Roleystone

An assessment of population growth drivers in Roleystone reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Roleystone is around 7,504, reflecting a growth of 656 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 9.6% change from the previous population count of 6,848. The latest resident population estimate by AreaSearch, following an examination of ERP data released by the ABS in June 2024 and validation of new addresses, is 7,283. This results in a density ratio of 194 persons per square kilometer. Roleystone's growth since the census mirrors the national average closely, being within 0.3 percentage points (9.6% vs. 9.9%).

Natural growth contributed approximately 51.0% to the overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch is adopting 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 post-2032 estimates, AreaSearch uses growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Based on these projections, the suburb of Roleystone is expected to increase by 924 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 9.2% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Roleystone recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Roleystone has received around 18 dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS data. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 92 homes were approved, with another 13 approved in FY-26. On average, each dwelling constructed over the past five financial years brings in about 3.6 new residents.

However, supply is lagging demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New properties are being constructed at an average value of $547,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment. There have been $1.6 million in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Perth, Roleystone has significantly reduced construction activity (77.0% below regional average per person), which typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. This level is also under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations.

Recent building activity consists solely of standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 391 people. Population forecasts indicate Roleystone will gain 694 residents by 2041. Construction pace is maintaining with projected growth, but increasing population could lead to growing competition among buyers.

Roleystone has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 31stth percentile nationally

Area infrastructure significantly impacts local performance. AreaSearch identified eight projects likely affecting the area. Notable ones are Cross Park Cricket and Netball Facility, Roleystone Theatre Redevelopment, Forrestdale Business Park, and Kelmscott District Centre Precinct Structure Plan. The following details projects deemed most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Roleystone demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Roleystone has a skilled workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.7% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 1.5% over the past year. This is based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of that date, 4,103 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 1.3% lower than Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation was broadly similar to Greater Perth's 71.6%. According to Census responses, only 10.7% of Roleystone's residents worked from home, although Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The leading employment industries among residents were construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

Construction was particularly prominent, with an employment share 1.2 times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance was under-represented, at 11.3% compared to Greater Perth's 14.8%. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment in Roleystone increased by 1.5%, while labour force increased by 1.8%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 2.9% and labour force growth of 3.0%, with a marginal increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Roleystone's employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes. These projections do not take into account localised population projections.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

The suburb of Roleystone had a median taxpayer income of $59,904 and an average income of $75,411 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. Nationally, these figures are high, 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, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $65,667 (median) and $82,666 (average). Census 2021 income data shows Roleystone's household, family, and personal incomes cluster around the 69th percentile nationally. The income distribution indicates that 31.4% of residents (2,356 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, similar to the metropolitan region where this cohort represents 32.0%. Roleystone demonstrates affluence with 33.6% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. After housing costs, residents retain 87.0% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Roleystone's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, was 98.2% houses and 1.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Perth metro's 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Roleystone stood at 38.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 55.0% and rented ones at 6.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,058, surpassing Perth metro's average of $1,907. The median weekly rent in Roleystone was $350, aligning with the Perth metro figure of $350. Nationally, Roleystone's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 82.4% of all households, including 37.4% couples with children, 35.8% couples without children, and 8.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 17.6%, with lone person households at 16.2% and group households comprising 1.4%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

The educational profile of Roleystone exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Roleystone trail has educational qualifications that fall slightly below national averages. Specifically, 25.1% of residents aged 15 and above hold university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. The most common degree held is the bachelor's degree at 17.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 4.4% and graduate diplomas at 3.0%. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 41.9% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications.

This includes advanced diplomas held by 12.0% of residents and certificates held by 29.9%. Educational participation is high in Roleystone trail, with 26.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.3% in primary education, 8.3% in secondary education, and 4.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Roleystone has 41 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by one route in total, offering 170 weekly passenger trips combined. The area's transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically living 483 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards due to Roleystone being primarily residential. Cars are the dominant mode of transport at 86%, while 8% use trains. On average, there are 2.1 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 10.7% of residents work from home, which may be due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 24 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 4 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Roleystone's health outcomes show excellent results based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.

Approximately 47% of Roleystone's population (~3,510 people) has private health cover, which is high compared to the state average. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (8.7%) and mental health issues (7.7%), while 69.4% of residents report having no medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Perth's 71.9%. Roleystone's under-65 population has better-than-average health outcomes. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 22.5% (1,688 people) compared to Greater Perth's 16.3%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Roleystone are strong and align with national rankings for the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Roleystone records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Roleystone's population showed above-average cultural diversity, with 6.9% speaking a language other than English at home and 30.0% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 41.0%. Judaism, however, was slightly overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to Greater Perth's 0.3%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (37.1%), Australian (24.3%), and Scottish (7.8%). Notably, Dutch (2.7%) and Welsh (0.9%) were overrepresented, while South African was slightly underrepresented at 0.8% compared to regional averages.

Roleystone hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Roleystone's median age is 44, which surpasses Greater Perth's figure of 37 and significantly exceeds the national average of 38. The age group of 65-74 comprises 12.4% of Roleystone's population, higher than in Greater Perth, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 7.9%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 5.1% to 8.5%, and the 45 to 54 group has decreased from 15.4% to 13.7%. Additionally, the 25 to 34 cohort has dropped from 9.2% to 7.9%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Roleystone's age profile. The 75 to 84 group is expected to grow by 46%, reaching 933 people from the current 637. This growth will be led by those aged 65 and above, who are projected to comprise 71% of the population increase. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 age groups are anticipated to experience population declines.