Riverton (WA)

Population growth drivers in Riverton are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Riverton's population is estimated at around 7,026 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 948 people (15.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,078 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 6,577 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 12 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,651 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Riverton's 15.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.7%), along with the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration.

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). Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for the Riverton (WA) statistical area (Lv2), with the area expected to expand by 899 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 6.5% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Riverton had around 41 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 205 homes were approved, with an additional 21 approved so far in FY-26. On average, each dwelling brought about 2.6 new residents per year over the past five financial years.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $610,000, indicating a focus on premium properties. This financial year has seen $1.8 million in commercial development approvals, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Perth, Riverton has slightly more development, with 27.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years.

However, construction activity has recently eased. New building activity comprises 97.0% detached houses and 3.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving Riverton's suburban nature. With around 271 people per dwelling approval, Riverton indicates a developing market. Population forecasts suggest Riverton will gain 459 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Riverton has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 45thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified three projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Willetton Youth Centre Renovation, Southlands Boulevarde Shopping Centre Redevelopment, Wilson Riverfront Masterplan (Canning River Precinct Redevelopment), and Kent Street Weir Precinct Redevelopment. The following list provides details on those most likely to be relevant.

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

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The exceptional employment performance in Riverton places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Riverton has a highly educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 1.4%, with an estimated employment growth of 2.5% over the past year, according to AreaSearch data aggregation.

As of September 2025, 3,551 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.6%, below Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services, notably so in education & training which is at 1.2 times the regional average. Construction employment is limited at 7.6% compared to the regional average of 9.3%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 2.5%, labour force grew by 2.2%, and unemployment decreased by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Perth where employment rose by 2.9% and unemployment marginally increased. State-level data to 25-November shows WA employment contracted by 0.27%, with an unemployment rate of 4.6%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Riverton's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Riverton had a high national income level according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers was $51,379 and the average income stood at $75,768. These figures compared to Greater Perth's median income of $60,748 and average income of $80,248 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $56,322 for median income and $83,057 for average income as of September 2025. Census data revealed household income ranked at the 59th percentile with a weekly income of $1,906, while personal income sat at the 39th percentile. Income brackets indicated that the largest segment comprised 30.5% earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, with 2,142 residents in this category. This was consistent with broader trends across the broader area showing 32.0% in the same income bracket. After housing expenses, 85.8% of income remained for other expenses. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 7th decile.

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

Riverton's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.6% houses and 11.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Perth metro, on the other hand, had 78.4% houses and 21.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Riverton was higher at 37.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.1% and rented ones at 26.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Riverton was $2,000, surpassing Perth metro's average of $1,820. The median weekly rent in Riverton was $400, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Riverton's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 77.8% of all households, including 45.6% couples with children, 20.4% couples without children, and 10.7% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 22.2%, with lone person households at 20.0% and group households accounting for 2.3%. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.7.

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

Riverton's educational attainment exceeds broader standards, with 43.4% of residents aged 15+ possessing university qualifications, compared to WA's 27.9% and the SA4 region's 29.9%. This notable advantage positions Riverton favourably for knowledge-based prospects. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 27.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational pathways account for 24.4% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 10.2% and certificates at 14.2%.

Educational participation is notably high, with 34.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 11.3% in secondary, 11.0% in primary, and 7.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Riverton's public transport analysis shows 24 operational stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by 12 routes, collectively facilitating 1,680 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents averaging a distance of 184 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 240 trips daily across all routes, translating to approximately 70 weekly trips per individual stop.

Riverton's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Riverton's health outcomes show excellent results across all age groups, with very low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is high at approximately 57% of the total population (around 4,024 people), compared to 52.4% in Greater Perth.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 6.0% and 5.0% of residents respectively. 77.8% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 76.0% in Greater Perth. Riverton has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 17.6% (1,236 people), compared to 15.9% in Greater Perth. Senior health outcomes align with the general population's health profile.

Riverton is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Riverton's population is culturally diverse, with 49.1% speaking a language other than English at home and 54.2% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Riverton at 41.0%. Buddhism stands out at 9.4%, higher than Greater Perth's average of 6.7%.

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (19.7%), English (18.9%), and Other (16.8%). Korean (2.3%) and Sri Lankan (1.5%) groups are notably overrepresented compared to regional averages of 1.2% and 0.7%, respectively. Indian ancestry is also higher than average at 7.9%.

Riverton's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Riverton is 39 years, which is higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 years, and close to the national average of 38 years. The 5-14 cohort is over-represented in Riverton at 16.0%, compared to Greater Perth's average, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 8.6%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 14.0% to 14.9%, and the 0 to 4 cohort has declined from 4.7% to 3.9%. By 2041, Riverton's population is forecasted to experience significant demographic changes. The 75 to 84 age group is expected to grow by 46%, adding 210 people and reaching a total of 667 from the current 456. Residents aged 65 and older are anticipated to represent 59% of the population growth, while the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to decline in population.