Salter Point

Salter Point has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on the assessment of ABS population figures for the surrounding region, combined with address records verified by AreaSearch following the Census, the resident count for the suburb of Salter Point is projected to be approximately 3,116 in May 2026. This represents a growth of 203 individuals (7.0%) compared to the 2,913 people documented in the 2021 Census. This calculation is derived from the figure of 3,097 residents calculated by AreaSearch using the ABS June 2025 release of ERP statistics, alongside two newly verified addresses added after the Census date. With this resident count, the suburb of Salter Point has a density of 1,693 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical density across national locations examined by AreaSearch. The growth rate of 7.0% recorded in the suburb of Salter Point since the census is within 2.3 percentage points of the national figure (9.3%), indicating solid growth characteristics. The main factor driving local expansion was overseas migration, which accounted for approximately 87.0% of total population increases over recent times.

In projecting future population patterns for the suburb of Salter Point, AreaSearch utilizes projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia for individual SA2 zones published in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 regions lacking these projections, and to project expansion beyond 2032, growth rates by age group from the 2023 Greater Capital Region forecasts (based on 2022 statistics) are applied. Looking ahead, population growth is projected to exceed the median for national localities, with the suburb of Salter Point expected to add 646 residents by 2041 according to combined SA2 projections, representing a total expansion of 20.1% over the 16 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Salter Point according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

According to building approval figures from the ABS compiled for this location, building activity has averaged approximately one new home approval annually, resulting in a total of 7 residential approvals over the last 5 financial years. In the current financial year of FY-26, 3 approvals have been logged. Over the 5 financial years spanning FY-21 to FY-25, the area added 8.4 residents for every new dwelling constructed, indicating that demand outpaces new building activity, a trend that typically drives up property prices and buyer competition, while new builds average an estimated construction cost of $825,000, suggesting developers are concentrating on the high-end residential market.

Compared to Greater Perth, construction activity is exceptionally low, sitting 93.0% below the metropolitan average per resident. While building activity has shown some acceleration recently, this restricted supply typically supports property values and demand for established residences. The rate is also below the national average, suggesting a mature market or potential geographical constraints on development. The current mix of new builds is divided equally between 50.0% detached houses and 50.0% attached dwellings. This emphasis on higher-density options provides more accessible entry points for buyers and draws interest from downsizers, investors, and first-time buyers. This represents a clear shift from the current residential landscape, where houses comprise 85.0% of properties, pointing to limited remaining land and changing lifestyle and budget requirements. The ratio stands at approximately 887 residents for each dwelling approval, reflecting a highly established neighborhood.

According to the most recent quarterly estimates by AreaSearch, future forecasts predict the local population will grow by 627 residents by 2041. Given the current pace of construction, housing delivery may not keep up with this growth, which could increase competition among buyers and put upward pressure on prices.

Salter Point has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure projects, planning changes, and major works are key drivers of property market performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of two projects expected to influence the local area. Significant developments include the Westfield Booragoon Shopping Centre Expansion, the City of Melville New Library Cultural Centre, Henley Rise, and the LeisureFit Booragoon Pools Refurbishment, with details on the most relevant projects listed below.

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

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

A highly qualified workforce characterizes the local area, particularly in the professional services sector. The local unemployment rate stands at 2.6%, and jobs grew by an estimated 1.0% over the previous year according to statistical area data compiled by AreaSearch. In March 2026, there were 1,639 residents employed, with an unemployment rate 1.6% lower than the Greater Perth rate of 4.2%. However, labor force participation is lower at 62.0% compared to 70.2% across Greater Perth. Census responses showed a moderate 13.7% of residents worked from home, though this may have been influenced by pandemic containment measures.

Local employment is heavily weighted toward health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. The area shows a distinct concentration in professional & technical services, where the share of employment is 1.6 times the regional average. Conversely, retail trade accounts for only 6.6% of local jobs, compared to 9.3% across Greater Perth. The discrepancy between the census working population and the resident population suggests this predominantly residential area offers limited local job opportunities.

An analysis of SALM and ABS statistics for the surrounding statistical areas shows that over the 12 months ending March 2026, the count of employed residents rose by 1.0% and the labor force grew by 1.0%, maintaining a steady unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Perth experienced a 2.0% rise in employment and a 2.5% increase in the labor force, with unemployment ticking up by 0.4 percentage points. National forecasts released by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25 provide context for future trends. These five and ten-year projections have been applied to the local workforce structure to model future growth. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with performance varying by sector. Applying these industry projections to the local occupation profile suggests employment for residents could expand by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, representing a basic weighted extrapolation that does not incorporate local population forecasts.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

According to tax data from the ATO compiled by AreaSearch for the 2023 financial year, local personal incomes are among the highest nationwide. The median taxpayer income is $57,580 and the average is $81,985, compared to Greater Perth averages of $60,748 and $80,248. Adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since the 2023 financial year, estimated figures for March 2026 would be approximately $63,873 for the median and $90,946 for the average. Census records show household incomes are in the 91st percentile ($2,529 weekly), while individual incomes are at the 63rd percentile. The income distribution shows 34.6% of residents (1,078 people) earning $4000+ weekly, whereas the leading cohort regionally is the $1,500 - 2,999 range at 32.0%. A high concentration of high-income households (44.9% earning more than $3,000 weekly) indicates strong financial resources. Residents keep 87.7% of their income after meeting housing expenses, showing substantial discretionary funds, and the SEIFA index ranks the area in the 9th decile for income.

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

At the time of the latest Census, the local housing mix consisted of 84.7% detached houses and 15.3% other formats like semi-detached properties and apartments, compared to the metropolitan Perth split of 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. The rate of outright home ownership is high at 48.7%, with mortgaged properties accounting for 38.0% and rented properties making up 13.3%. Median mortgage costs are high at $2,860 monthly, while the median weekly rent is $450, compared to metropolitan averages of $1,907 and $350. Nationally, local mortgage payments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are also higher than the national figure of $375.

Salter Point features high concentrations of family households, with a fairly typical median household size

Families comprise 77.3% of local households, consisting of couples with children (39.1%), couples without children (29.3%), and single-parent households (7.7%). Non-family households account for 22.7% of the total, with single-person households at 20.9% and group living situations at 1.4%. The median household size of 2.6 individuals is equal to the Greater Perth average.

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

Educational qualifications in the area are high, with 45.9% of residents aged 15+ holding a tertiary degree, compared to 27.9% across Western Australia and 29.9% in the SA4 region. This qualification profile positions the community well for professional services roles. Bachelor degrees are held by 30.5% of residents, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.4%) and graduate diplomas (4.0%). Vocational credentials are held by 23.8% of the population aged 15+, consisting of advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificate qualifications (12.6%).

School and university enrollment is high, with 34.5% of the population engaged in study. This group includes 15.4% in high school, 8.0% in higher education, and 7.5% in primary school.

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

Public transport services in the area include 18 active stops, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by two separate routes, which provide a total of 626 passenger trips weekly. Accessibility is high, with residents living an average of 132 meters from their nearest transit stop. Given the residential nature of the suburb, most workers commute out of the area, with private cars remaining the primary transport mode at 84%, followed by buses at 6%. Households own an average of 1.8 vehicles, which is above the metropolitan average. At the time of the 2021 Census, 13.7% of residents worked from home, which may reflect pandemic-era working arrangements.

Weekly services average 89 trips per day across the route network, which represents approximately 34 weekly trips at each individual stop.

The level of general health in Salter Point is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

The local population displays strong general health, based on AreaSearch assessments of mortality and chronic disease rates. The prevalence of common illnesses is low overall, though it rises above the national average among older, vulnerable cohorts. Private health insurance coverage is high, held by approximately 60% of the population (1,861 people).

Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent health issues, affecting 7.7% and 5.8% of the community. However, 70.6% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. The working-age cohort is generally healthy with low disease rates. Residents aged 65 and older make up 25.6% of the population (797 people), which is higher than the Greater Perth proportion of 16.1%, though this older group ranks lower nationally than the rest of the local population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Salter Point was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Cultural diversity is higher than in most local markets, with 15.6% of residents speaking a non-English language at home and 27.4% born outside Australia. Christianity is the predominant religion, followed by 62.2% of the population, compared to 45.0% across Greater Perth.

The top ancestries reported are English at 27.2%, Australian at 22.5%, and Irish at 8.2%. Specific European ancestries are more common here than across the wider region, with Croatian ancestry representing 1.2% of residents (compared to 0.8% regionally), French at 0.8% (compared to 0.5%), and Italian at 5.7% (compared to 4.2%).

Salter Point hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age of 46 years is higher than the Greater Perth average of 37 and the national median of 38. The 15 - 24 age bracket is over-represented at 18.9% compared to the metropolitan average, while the 25 - 34 cohort is under-represented at 9.5%. This concentration of youth aged 15 - 24 is higher than the national share of 12.7%. Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 cohort expanded from 16.1% to 18.9% of the population, and the 25 to 34 group increased from 7.1% to 9.5%. In contrast, the 5 to 14 cohort decreased from 12.4% to 10.5% and the 45 to 54 bracket fell from 12.6% to 11.4%. Projections for 2041 show significant shifts, with the cohort aged 85+ expected to grow by 188 people (104%), rising from 180 to 369. This aging trend is evident as residents aged 65+ account for 65% of the projected population increase, while the 35 to 44 and 5 to 14 age groups are expected to shrink.