Perth (WA)

Perth lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of November 2025, the estimated population of the suburb of Perth (WA) is around 16,936. This reflects an increase of 3,266 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,670. The change is inferred from the resident population of 16,599 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 505 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,722 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth of 23.9% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (8.9%), along with the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 93.0% 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). Examining future trends, a significant population increase is forecast for the suburb, with an expected growth of 4,704 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 25.4% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Perth was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Perth recorded around 113 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 568 homes. So far in FY26, 37 approvals have been recorded. On average, 5.1 new residents are associated with each home built annually between FY21 and FY25, indicating demand outpaces supply, which typically influences prices upwards and intensifies competition among buyers. The average construction value of new homes is $685,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

In FY26, $367.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Perth, Perth demonstrates comparable construction activity per capita, supporting market stability aligned with regional trends. Recent construction comprises 3.0% standalone homes and 97.0% townhouses or apartments, promoting higher-density living and affordability for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. With around 144 people per dwelling approval, Perth exhibits growth area characteristics.

Future projections estimate Perth adding 4,300 residents by 2041, with development keeping pace with projected growth despite increasing competition as the population expands.

Perth has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Area infrastructure performance is significantly influenced by local changes. AreaSearch identified 81 potential impact projects. Notable ones are METRONET, Perth City Link Redevelopment, Edith Cowan University City Campus, and Aboriginal Cultural Centre. The following details the most relevant projects.

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.

AreaSearch assessment indicates Perth faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Perth has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 7.0% as of June 2025, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

There were 11,419 residents employed while the unemployment rate was 3.1% higher than Greater Perth's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was fairly standard at 69.4%, compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Employment among residents is concentrated in professional & technical services, accommodation & food, and health care & social assistance sectors. The area has a particular employment specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share of 2.2 times the regional level.

In contrast, construction employs just 5.1% of local workers, below Greater Perth's 9.3%. As at the Census, there were 6.2 workers for every resident, indicating that the area functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over a 12-month period ending in June 2025, the labour force decreased by 1.3% alongside a 3.5% employment decline, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 2.1 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Perth where employment rose by 3.7%, the labour force grew by 3.8%, and unemployment rose by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer further insight into potential future demand within Perth. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, suggest that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Perth's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch aggregated latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022. Perth's median taxpayer income was $56,917 with an average of $82,353. These figures were among the highest in Australia, compared to Greater Perth levels of $58,380 and $78,020 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, estimated median income as of September 2025 would be approximately $64,999, with average income at around $94,047. From the 2021 Census data, individual earnings reached the 87th percentile nationally ($1,139 weekly). In Perth, 36.2% of individuals (6,130) fell within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring surrounding regions at 32.0%. Housing costs consumed 18.4% of income. Despite this, disposable income placed Perth at the 59th percentile nationally, with the area's SEIFA income ranking in the 8th decile.

Perth features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Perth's latest Census showed 8.7% houses and 91.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Perth metro had 37.1% houses and 62.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Perth was 12.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 20.8% and rented ones at 66.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, below Perth metro's $2,167. Median weekly rent was $400, compared to Perth metro's $390. Nationally, Perth's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,863 and rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 45.3% of all households, including 9.9% that are couples with children, 30.1% that are couples without children, and 4.0% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 54.7%, with lone person households at 44.2% and group households comprising 10.5%. The median household size is 1.8 people, which is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.1.

Perth demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Perth's residents aged 15 and above have a higher educational attainment than broader benchmarks. Specifically, 53.9% of Perth residents hold university qualifications compared to 27.9% in Western Australia (WA) and 30.1% in the Greater Perth area. This significant educational advantage positions Perth strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 35.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 14.7% and graduate diplomas at 3.4%.

Trade and technical skills are also prominent, with 25.9% of residents holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 12.0% and certificates at 13.9%. Educational participation is notably high in Perth, with 33.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 15.9% in tertiary education, 3.7% in primary education, and 2.1% pursuing secondary education. As of a certain date (exact date not specified), Perth's three schools had a combined enrollment reaching 2,434 students. The area demonstrates significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement, with an Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage (ICSEA) score of 1125. Educational provision in Perth follows conventional lines, split between one primary and two secondary institutions.

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

Perth has 204 active public transport stops. These include ferry, train, and bus services. There are 162 individual routes operating weekly, providing a total of 41,153 passenger trips.

Residents have excellent accessibility to these stops, with an average distance of 133 meters to the nearest one. On average, there are 5,879 trips per day across all routes, which amounts to approximately 201 weekly trips per individual stop.

Perth's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Perth's health outcomes show excellent results across all age groups, with very low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 60% (10,142 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Perth's 69.8%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 9.3% and 6.2% of residents respectively. 78.7% report being completely clear of medical ailments, higher than Greater Perth's 74.5%. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 9.1% (1,541 people), compared to Greater Perth's 15.1%. Seniors' health outcomes align with the general population's profile.

Perth is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Perth's cultural diversity is notable, with 39.7% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 56.4% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Perth, accounting for 30.6% of people. While Judaism comprises only 0.4% of Perth's population, this is higher than the regional average of 0.6%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (20.5%), Other (16.4%), and Australian (12.9%), which is lower than the regional average of 18.0%. Some ethnic groups show notable differences in representation: French (1.1% vs regional 0.8%), Spanish (0.9% vs regional 0.6%), and Korean (1.2% vs regional 0.6%).

Perth's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

Perth's median age is 33, which is younger than Greater Perth's figure of 37 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, Perth has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (35.2%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (3.5%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national figure of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has increased from 1.9% to 2.7%, while the proportion of those aged 15 to 24 has decreased from 14.2% to 13.4%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for Perth. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 21%, adding 1,232 residents to reach a total of 7,194. Meanwhile, the 5-14 age group is forecast to grow by a modest 5%, with an increase of 28 people.