Ridgewood (WA)

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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Ridgewood (WA) is around 5,054. This reflects an increase of 431 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,623 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 5,051 following examination of ABS data released in June 2024 and validation of an additional 41 new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 2,591 persons per square kilometer, placing Ridgewood (WA) in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate of 9.3% since census is within 0.6 percentage points of the national average of 9.9%. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 67.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and uses ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data to estimate growth post-2032. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to grow by 791 persons to reach a total population of around 5,845 by 2041, reflecting an overall gain of 15.4% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis shows Ridgewood had approximately 5 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 29 homes were approved, with another 3 in FY-26.

This results in about 10.2 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years. However, supply is lagging demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $323,000. Compared to Greater Perth, Ridgewood has significantly less development activity, 89.0% below regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints.

Recent building activity consists entirely of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character focused on family homes. With around 1429 people per dwelling approval, Ridgewood reflects a highly mature market. Population forecasts indicate Ridgewood will gain 781 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Ridgewood has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 44thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. Four projects identified by AreaSearch may impact this region: Brighton Estate Master Planned Community, Butler District Planning Scheme Amendment No. 212, Butler Village Medical Centre, and East Butler Primary School. The following details the most relevant ones.

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's workforce comprises a mix of white and blue-collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominent. The unemployment rate is 6.1%, reflecting an estimated employment growth of 4.7% over the past year, according to AreaSearch data aggregation. As of September 2025, Ridgewood has 2,655 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 2.2% higher than Greater Perth's 4%.

Workforce participation is lower at 69.1%, compared to Greater Perth's 71.6%. Home-based workers account for a low 6.6%. Dominant sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction employment is notably high, at 1.3 times the regional average.

Conversely, professional & technical services employ just 4.7% of local workers, below Greater Perth's 8.2%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by resident population vs working population counts. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, Ridgewood saw employment increase by 4.7%, with labour force growth at 3.8%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.8 percentage points. Greater Perth recorded lower employment growth (2.9%) but slightly higher labour force growth (3%). Jobs and Skills Australia's May-25 forecasts project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Ridgewood's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though these are illustrative extrapolations based on weighted averages and do not account for local population projections.

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

The median taxpayer income in Ridgewood is $55,267, with an average of $69,397, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data for the financial year 2023. This is slightly above the national average, contrasting with Greater Perth's median income of $60,748 and average income of $80,248. Based on a 9.62% increase from the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, current estimates project approximately $60,584 for the median and $76,073 for the average as of September 2025. Census data from 2021 ranks Ridgewood's household, family, and personal incomes modestly, between the 31st and 38th percentiles. Income analysis shows that 32.7% of Ridgewood residents earn between $1,500 - 2,999 (1,652 individuals), which is similar to the broader area's pattern where 32.0% fall within this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Ridgewood, with only 78.9% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 33rd percentile.

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

Ridgewood's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.5% houses and 4.4% 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 Ridgewood stood at 15.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 55.8% and rented ones at 28.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,760, lower than Perth metro's average of $1,907. Weekly rent median in Ridgewood was $350, matching Perth metro's figure. Nationally, Ridgewood's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 77.5% of all households, including 34.7% couples with children, 27.0% couples without children, and 14.5% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 22.5%, with lone person households at 21.4% and group households comprising 1.3%. The median household size is 2.7 people, 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

The area's university qualification rate is 14.8%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This discrepancy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 42.3% of residents aged 15 and above holding them - advanced diplomas account for 12.5% and certificates for 29.8%.

Educational participation is high, with 32.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.3% in primary education, 10.4% in secondary education, and 4.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Ridgewood has 19 operational public transport stops, all serving bus routes. These provide a total of 278 weekly passenger trips. The average distance to the nearest stop is 205 meters. Most residents commute outward daily. Cars are the primary mode of transport, used by 81% of residents, while 11% use trains. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per household.

Only 6.6% of residents work from home (as per the 2021 Census). The service frequency averages 39 trips per day across all routes, translating to about 14 weekly trips per stop.

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

Ridgewood faces significant health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 55% of the total population (around 2767 people), compared to 59.0% across Greater Perth. Mental health issues affect 8.9% of residents, while arthritis impacts 8.1%. About 67.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 71.9% in Greater Perth. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. Ridgewood has 18.3% of residents aged 65 and over (924 people), higher than the 16.3% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general 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

Ridgewood's cultural diversity was significant, with 14.1% speaking a language other than English at home and 41.2% born overseas. Christianity dominated Ridgewood's religious landscape at 45.6%. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented in Ridgewood at 0.1%, compared to Greater Perth's 0.3%.

Regarding ancestry, the top three groups were English (34.5%), Australian (22.4%), and Other (11.2%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: South African (1.9% vs regional 1.0%), Welsh (1.0% vs 0.7%), and Maori (2.0% vs 0.9%) were overrepresented in Ridgewood.

Ridgewood's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Ridgewood's median age is 37, matching Greater Perth's figure and closely resembling Australia's median age of 38. The 75-84 age group comprises 8.1% of Ridgewood's population compared to Greater Perth's figure, while the 25-34 cohort constitutes 12.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 55-64 age group has increased from 9.2% to 11.4%, and the 65-74 group has risen from 7.0% to 8.3%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 14.8% to 13.1%, and the 45-54 group has fallen from 13.1% to 11.5%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Ridgewood's age structure. Notably, the 75-84 group is projected to grow by 69% (280 people), reaching a total of 690 from its current figure of 409. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 62% of the projected growth. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 5-14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.