Safety Bay

Safety Bay is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Safety Bay is around 8,462. This figure reflects a growth of 800 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 7,662. The increase was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 8,333 residents following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and six additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,831 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate of 10.4% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average of 9.9%. Interstate migration contributed approximately 63.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is using 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 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, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas analysed is expected. The suburb is projected to grow by 400 persons to reach approximately 8,862 by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 3.7% over the 17-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Safety Bay has experienced around 22 dwellings receiving development approval per year. Approximately 111 homes have been approved over the past five financial years between FY-21 and FY-25, with an additional 10 approved so far in FY-26. On average, about six people have moved to the area for each dwelling built during these years, indicating substantial demand outstripping supply, which typically leads to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

Developers focus on the premium market, with new dwellings valued at an average of $418,000. This financial year has seen $2.0 million in commercial approvals registered, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Perth, Safety Bay has significantly less development activity, 69.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity usually strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, although construction activity has recently intensified. Nationally, the level of development is also lower, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints.

Recent construction comprises 90.0% detached dwellings and 10.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining Safety Bay's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes. The area currently has approximately 302 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Safety Bay is expected to grow by 313 residents through to 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.

Safety Bay 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 a total of 10 such projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable among these are The Strand at Safety Bay, Oceanside Promenade, Safety Bay/Waikiki Foreshore Lighting Replacement Works, and the proposed Safety Bay Road & Penguin Road Mixed-Use Precinct. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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.

Employment conditions in Safety Bay remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Safety Bay has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs well represented. Essential services sectors are prominent. The unemployment rate was 4.5% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.2%.

As of September 2025, 4,156 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.5% higher than Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation was lower at 62.8%, compared to Greater Perth's 71.6%. Only 8.2% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts may have influenced this figure. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training.

Manufacturing stands out with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical services showed lower representation at 4.8% compared to the regional average of 8.2%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 4.2%, while labour force grew by 4.7%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 2.9% and labour force growth of 3.0%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Safety Bay's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates that Safety Bay's median income among taxpayers is $54,077. The average income in this suburb is $67,639. These figures are comparable to national averages and contrast with Greater Perth's median of $60,748 and average of $80,248. Based on a 9.62% increase since financial year 2023 as per the Wage Price Index, current estimated incomes for Safety Bay would be approximately $59,279 (median) and $74,146 (average) by September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Safety Bay rank modestly, between the 29th and 32nd percentiles. Income distribution data shows that 29.6% of individuals in Safety Bay earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, with this earnings band capturing 2,504 individuals. This is consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region where 32.0% fall into the same category. After accounting for housing costs, 85.4% of income remains for other expenses in Safety Bay.

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

Safety Bay's residential structures, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 93.7% houses and 6.3% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This differs from Perth metro's composition of 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Safety Bay stood at 41.7%, with mortgaged properties at 38.2% and rented dwellings at 20.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,679, lower than Perth metro's average of $1,907. The median weekly rent in Safety Bay was recorded at $310, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Safety Bay's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower than the national figure of $375.

Safety Bay has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 71.0% of all households, including 28.4% couples with children, 31.5% couples without children, and 10.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 29.0%, with lone person households at 27.0% and group households comprising 1.8%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Educational outcomes in Safety Bay fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 16.2%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common among qualifications, at 11.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 44.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.5%) and certificates (32.8%). Educational participation is high, with 25.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes primary education (9.7%), secondary education (7.9%), and tertiary education (3.1%).

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

Safety Bay has 75 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by six different routes that together facilitate 1,593 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically living just 180 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards daily due to its residential nature. Car remains the most popular mode of transport at 83%, while train usage stands at 9%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 8.2% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 227 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 21 weekly trips per individual stop.

Safety Bay's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Safety Bay's health metrics closely match national benchmarks, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are seen at a standard level across both young and old age cohorts.

Private health cover is relatively high, with approximately 54% of the total population (~4,573 people), compared to 59.0% in Greater Perth. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (9.9%) and mental health issues (8.3%). About 64.7% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 71.9% in Greater Perth. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 24.2% of residents aged 65 and over (2,047 people), higher than the 16.3% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Safety Bay's cultural diversity was found to be above average, with 5.3% of its population speaking a language other than English at home as of the latest data (2016). Additionally, 30.5% of Safety Bay residents were born overseas by this date. Christianity was identified as the main religion in Safety Bay, making up 44.9% of people residing there during this period.

However, Judaism showed an overrepresentation compared to Greater Perth, comprising 0.1% of Safety Bay's population by 2016, while the regional average stood at 0.3%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups in Safety Bay were English (37.8%), Australian (25.5%), and Scottish (8.3%) as of this date. Notably, Welsh (1.0% vs regional 0.7%), New Zealand (1.1% vs regional 0.8%), and Maori (1.1% vs regional 0.9%) were overrepresented in Safety Bay during the same period.

Safety Bay hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Safety Bay has a median age of 44, which exceeds Greater Perth's figure of 37 and is significantly higher than Australia's national norm of 38. The 65-74 age group constitutes 13.0% of Safety Bay's population, compared to Greater Perth, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 10.6%. Post the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 9.4% to 10.9%, and the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 12.4% to 11.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling indicates Safety Bay's age profile will change notably. The 75 to 84 group is projected to grow by 34%, reaching 964 people from 719. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 87% of the projected growth. Conversely, the 25 to 34 and 15 to 24 age groups are expected to experience population declines.