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, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census the suburb of Perth (WA)'s population is estimated at around 17,600 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 3,930 people (28.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,670 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 17,597, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 508 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,868 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, making land in the area a highly-sought resource. The suburb of Perth (WA)'s 28.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.3%), along with the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area 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, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is utilising the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). As we examine future population trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of national areas is forecast, with the suburb of Perth (WA) expected to grow by 4,266 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting with an increase of 24.2% in total over the 16 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Perth has averaged around 118 new dwelling approvals annually, with an estimated 591 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 39 so far in FY-26. At an average of 5.8 new residents per year for every home built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand significantly exceeds new supply, which usually results in price growth and increased buyer competition, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $683,000, showing that developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. There have also been $264.3 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity.

When measured against Greater Perth, Perth has similar development levels (per person), preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. Recent construction comprises 3.0% detached dwellings and 97.0% attached dwellings. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. The location has approximately 140 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

Population forecasts indicate Perth will gain 4,263 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Development is keeping reasonable pace with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects and planning initiatives. In total 82 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Perth City Link Redevelopment, 21 The Esplanade Mixed-Use Tower, Perth Cultural Centre Rejuvenation, and Aboriginal Cultural Centre, with the below list detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

Perth shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Perth possesses a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of 8.9%, and relative employment stability over the past year, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 11,668 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 4.7% above Greater Perth's rate of 4.2%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (77.3% compared to Greater Perth's 70.2%). Based on Census responses, a low 9.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include professional & technical, accommodation & food, and health care & social assistance. The area demonstrates particularly notable concentration in accommodation & food, with employment levels at 2.2 times the regional average. In contrast, construction employs just 5.1% of local workers, below Greater Perth's 9.3%. With 6.2 workers for every resident, as at the Census, the area functions as an employment hub, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, aggregated from broader statistical areas, over the 12 months to March 2026, employment increased by 0.4% while labour force increased by 2.8%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 2.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Perth, where employment rose by 2.0%, the labour force grew by 2.5%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Perth. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, 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 (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, the suburb of Perth's median income among taxpayers is $56,919, with an average of $82,351. This is among the highest in Australia, and compares to Greater Perth's median of $60,748 and average of $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $63,140 (median) and $91,352 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows individual earnings stand out at the 87th percentile nationally ($1,139 weekly). The data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 36.2% of residents (6,371 people), consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 32.0% in the same category. High housing costs consume 18.4% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 59th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it 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

Dwelling structure within Perth, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 8.7% houses and 91.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Perth metro's 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Perth was lagging that of Perth metro, at 12.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (20.8%) or rented (66.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Perth metro average at $1,950, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $400, compared to Perth metro's $1,907 and $350. Nationally, Perth's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are exceeding 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 dominate at 45.3% of all households, comprising 9.9% couples with children, 30.1% couples without children, and 4.0% 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% of the total. The median household size of 1.8 people is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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

Educational attainment in Perth significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 53.9% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 27.9% in WA and 30.1% in Greater Perth. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 35.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (14.7%) and graduate diplomas (3.4%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 25.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (12.0%) and certificates (13.9%).

Educational participation is notably high, 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.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 211 active transport stops operating within Perth comprising a mix of ferry, train and buses. These stops are serviced by 176 individual routes, collectively providing 43,234 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 132 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 42%, with 24% walking and 17% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 0.4 per dwelling, below the regional average. A relatively low 9.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 6,176 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 204 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

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

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Perth, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups , and the rate of private health cover found to be exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (10,540 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be mental health issues and asthma, impacting 9.3 and 6.2% of residents, respectively, while 78.7% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 8.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,548 people), which is lower than the 16.1% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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 scores quite highly on cultural diversity, with 39.7% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 56.4% born overseas. The main religion in Perth was found to be Christianity, which makes up 30.6% of people in Perth. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.4% of the population, compared to 0.3% across Greater Perth.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Perth are English, comprising 20.5% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 28.0%, Other, comprising 16.4% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 11.2%, and Australian, comprising 12.9% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 21.2%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: French is notably overrepresented at 1.1% of Perth (vs 0.5% regionally), Spanish at 0.9% (vs 0.4%) and Korean at 1.2% (vs 0.3%).

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

At 32 years, Perth's median age is materially younger than the Greater Perth average of 37 and also significantly lower than the 38-year national average. Relative to Greater Perth, Perth has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (37.5%) but fewer 5 - 14 year-olds (3.3%). This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.6%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 34.9% to 37.5% of the population. Conversely, the 15 to 24 cohort has declined from 14.2% to 12.4% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 9.9% to 8.7%. Demographic modeling suggests Perth's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 22%, adding 1,432 residents to reach 8,032. The 5 to 14 group displays more modest growth at 7%, adding only 39 residents.