Port Denison

Port Denison is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of November 2025, the estimated population of Port Denison is around 1,562. This reflects an increase of 110 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,452. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,539, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 8 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 106 persons per square kilometer. Port Denison's growth of 7.6% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth of 7.5%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 85.0% 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). Future population trends indicate a median increase for non-metropolitan areas nationally. The suburb is expected to grow by 186 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 9.9% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis indicates that Port Denison has received approximately four residential property approvals annually. Between financial years 2021 and 2025, around twenty homes were approved, with two more granted in the current financial year of 2026.

On average, about five new residents arrive per dwelling constructed annually over these past five years. This supply lagging demand suggests heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures, with new dwellings valued at an average of $466,000 upon construction. Compared to the rest of Western Australia, Port Denison exhibits approximately 63% of the construction activity per person, placing it in the 67th percentile nationally. However, building activity has increased recently, reflecting the area's maturity and potential planning constraints.

All new constructions have been standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character and appealing to families seeking space. This trend favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest (80% at Census), indicating robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. With around 204 people per dwelling approval, Port Denison exhibits characteristics of a growth area. Future projections estimate an addition of 155 residents by 2041, with development keeping pace with projected growth, although buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

Port Denison has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 21stth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects that could impact this region. Notable projects include the 2 & 4 Brady Road Mixed-Use Development, Hidden Valley Estate, The Retreat Estate, and Moreton Bay Estate. 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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Employment performance in Port Denison exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Port Denison has a balanced workforce comprising both white and blue collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors well-represented. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 2.2%.

The area's unemployment rate is 0.9% lower than Rest of WA's rate of 3.2%, but workforce participation is significantly lower at 43.0% compared to Rest of WA's 59.4%. Key employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, mining, and retail trade. Notably, agriculture, forestry & fishing has an employment level 1.4 times the regional average. Public administration & safety has a limited presence with 3.4% employment compared to the regional average of 5.9%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between Jun-24 and Jul-25, labour force decreased by 2.3%, while employment declined by 2.4%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 2.2%. In contrast, Rest of WA saw employment rise by 1.1% and unemployment fall by 0.6 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project a 6.6% increase in national employment over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Port Denison's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.3% over five years and 11.7% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not account for localised population projections.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Port Denison's median income among taxpayers was $48,860, with an average of $69,547. This is higher than the national average. In comparison, Rest of WA had a median income of $57,323 and an average of $71,163. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Port Denison would be approximately $55,798 (median) and $79,423 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Port Denison all fall between the 4th and 13th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 30.9% of locals (482 people) predominantly earn between $400 - $799, unlike the region where the $1,500 - $2,999 category is predominant at 31.1%. Economic circumstances reflect widespread financial pressure, with 42.0% of households operating within modest weekly budgets below $800. After housing expenses, 85.6% of income remains, ranking at only the 6th percentile nationally.

Port Denison is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Port Denison, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 9 August 2016, comprised 80.0% houses and 20.0% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro WA's dwelling structure of 87.5% houses and 12.5% other dwellings. The level of home ownership within Port Denison was 49.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged at 20.6% or rented at 30.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area, as of the latest data available from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, was $1,517, aligning with the Non-Metro WA average. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure for Port Denison was recorded at $250, compared to Non-Metro WA's $375. Nationally, Port Denison's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, as per ABS data from June 2021. Similarly, rents in Port Denison were substantially below the national figure of $375 for the same period.

Port Denison features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 61.3% of all households, including 16.1% couples with children, 34.6% couples without children, and 9.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 38.7%, with lone person households at 36.9% and group households comprising 2.6% of the total. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Rest of WA average of 2.4.

The educational profile of Port Denison exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 11.7%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.5%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.1%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.1%). Vocational credentials are held by 42.1% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 10.1% and certificates at 32.0%. Educational participation is high, with 27.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.3% in primary, 9.5% in secondary, and 1.5% in tertiary education. Schools appear to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

Port Denison has two active public transport stops, both serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are serviced by two distinct routes that collectively offer five weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is limited, with residents typically residing 823 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are no daily trips across all routes, resulting in approximately two weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Port Denison is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant challenges for Port Denison with high prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups.

The rate of private health cover is notably high at approximately 55%, covering about 856 people. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis, affecting 11.7% of residents, and diabetes, impacting 7.2%. A total of 62.2% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 66.8% in the rest of WA. Port Denison has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 37.4%, or 584 people, than the state average of 18.3%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are strong, performing better than the general population in various health metrics.

Port Denison is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Port Denison, as per the census conducted on 28 August 2016, exhibited a low level of cultural diversity. The population was predominantly Australian citizens, with 83.3% holding citizenship, and born in Australia, with 85.3% indicating this as their birthplace. English was spoken exclusively at home by 97.2%.

Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 46.0%, compared to 49.9% across Western Australia excluding Perth (Rest of WA). The primary ancestry groups were English (33.5%), Australian (32.9%), and Irish (8.3%). Notably, Maori (1.0%) and Polish (0.9%) populations were higher than the regional averages of 0.7% and 0.4%, respectively. Similarly, New Zealand-born residents made up 0.9% compared to the regional average of 0.6%.

Port Denison ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Port Denison's median age is 56, significantly higher than Rest of WA's figure of 40 and the national norm of 38. Compared to Rest of WA, Port Denison has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (21.0%), but fewer residents aged 5-14 (6.9%). This 65-74 concentration is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 15 to 24 has grown from 7.1% to 9.3%, while the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 9.5% to 6.9%. Additionally, the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 11.7% to 10.2%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Port Denison's age structure. Notably, the 25 to 34 age group is expected to grow by 70%, reaching a population of 196 from the current 115. Conversely, the 5 to 14 and 75 to 84 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.