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, the suburb of Perth's population is estimated at around 16,848 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 3,178 people (23.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,670 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 16,721 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 507 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,702 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Perth's 23.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%), 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 expected to grow by 4,680 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 25.9% 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

Perth has recorded approximately 116 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 581 homes. As of FY-26, 40 approvals have been recorded. On average, each home built accommodates around five new residents annually between FY-21 and FY-25. This demand outpaces supply, potentially driving up prices and intensifying competition among buyers.

The average construction value of new homes is $685,000, indicating a focus on the premium market. In FY-26, commercial approvals amount to $264.3 million, suggesting strong local business investment. Perth's construction activity per person aligns with Greater Perth, supporting market stability. Recent developments comprise 3.0% standalone homes and 97.0% townhouses or apartments, promoting affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

With around 136 people per dwelling approval, Perth exhibits growth area characteristics. By 2041, Perth is projected to add 4,369 residents (AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Development keeps pace with projected growth, though increasing competition may arise as the population expands.

Perth has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Area infrastructure significantly impacts local performance. AreaSearch identified 81 projects potentially affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Perth City Link Redevelopment, Edith Cowan University City Campus, Aboriginal Cultural Centre, and Perth Cultural Centre Rejuvenation. The following details projects likely most relevant.

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 professional services showing strong representation. The unemployment rate was 7.5% as of September 2025, based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. At this time, 11,411 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 3.5% higher than Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in the area was 77.8%, compared to Greater Perth's 71.6%. According to Census responses, only 9.0% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. 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.

Conversely, 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. In the 12-month period prior to September 2025, labour force decreased by 2.5% alongside a 4.7% employment decline, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 2.2 percentage points in the area. This contrasts with Greater Perth where employment rose by 2.9%, the labour force grew by 3.0%, and unemployment rose marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, the suburb of Perth had a median income among taxpayers of $56,919. The average income stood at $82,351. This is among the highest in Australia when compared to levels of $60,748 and $80,248 across Greater Perth respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $62,395 (median) and $90,273 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, individual earnings stand out at the 87th percentile nationally with weekly earnings of $1,139. The data shows that 36.2% of the population (6,098 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, which mirrors the surrounding region where 32.0% occupy this bracket. High housing costs consume 18.4% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 59th percentile nationally. 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

Perth's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 8.7% houses and 91.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Perth metro's figures of 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Perth stood at 12.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 20.8% and rented ones at 66.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, higher than the Perth metro average of $1,907. Median weekly rent was $400, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Perth's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents surpassed 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 constitute 45.3% of all households, including 9.9% couples with children, 30.1% couples without children, and 4.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for 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 2.6.

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

Perth's residents aged 15 and above have a higher educational attainment than broader benchmarks. 53.9% hold university qualifications, compared to 27.9% in Western Australia (WA) and 30.1% in Greater Perth. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 35.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 14.7% and graduate diplomas at 3.4%. Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 25.9% of residents holding them - advanced diplomas at 12.0% and certificates at 13.9%.

Educational participation is high, with 33.3% 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

Perth has 211 active public transport stops offering a mix of ferry, train, and bus services. These stops are served by 176 routes, facilitating 43,234 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is high, with residents typically living 132 meters from the nearest stop. In this residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 42%, followed by walking at 24% and buses at 17%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 0.4, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 9.0% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. On average, there are 6,176 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 204 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centerpoint.

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 based on AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were very low across all age groups. Approximately 60% of the total population (10,090 people) had private health cover, which is exceptionally high. The most common medical conditions in the area were mental health issues affecting 9.3% of residents and asthma impacting 6.2%. A significant majority, 78.7%, reported being completely clear of medical ailments compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. Working-age residents had low chronic condition prevalence. The area had 9.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,651 people), lower than the 16.3% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors were particularly strong, with national rankings 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's population has a high cultural diversity, with 39.7% speaking a language other than English at home and 56.4% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Perth, accounting for 30.6%. Judaism comprises 0.4%, slightly higher than the Greater Perth average of 0.3%.

In ancestry, English is 20.5%, Other is 16.4%, and Australian is 12.9%. Notably, French (1.1% vs regional 0.5%), Spanish (0.9% vs regional 0.4%), and Korean (1.2% vs regional 0.3%) are overrepresented in Perth.

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 (34.5%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (3.5%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national figure of 14.4%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of the population in the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 1.9% to 2.9%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 15 to 24 has decreased from 14.2% to 13.4%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 suggest substantial demographic changes in Perth. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to grow by 24%, adding 1,381 residents to reach a total of 7,194. Meanwhile, the 5 to 14 age cohort is expected to grow by a modest 5%, with an increase of just 28 people.