Riverton (WA)

Population growth drivers in Riverton are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Riverton's (WA) estimated population, as of November 2025, is around 6,762, reflecting a 11.3% increase since the 2021 Census which reported 6,078 people. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 6,651 in June 2024, based on ABS ERP data and validated new addresses since the Census date. The suburb's population density is 2,551 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. Riverton's growth exceeded the national average of 8.9%, making it a regional growth leader. Overseas migration primarily drove this growth. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a 2022 base year, and ABS Greater Capital Region projections from 2023 based on 2022 data for areas not covered by the former.

Projected demographic shifts indicate above median growth, with Riverton expected to expand by 926 persons to 2041, reflecting a total gain of 11.1% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Riverton among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Riverton shows around 44 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, approximately 223 homes were approved, with a further 14 approved so far in FY26. On average, each dwelling has added 2.4 new residents per year over these five years, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $610,000, reflecting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. This financial year, $2.0 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting minimal commercial development activity compared to residential. Compared to Greater Perth, Riverton has seen slightly more development, at 37.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years.

This preserves reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand, although construction activity has eased recently. New building activity consists of 95.0% detached houses and 5.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving Riverton's suburban nature with a focus on detached housing that attracts space-seeking buyers. With around 183 people per dwelling approval, Riverton exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Riverton is forecasted to gain approximately 750 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

Riverton has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of three projects that are likely to impact the area. These key projects include the 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 details those projects most relevant to the area.

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.

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

Riverton has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 1.3% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.4%.

As of June 2025, 3,589 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.5%, below Greater Perth's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Key sectors for Riverton residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Notably, employment in education & training is at 1.2 times the regional average, while construction has limited presence at 7.6% compared to the regional average of 9.3%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in Sep-22, employment increased by 3.4%, and labour force grew by 3.1%, reducing unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth saw employment rise by 3.7% and the labour force grow by 3.8%, with a slight increase in unemployment of 0.1 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national growth rates of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Riverton's employment mix, local employment is estimated to increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

Riverton's median income among taxpayers was $51,379 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $75,768 during the same period. These figures compare to Greater Perth's median and average incomes of $58,380 and $78,020 respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Riverton would be approximately $58,675 (median) and $86,527 (average) as of September 2025. According to census data, household income ranks at the 59th percentile ($1,906 weekly), while personal income sits at the 39th percentile. The largest income bracket comprises 30.5% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (2,062 residents). After housing costs, 85.8% of income remains for other expenses. Riverton's SEIFA income ranking places 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), compared to Perth metro's 78.4% houses and 21.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Riverton stood at 37.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.1% and rented ones at 26.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, higher than 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 account for the remaining 22.2%, with lone person households at 20.0% and group households comprising 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 is notably high, with 43.4% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications, surpassing both WA's 27.9% and the SA4 region's 29.9%. 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%, with advanced diplomas at 10.2% and certificates at 14.2%. Educational participation is high, with 34.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 11.3% in secondary education, 11.0% in primary education, and 7.6% pursuing tertiary education. Riverton's 3 schools have a combined enrollment reaching 918 students as of the latest data. The area demonstrates significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement, with an ICSEA score of 1110. The 3 schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas.

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

Riverton has 25 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops are served by a mix of buses operating along 11 individual routes. The total number of weekly passenger trips facilitated by these routes is 1,518.

Residential accessibility to public transport in Riverton is rated excellent, with residents typically located 184 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 216 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 60 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 data shows excellent results across all age groups, with very low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 57% (~3873 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Perth's 52.2%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (6.0%) and mental health issues (5.0%). A total of 77.8% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, slightly higher than Greater Perth's 76.0%. Riverton has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 17.5% (1183 people), compared to Greater Perth's 15.9%. Senior health outcomes align closely with the general population's 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 comprises 49.1% who speak a language other than English at home, with 54.2% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 41.0%. Buddhism is more prevalent in Riverton at 9.4%, compared to Greater Perth's 6.7%.

The top three ancestral groups are Chinese (19.7%), English (18.9%), and Other (16.8%). Korean, Sri Lankan, and Indian ethnicities show notable overrepresentation: Korean at 2.3% vs regional 1.2%, Sri Lankan at 1.5% vs 0.7%, and Indian at 7.9% vs 6.5%.

Riverton's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Riverton is 39 years, which is higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 years and close to Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, the percentage of people aged 5-14 in Riverton is notably higher at 16.0%, while those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 8.6%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the proportion of people aged 15 to 24 has increased from 14.0% to 14.9%, while the percentage of those aged 0 to 4 has decreased from 4.7% to 3.9%. By 2041, Riverton's population is forecasted to experience substantial demographic changes. The number of people aged 75 to 84 is expected to grow by 52%, reaching 668 from 439. Residents aged 65 and older are anticipated to represent 54% of the population growth, while the cohorts aged 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 are expected to experience population declines.