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 since the Census, Riverton's population is estimated at around 7,036 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 958 people (15.8%) 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 Jun 2024 and an additional 14 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,655 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Riverton's growth of 15.8% since the 2021 census exceeded both the national average (9.9%) and state average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb 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, 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). Anticipating future population dynamics, an above median population growth is projected for Riverton, with the area expected to increase by 906 persons to reach a total of 7,942 by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 6.5% 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 averaged around 41 new dwelling approvals each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 205 homes. As of FY-26, 21 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years (FY-21 to FY-25), an average of 2.6 people moved to Riverton per new home constructed. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $610,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

This financial year has seen $1.8 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Perth, Riverton has had slightly more development activity over this period, at 27.0% above the regional average per person. However, development activity has moderated recently.

New development consists of 97.0% detached houses and 3.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining Riverton's traditional suburban character focused on family homes. The location currently has approximately 271 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Riverton is forecasted to gain 459 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling population growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Riverton has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 46thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects expected to influence this region: Willetton Youth Centre Renovation, Southlands Boulevarde Shopping Centre Redevelopment, Wilson Riverfront Masterplan (Canning River Precinct Redevelopment), and Kent Street Weir Precinct Redevelopment. These are the key initiatives likely to have the most relevance.

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 essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 1.4%, and it experienced an estimated employment growth of 2.4% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 3,545 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 2.6%, which is below Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Riverton is somewhat lower at 67.3% compared to Greater Perth's 71.6%. Based on Census responses, a low 9.0% of residents work from home. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. The area has particular employment specialization in education & training, with an employment share of 1.2 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 7.6% compared to the regional average of 9.3%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 2.4% alongside labour force growth of 2.2%, resulting in an unemployment rate fall of 0.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Perth where employment rose by 2.9%, the labour force grew by 3.0%, and unemployment rose marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Riverton. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, indicate that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific 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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Riverton's median income among taxpayers is $51,379, with an average of $75,768. Nationally, these figures are high compared to Greater Perth's median of $60,748 and average of $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $56,322 (median) and $83,057 (average). Census data indicates household income ranks at the 59th percentile ($1,906 weekly), with personal income at the 39th percentile. Distribution data shows that 30.5% of Riverton's community earns between $1,500 and $2,999 (2,145 individuals), similar to regional levels where 32.0% fall into this bracket. After housing expenses, 85.8% of income remains for other costs, placing the area in the 7th decile based on SEIFA income ranking.

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

Riverton's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.6% houses and 11.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Perth metro had 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Riverton was at 37.7%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (36.1%) or rented (26.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Riverton was $2,000, higher than Perth metro's average of $1,907 and the Australian average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Riverton was $400, compared to Perth metro's $350 and the national average of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute 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 2.6.

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 and above holding university qualifications, surpassing both WA's 27.9% and the SA4 region's 29.9%. The area's strong educational advantage includes a leading 27.7% of residents having bachelor degrees, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 12.6%, and graduate diplomas at 3.1%. Vocational pathways account for 24.4% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, 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, including 11.3% in secondary education, 11.0% in primary education, and 7.6% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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.

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

Riverton has 24 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 12 different routes that together facilitate 1,680 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these stops is considered excellent, with residents on average being located 184 meters from the nearest stop. In this predominantly residential area, most commuting is outward-bound. The car remains the primary mode of transport for 76% of residents, while 13% use the train and 8% use the bus. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 9.0% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 240 trips per day, equating to approximately 70 weekly trips per 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 according to AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were very low across all age groups. Private health cover was found to be high at approximately 57% of the total population, around 4,030 people. The most common conditions were arthritis (6.0%) and mental health issues (5.0%). A majority, 77.8%, declared themselves free from medical ailments compared to 71.9% in Greater Perth. Riverton has 18.0% residents aged 65 and over (1,266 people), higher than Greater Perth's 16.3%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, ranking nationally in line with the general population.

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 shows significant linguistic diversity, with 49.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Born overseas, 54.2% of Riverton residents indicate their birthplace is outside Australia. Christianity is the predominant religion in Riverton, accounting for 41.0% of the population.

Buddhism's representation in Riverton stands at 9.4%, surpassing the Greater Perth average of 2.7%. Ancestry-wise, Chinese heritage is prominent at 19.7%, higher than the regional average of 4.0%. English ancestry, however, is lower at 18.9% compared to the regional average of 28.0%. Other ancestries are notably high at 16.8%, exceeding the regional average of 11.2%. Notable deviations exist in Korean (2.3% vs 0.3%), Sri Lankan (1.5% vs 0.2%), and Indian (7.9% vs 2.6%) ethnic groups' representation in Riverton compared to regional averages.

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. Compared to Greater Perth, the 5-14 age cohort is over-represented in Riverton at 15.9%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 8.4%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15-24 age group has increased from 14.0% to 15.2% of Riverton's population, whereas the 0-4 cohort has decreased from 4.7% to 3.8%. By 2041, Riverton's demographic is forecasted to change significantly. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 40%, reaching 672 people from 478. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to account for 57% of the population growth. Conversely, the 0-4 and 5-14 cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.