned with regional patterns.

Recent building activity consists solely of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character and catering to families seeking space. As of now, there are approximately 154 people per dwelling approval in Perth, indicating an expanding market. Despite stable or declining population forecasts, this may result in less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Perth has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally

Eleven projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area, significantly influencing its performance. 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 likely 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 with both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented, and unemployment stands at 2.0% as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of December 2025, 1,916 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.8%, lower than Regional Tas.'s 3.8%.

Workforce participation is high at 65.4%, compared to Regional Tas.'s 58.7%. Census responses indicate that only 5.3% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts may have influenced this figure. The leading employment industries are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction particularly stands out with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 4.2% compared to Regional Tas.'s 8.4%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities as seen in Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over a 12-month period ending December 2025, labour force decreased by 2.2%, alongside a 2.2% employment decline, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. In contrast, Regional Tas. recorded employment growth of 1.8%, labour force growth of 1.5%, and a decrease in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Perth's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Perth's median income among taxpayers is $52,636, with an average of $62,879. This is below the national average. Regional Tas.'s median income during this period was $49,689, with an average of $59,358. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.95% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Perth's median and average incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $58,400 and $69,764 respectively. The 2021 Census reveals that household, family, and personal incomes in Perth rank modestly, between the 32nd and 40th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that 36.4% of Perth's population (1,368 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen in the broader area where 28.5% similarly occupy this range. 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

In Perth, as recorded in the latest Census, 88.3% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 11.7% being semi-detached, apartments or other types. In Regional Tasmania, this was 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Perth stood at 34.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 47.6% and rented ones at 18.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,317, compared to Regional Tasmania's $1,274. The median weekly rent figure in Perth was $280, while it was $250 in Regional Tasmania. Nationally, Perth's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,317 compared to 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 constitute 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 account for 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 Regional Tasmanian 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 Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are also 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, both offering bus services. These stops are served by two routes combined, accommodating 433 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically residing 742 meters away from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to the area's residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transport, used by 96% of residents. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 5.3% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 61 trips daily, 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 somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 52% of the total population (~1,958 people), slightly lagging behind the average SA2 area at 49.1%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.3% and 9.0% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 64.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 62.0% across Regional Tas.. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 21.5% of residents aged 65 and over (808 people), which is lower than the 24.9% in Regional 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 has a relatively low cultural diversity, with 91.8% of its population born in Australia and 94.7% being citizens. A majority, 97.8%, speak English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, practiced by 45.6% of Perth's population.

However, Judaism has no representation in Perth, unlike Regional Tas which has 0.1%. The top three ancestry groups are English (37.1%), Australian (35.6%), and Scottish (7.6%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Dutch at 2.0% compared to the regional average of 1.7%, Australian Aboriginal at 2.3% versus 4.1%, and Hungarian at 0.2% against a regional average of 0.1%.

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

The median age in Perth is 38 years, which is notably lower than Regional Tasmania's average of 45 but equal to Australia's median age of 38. Compared to Regional Tasmania's average, the 25-34 age cohort is over-represented in Perth at 15.7%, while the 45-54 age group is under-represented at 8.7%. Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 6.2% to 8.0% of Perth's population, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 14.5% to 15.7%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group declined from 12.0% to 8.7%, and the 55 to 64 age group dropped from 13.7% to 12.6%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate that Perth's 85+ age cohort is projected to grow significantly, increasing by 66 people (an 80% rise) from 82 to 149. The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 63% of the projected growth. Conversely, the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.