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 Nov 2025, the population of the Ridgewood (WA) statistical area (Lv2) is estimated at around 5,053 people. This figure reflects an increase of 430 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,623. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population as 5,051 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, combined with an additional 40 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to 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 area's 9.3% growth since the census is within 0.4 percentage points of the national average (9.7%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 67.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth for the area.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate post-2032 growth, 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). With these demographic trends, an above median population growth is projected for the area. By 2041, the Ridgewood (WA) (SA2) is expected to grow by 795 persons, reflecting a total gain of 15.6% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval data shows Ridgewood has averaged around 5 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 29 homes were approved, with 3 more approved in FY-26 to date.

Each year, an estimated 10.2 new residents arrive per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years. This supply-demand imbalance may lead to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures, with new homes being built at an average construction cost of $323,000. Compared to Greater Perth, Ridgewood has significantly less development activity, 89.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. Nationally, Ridgewood's development level is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints.

Recent building activity consists solely of detached dwellings, maintaining Ridgewood'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 approximately 786 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 46thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects likely to 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 list details those 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 analysis reveals Ridgewood recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Ridgewood's workforce comprises an equal mix of white and blue-collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent, with an unemployment rate of 6.1% as of the past year.

Employment growth was estimated at 4.8%. As of September 2025, 2,668 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 6.3%, 2.2% higher than Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation stood at 61.3%, below Greater Perth's 65.2%. Dominant employment sectors included health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Construction employed 1.3 times the regional average. Professional & technical services employed only 4.7% of local workers, compared to Greater Perth's 8.2%. The area offered limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population with resident population. Between August 2024 and July 2025, Ridgewood's employment increased by 4.8%, while labour force grew by 4.0%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.8 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Perth saw employment growth of 2.9% and a marginal rise in unemployment. State-wide, WA employment contracted by 0.27% between November 2024 and November 2025, with an unemployment rate of 4.6%, slightly higher than the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Ridgewood's employment mix suggests local employment could grow by 6.2% in five years and 13.1% in ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

The suburb of Ridgewood had a median taxpayer income of $55,267 and an average income of $69,397 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for 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 Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $60,584 (median) and $76,073 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Ridgewood, between the 31st and 38th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 32.7% of the community (1,652 individuals) earn between $1,500 - 2,999, reflecting patterns seen in the broader area where 32.0% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, 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 housing structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.5% houses and 4.4% other dwellings. Perth metro had 92.2% houses and 7.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ridgewood was at 15.4%, with mortgaged properties at 55.8% and rented ones at 28.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,760, lower than Perth metro's $1,898 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Ridgewood was $350, equal to Perth metro's figure but less than the national average of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute 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, smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.8.

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 disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 10.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are held by 42.3% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 12.5% and certificates at 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 active public transport stops. These are served by buses only. There is 1 route operating weekly, providing a total of 278 passenger trips.

The average distance to the nearest stop for residents is 205 meters. On average, there are 39 trips daily across all routes, which translates to around 14 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Ridgewood is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a slightly higher degree among older age cohorts

Ridgewood faces significant health challenges.

Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across all age groups but slightly more so among older cohorts. Approximately 55% of Ridgewood's total population (~2766 people) has private health cover. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, affecting 8.9% and 8.1% of residents respectively. 67.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 73.0% across Greater Perth. Ridgewood has 17.8% of its residents aged 65 and over (899 people), which is higher than the 13.6% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges requiring more attention than those for 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

Ridgewood, surveyed in the period from January 2016 to June 2017, had a higher linguistic diversity than most local areas, with 14.1% of its residents speaking a language other than English at home. In terms of birthplace, 41.2% of Ridgewood's population was born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Ridgewood, accounting for 45.6% of the population.

However, Judaism, at 0.1%, was proportionally similar to Greater Perth. The top three ancestry groups were English (34.5%), Australian (22.4%), and Other (11.2%). Notable disparities existed in the representation of South African (1.9% vs regional 1.8%), Welsh (1.0% vs 0.9%), and Maori (2.0% vs 1.3%) ethnicities.

Ridgewood's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Ridgewood's median age is 36 years, nearly matching Greater Perth's average of 37 years, which is slightly below Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, Ridgewood has a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (7.9%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (12.9%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 55-64 has increased from 9.2% to 11.1%, while the 5-14 age group has decreased from 14.8% to 13.3%. Additionally, the 45-54 age group has dropped from 13.1% to 11.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Ridgewood's age profile. The 75-84 cohort is expected to grow by 74%, adding 294 residents to reach a total of 694. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 64% of population growth, indicating ongoing demographic aging trends. Conversely, the 0-4 and 5-14 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.