Ridgewood (WA)

An assessment of population growth drivers in Ridgewood reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

The suburb of Ridgewood (WA) currently holds an estimated population of 5,176 as of May 2026, according to findings from ABS population updates and address validations conducted by AreaSearch. This figure represents a rise of 553 individuals, which corresponds to a 12.0% increase compared to the 2021 Census count of 4,623 people. The adjustment is derived from a resident population of 5,173 determined by AreaSearch after reviewing the most recent ERP data released by the ABS in June 2025, plus 42 newly confirmed addresses recorded since the census date. At this level, the area achieves a density of 2,654 persons per square kilometer, positioning it within the top quarter of national locations evaluated by AreaSearch. The suburb's 12.0% expansion since the 2021 census surpassed the national average of 9.3%, identifying it as a leading growth area in the region. Recent population increases have been largely attributed to overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 67.0% of the total gains observed in recent years.

Projections established by the ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024 (using 2022 as the base reference) have been adopted for SA2 boundaries, supplemented by age-cohort growth percentages from the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections to model missing areas and post-2032 trends. Future outlooks suggest the suburb of Ridgewood (WA) will experience expansion that exceeds the median rate for Australian statistical divisions. Cumulative SA2 modeling points to an increase of 732 residents by 2041, representing a total rise of 14.1% over the 16 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Ridgewood according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Analysis of statistical area building approvals indicates that Ridgewood averages approximately 8 new residential approvals annually, with an estimated cumulative total of 43 dwellings authorized over the preceding 5 financial years. Thus far in FY-26, 9 approvals have been logged. With an average influx of 8 new residents per completed dwelling between FY-21 and FY-25, demand is running ahead of new supply, which typically intensifies buyer competition and exerts upward pressure on home values. Approved residential projects carry an average building cost of $323,000.

Compared against the wider Greater Perth metropolitan area, local construction activity is minimal, tracking 84.0% below the per capita regional average. This constrained pipeline of new stock generally acts as a supportive factor for the valuation and demand of pre-existing homes. The volume of building is similarly subdued on a national scale, reflecting a fully established market footprint and suggesting potential limits on vacant land. Additionally, recent development permits consist entirely of single-family detached homes, preserving the neighborhood's established low-density landscape tailored to households requiring extra room. With a ratio of roughly 932 people for every single dwelling approved, the local market exhibits a high level of maturity.

Looking forward, projections estimate the local population will grow by 729 residents by 2041 relative to the most recent quarterly calculation. Under current construction trajectories, the volume of new housing may not keep pace with population growth, which could increase competition among purchasers and support upward movements in property values.

Ridgewood has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 42ndth percentile nationally

Local performance is highly sensitive to changes in planning policies, public works, and construction developments. A search has identified 4 key projects likely to influence the local area, including the Brighton Estate Master Planned Community, the Butler District Planning Scheme Amendment No. 212, the Butler Village Medical Centre, and the East Butler Primary School, with further details provided on those of highest relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Ridgewood recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Ridgewood displays a workforce that includes both white and blue collar jobs, with manufacturing and industry playing significant roles, an unemployment rate of 7.3%, and an estimated employment growth of 3.0% over the previous year, according to AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. By March 2026, 2,715 residents are employed while the unemployment rate sits at 4.2%, which is 3.1% higher than the rate in Greater Perth, indicating potential for improvement, and workforce participation remains close to Greater Perth's 70.2%. According to Census responses, only 6.6% of residents worked from home, although the effects of Covid-19 lockdowns should be taken into account.

The primary sectors employing local residents are healthcare and social assistance, construction, and retail. The concentration of workers in construction is particularly pronounced, registering at 1.3 times the metropolitan average. Conversely, professional and technical services account for only 4.7% of the workforce, which is lower than the Greater Perth rate of 8.2%. The high ratio of resident workers to local jobs suggests that this predominantly residential district provides few employment options within its own boundaries.

Based on localized breakdowns of SALM and ABS statistics, the prior 12-month window experienced a 3.0% rise in employed persons alongside a 4.3% expansion of the labor pool, leading to a 1.1 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate. Over the same timeframe, Greater Perth saw jobs grow by 2.0% and its labor force expand by 2.5%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. National employment projections released in May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia provide further context regarding future labor demand. These five and ten-year forecasts, when aligned with the local industry profile, suggest that employment for local residents should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though these figures represent a simple weighted translation of national industry trends and do not adjust for local population growth.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

Postcode-level taxation data compiled for the 2023 financial year indicates a median taxpayer income of $55,267 and an average of $69,397. This represents a position slightly above the national average, though it sits below the Greater Perth median of $60,748 and average of $80,248. Adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since the 2023 financial year, current figures are estimated at approximately $61,308 for the median and $76,982 for the average as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census places local personal, family, and household incomes in a modest bracket, ranking between the 31st and 38th percentiles. The weekly earnings band of $1,500 - 2,999 contains 32.7% of local taxpayers (representing 1,692 individuals), matching the broader regional pattern where 32.0% of tax filers occupy this range. Financial pressure from housing costs is pronounced, with only 78.9% of income remaining after mortgage or rent payments, placing the area in the 33rd percentile for affordability.

Ridgewood is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

According to the latest Census, the housing mix consists of 95.5% separate houses and 4.4% alternative dwelling types like semi-detached residences, townhouses, and apartments, compared to the Perth metropolitan division where separate houses make up 77.8% and other options comprise 22.1%. Home ownership rates trail the metropolitan benchmark at 15.4%, with the remaining properties occupied by residents holding a mortgage (55.8%) or renting (28.7%). The median monthly home loan payment was lower than the metropolitan average at $1,760, while the median weekly rent was equal to the metropolitan figure at $350, compared to Perth's benchmarks of $1,907 for mortgages and $350 for rent. Nationally, local mortgage commitments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and average rents also track below the national figure of $375.

Ridgewood features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family units constitute the vast majority of households at 77.5%, consisting of couples with children at 34.7%, couples without children at 27.0%, and single-parent households at 14.5%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 22.5%, with single-person households representing 21.4% and group shared households making up 1.3%. The median household size of 2.7 residents is slightly larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Ridgewood shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational profiles indicate challenges, with university completion rates standing at 14.8%, which is below the national average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher education qualification at 10.6%, with postgraduate degrees and graduate diplomas each held by 2.1% of the population. Vocational and trade qualifications are common, with 42.3% of residents aged 15 and over possessing vocational certificates, consisting of advanced diplomas at 12.5% and certificates at 29.8%.

Enrolment rates in study programs are high, with 32.3% of the population actively participating in academic courses. This student cohort includes 11.3% in primary schools, 10.4% in high schools, and 4.3% enrolled in tertiary institutions.

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

Analysis of public transit options indicates 19 bus stops are located within the neighborhood boundary, serviced by 1 distinct transit route which provides a combined total of 278 passenger journeys each week. Local access to transit is favorable, with an average distance of 205 meters to the nearest transit stop. Given the residential nature of the suburb, the majority of working residents commute to other districts, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode of travel at 81%, followed by train travel at 11%. Private vehicle ownership levels average 1.4 cars per home. A modest proportion of the working population, at 6.6%, worked from home during the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-era travel guidelines.

Transit services average 39 scheduled runs per day across all local routes, which translates to approximately 14 journeys per week for each transit stop.

Health performance in Ridgewood is lower than average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Mortality and chronic disease data indicate notable health concerns, with common ailments observed across both younger and older demographics. The rate of private health insurance coverage is high, encompassing approximately 55% of the local population (~2,833 people), compared to a coverage rate of 59.0% across the Greater Perth region.

Mental health challenges and arthritis are the most prevalent diagnosed conditions, affecting 8.9% and 8.1% of residents respectively. Conversely, 67.6% of the population reported no chronic health issues, compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. Residents of working age display a higher than average rate of chronic illnesses. The demographic segment aged 65 and over comprises 18.7% of the community (967 people), exceeding the Greater Perth proportion of 16.1%. Health challenges among older residents exist, with national health standings generally matching the trends of the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Ridgewood was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

The local area displays higher levels of cultural diversity than most benchmarked markets, with 14.1% of residents speaking a non-English language at home and 41.2% of the population born outside of Australia. Christianity is the dominant religious affiliation, representing 45.6% of the community. In terms of relative concentration, the Jewish faith exhibits the most distinct local divergence, accounting for 0.1% of residents compared to 0.3% across Greater Perth.

English ancestry is the most common parental origin, declared by 34.5% of the population, which is higher than the regional average of 28.0%. This is followed by Australian ancestry at 22.4%, and other ancestral backgrounds at 11.2%. Variations in ancestral representation include South Australian origins at 1.9% (compared to 1.0% regionally), Welsh ancestry at 1.0% (compared to 0.7%), and Maori heritage at 2.0% (compared to 0.9%).

Ridgewood's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age of residents is 37, matching the Greater Perth average of 37 and close to the Australian median of 38 years. The cohort aged 75 to 84 is highly represented at 8.4% compared to Greater Perth, while the 25 to 34 age bracket is less common at 13.2%. Since 2021, the 55 to 64 group has increased its share of the population from 9.2% to 11.4%, and the 65 to 74 group rose from 7.0% to 8.2%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 group declined from 14.8% to 12.9%, and the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 13.1% to 11.8%. Projections out to 2041 indicate shifts in the local age profile, led by a 67% increase in the 75 to 84 cohort (representing 293 people), growing from 434 to 728. The trend toward an older demographic is clear, with residents aged 65 and over accounting for 64% of the projected population growth, while the cohorts aged 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 are expected to decrease in size.