Rivervale

Rivervale lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of Nov 2025 Rivervale's estimated population is around 12,751. This reflects an increase of 1,854 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,897. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of resident population at 12,481 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release (June 2024) and an additional 223 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,817 persons per square kilometer, placing Rivervale in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Rivervale's growth rate of 17.0% since the 2021 census exceeded both national (9.7%) and state averages, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 75.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 ABS' latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Future population trends forecast a significant increase for Rivervale, with the area expected to expand by 3,752 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 27.3% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Rivervale among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Rivervale has averaged around 89 new dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 448 homes were approved, with a further 167 approved so far in FY-26. This results in a significant demand exceeding supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition.

The average construction cost value of new properties is $485,000, indicating that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In this financial year, $7.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Perth, Rivervale has slightly more development, measuring at 38.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values, despite a recent slowdown in building activity.

New building activity shows 40.0% detached dwellings and 60.0% townhouses or apartments, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. With around 240 people per approval, Rivervale reflects a transitioning market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, population forecasts indicate Rivervale will gain 3,482 residents through to 2041. Development is keeping pace with projected growth, but buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 31 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Wyndham LUX Perth Hotel at 61-65 Great Eastern Highway, Burswood Station East Planning Framework, 6 Homelea Court Build-to-Rent Development, and Perth Park (Perth Entertainment and Sporting Precinct). The following list details projects most relevant to the area.

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

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Employment performance in Rivervale has been broadly consistent with national averages

Rivervale's workforce is well-educated with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented. The unemployment rate was 3.9% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.1%.

As of September 2025, 8,141 residents were employed, aligning with Greater Perth's unemployment rate of 4.0%, but with higher workforce participation at 71.1%. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and mining, which has a notable concentration at 1.3 times the regional average. Education & training employment is limited at 6.1% compared to the regional average of 9.2%. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census data.

From September 2024 to September 2025, Rivervale's employment increased by 2.1%, labour force by 2.4%, resulting in a unemployment rise of 0.3 percentage points. State-wide, WA experienced employment contraction of 0.27% (losing 5,520 jobs) as of 25-Nov, with an unemployment rate of 4.6%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.4% over ten years for Rivervale, based on industry-specific projections applied to its current employment mix.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

The suburb of Rivervale has a higher income level than the national average, according to the latest Australian Taxation Office (ATO) data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Rivervale is $60,922, and the average income stands at $71,989. In comparison, Greater Perth's median income is $60,748, and its average income is $80,248. Based on a 9.62% increase in wages since financial year 2023, as indicated by the Wage Price Index, current estimates suggest that Rivervale's median income would be approximately $66,783 and its average income around $78,914 by September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, individual earnings in Rivervale rank at the 80th percentile nationally, with a weekly income of $1,015, while household income ranks lower at the 48th percentile. The data shows that 34.9% of locals (4,450 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 32.0% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Rivervale, with only 82.0% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 46th percentile nationally. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Rivervale displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Rivervale's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, comprised 42.6% houses and 57.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Perth metro had 60.5% houses and 39.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rivervale was at 16.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.5% and rented ones at 54.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Rivervale was $1,760, below Perth metro's average of $1,842. The median weekly rent figure in Rivervale was recorded at $350, matching Perth metro's figure. Nationally, Rivervale's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Rivervale features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 54.3% of all households, including 18.1% couples with children, 26.4% couples without children, and 7.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 45.7%, with lone person households at 38.4% and group households comprising 7.4%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.3.

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

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 36.7% of residents aged 15+, surpassing the WA average of 27.9% and the SA4 region average of 29.9%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 25.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Vocational credentials are held by 33.0% of residents aged 15+, including advanced diplomas (12.7%) and certificates (20.3%).

Educational participation is high, with 27.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 8.3% in tertiary, 6.8% in primary, and 4.2% in secondary education.

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

Rivervale's public transport system comprises 35 active stops, all bus routes. Seven distinct routes operate here, facilitating 2,165 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 191 meters to the nearest stop.

Daily service frequency across all routes stands at 309 trips, translating to about 61 weekly trips per individual stop.

Rivervale's residents are extremely healthy with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Analysis of health metrics indicates strong performance throughout Rivervale.

Prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but higher than the national average among older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 56% of the total population (around 7,112 people). Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 8.1% and 6.4% of residents respectively. A total of 74.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 73.7% across Greater Perth. Rivervale has 13.5% of its residents aged 65 and over (1,721 people), requiring more attention than the broader population.

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

Rivervale's cultural diversity is notable, with 33.5% speaking a language other than English at home and 43.8% born overseas. Christianity is the dominant religion in Rivervale, comprising 39.0% of its population. Buddhism, however, is overrepresented compared to Greater Perth, making up 4.9% versus 4.1%.

The top three ancestral groups are English (22.7%), Australian (18.4%), and Other (17.7%). Korean (1.0% vs regional 0.7%), Spanish (0.6% vs 0.4%), and Sri Lankan (0.5% vs 0.4%) ethnicities are notably overrepresented in Rivervale.

Rivervale hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Rivervale's median age is 34 years, which is lower than Greater Perth's average of 37 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, Rivervale has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (24.2%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (7.9%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the percentage of Rivervale's population aged 65 to 74 has increased from 7.0% to 8.1%, while the percentage of residents aged 25 to 34 has decreased from 25.8% to 24.2%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for Rivervale. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 49%, adding 700 residents to reach a total of 2,129. In contrast, the 5-14 age group is projected to show minimal growth of just 5%, with an increase of 52 people.