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 Nov 2025, the Safety Bay statistical area's population is estimated at around 8,458, reflecting an increase of 796 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 10.4% rise from the previously reported population of 7,662. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 8,333, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional five validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,830 persons per square kilometer, above the national average assessed by AreaSearch. The Safety Bay (SA2) experienced a 10.4% growth rate since the 2021 census, exceeding the national average of 9.7%. Interstate migration contributed approximately 63.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 growth estimation, AreaSearch utilises ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, the Safety Bay statistical area is expected to grow by 385 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 3.6% over the 17-year period.

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

Safety Bay has seen approximately 22 dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS data. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 111 homes were approved, with an additional 10 approved in FY-26. Each year, about 6 people moved to the area per dwelling built during these years.

This indicates a significant demand-supply imbalance, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. The average construction cost for new dwellings is $418,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, $2.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Perth, Safety Bay has significantly less development activity, being 69.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties.

Recently, construction activity has intensified, with 90.0% detached dwellings and 10.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining Safety Bay's traditional suburban character. The area has approximately 302 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Safety Bay is expected to grow by 306 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 47thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified ten projects likely influencing the region. Notable ones 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.

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's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.5% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 4.1% over the past year.

There were 4,142 residents employed while the unemployment rate was 0.5% higher than Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Safety Bay lagged at 56.5%, compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. The dominant employment sectors among residents included health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Manufacturing showed notable concentration with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average.

Conversely, professional & technical services had lower representation at 4.8% versus the regional average of 8.2%. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 4.1%, while labour force grew by 4.6%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov showed WA employment contracted by 0.27% (losing 5,520 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.6%. National employment forecasts from May-25 projected growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but local projections suggested Safety Bay's employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, based on industry-specific extrapolations.

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

AreaSearch's latest data for financial year 2023 shows Safety Bay's median income among taxpayers is $54,077 and the average is $67,639. These figures align with national averages. Greater Perth has a median of $60,748 and an average of $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, current estimates for Safety Bay are approximately $59,279 (median) and $74,146 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census ranks household, family, and personal incomes in Safety Bay between the 29th and 32nd percentiles. Income distribution shows that 29.6% (2,503 individuals) earn between $1,500 - 2,999. This is consistent with metropolitan trends where 32.0% fall into this category. After housing expenses, 85.4% of income remains for other expenses.

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

In Safety Bay, as per the latest Census, 93.7% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 6.3% consisting of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This compares to Perth metro's 90.5% houses and 9.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Safety Bay stood at 41.7%, with mortgaged properties making up 38.2% and rented dwellings accounting for 20.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,679, lower than Perth metro's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Safety Bay was recorded at $310, compared to Perth metro's $330. 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 make up the remaining 29.0%, with lone person households at 27.0% and group households comprising 1.8% of the total. 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 Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common 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 - advanced diplomas at 11.5% and certificates at 32.8%. Educational participation is high, with 25.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

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

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 accessibility of these services is deemed excellent, with residents on average being located just 180 meters from the nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 227 trips across all routes, which translates to roughly 21 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Safety Bay is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Safety Bay faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 54% of the total population (around 4,571 people), compared to 56.6% across Greater Perth.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 9.9 and 8.3% of residents respectively. About 64.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.5% in Greater Perth. As of the latest data (2016), 23.4% of Safety Bay's population is aged 65 and over (around 1,979 people), higher than the 15.6% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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% speaking a language other than English at home and 30.5% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Safety Bay, comprising 44.9% of its population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented in Safety Bay compared to Greater Perth, making up 0.1% versus 0%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (37.8%), Australian (25.5%), and Scottish (8.3%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Welsh is slightly overrepresented at 1.0% in Safety Bay compared to the regional average of 0.9%, New Zealanders make up 1.1% versus 1.2% regionally, and Maori representation stands at 1.1% compared to the regional figure of 2.0%.

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 the national norm of 38. The 65-74 age group constitutes 12.6% of Safety Bay's population, compared to Greater Perth's percentage. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort makes up 11.0%. Post-2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 9.4% to 10.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Safety Bay's age profile. Notably, the 75 to 84 group is expected to grow by 38%, reaching 955 people from a previous total of 693. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 92% of projected growth. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 and 25 to 34 age groups are anticipated to experience population declines.