Salter Point

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

As per AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, the suburb of Salter Point had an estimated population of around 3,116 as of May 2026. This figure reflects a growth of 203 people (7.0%) since the Census in 2021, which recorded a population of 2,913. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 3,097 in June 2025 and validation of two new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,693 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Salter Point's growth rate of 7.0% since the census is within 2.3 percentage points of the national average (9.3%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 87.0% of overall population gains in recent periods, driving primary growth for the suburb.

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 to estimate post-2032 growth, 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). Future population dynamics project an above median growth for national areas. By 2041, the suburb is expected to grow by 646 persons, reflecting a total increase of 20.1% over the 16-year period, according to aggregated SA2-level projections.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Salter Point has experienced around 3 dwellings receiving development approval annually. An estimated 15 homes were approved over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, with 2 so far in FY-26.

On average, 4.6 new residents are added per year for every home built during these years. This supply is substantially lagging demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $825,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. Relative to Greater Perth, Salter Point records markedly lower building activity, 85.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings, though construction activity has intensified recently. This level is similarly under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations.

New building activity shows 67.0% standalone homes and 33.0% medium and high-density housing, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing, currently 85.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. With around 471 people per dwelling approval, Salter Point shows a developed market. Future projections show Salter Point adding 627 residents by 2041, from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Two projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area. Key projects include Westfield Booragoon Shopping Centre Expansion, City of Melville New Library Cultural Centre at Henley Rise, and LeisureFit Booragoon Pools Refurbishment.

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

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AreaSearch assessment positions Salter Point ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Salter Point has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 2.8%, having grown by an estimated 0.6% over the past year (AreaSearch data). As of December 2025, 1,619 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.3% below Greater Perth's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation is lower at 61.4%, compared to Greater Perth's 69.7%. Home working is moderate, at 13.7% (Census data). Key industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services, with the latter being particularly strong. Retail trade has lower representation than the regional average.

Local employment opportunities appear limited, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.6% while labour force grew by 0.7%, causing unemployment to rise slightly (AreaSearch analysis). In contrast, Greater Perth saw employment grow by 2.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest total employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Salter Point's industry mix indicates local employment could increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates that Salter Point's median income among taxpayers is $57,580, with an average of $81,985. These figures are notably high nationally when compared to Greater Perth's median of $60,748 and average of $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Salter Point would be approximately $63,873 (median) and $90,946 (average) as of March 2026. According to Census 2021 income data, household incomes in Salter Point rank at the 91st percentile ($2,529 weekly), while personal incomes rank lower at the 63rd percentile. The income distribution shows that the $4000+ bracket dominates with 34.6% of residents (1,078 people), unlike the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 32.0%. Economic strength is evident through 44.9% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 87.7% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

Salter Point's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 84.7% houses and 15.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Perth metro's 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Salter Point was at 48.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.0% and rented ones at 13.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,860, higher than Perth metro's average of $1,907. Median weekly rent in Salter Point was $450, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Salter Point's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,860 against Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 77.3% of all households, including 39.1% couples with children, 29.3% couples without children, and 7.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 22.7%, with lone person households at 20.9% and group households comprising 1.4%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with the Greater Perth average.

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

Salter Point has a notably high level of educational attainment among its residents aged 15 and above. Specifically, 45.9% hold university qualifications, which is significantly higher than the broader benchmarks of 27.9% in Western Australia and 29.9% in the Small Area 4 (SA4) region. This high level of educational attainment positions Salter Point strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 30.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 11.4% and graduate diplomas at 4.0%.

Vocational pathways account for 23.8% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas making up 11.2% and certificates 12.6%. Educational participation is notably high in Salter Point, with 34.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 15.4% in secondary education, 8.0% in tertiary education, and 7.5% pursuing primary education.

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

Salter Point has 18 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two routes that together facilitate 626 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in Salter Point is rated as excellent, with residents typically living 132 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport, used by 84% of residents, while only 6% use buses. On average, there are 1.8 vehicles per dwelling, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 13.7% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 89 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 34 weekly trips per 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

Salter Point shows above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Common health conditions are low among the general population but higher than national averages for older at-risk cohorts. Private health cover is exceptionally high, with approximately 60% of the total population (1,861 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 7.7% and 5.8% of residents respectively, while 70.6% report being completely clear of medical ailments compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 25.6% of residents aged 65 and over (797 people), higher than the 16.1% in Greater Perth, but ranks lower nationally than the broader 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

Salter Point's population, as per the 2016 Census, had a higher proportion speaking a language other than English at home (15.6%) compared to most local markets. Overseas-born residents comprised 27.4%. Christianity was the predominant religion in Salter Point with 62.2%, contrasting with Greater Perth's 45.0%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (27.2%), Australian (22.5%), and Irish (8.2%). Notably, Croatian (1.2%) and French (0.8%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.8% and 0.5%, respectively. Italian representation was also higher at 5.7%.

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

The median age in Salter Point is 46 years, which is notably higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 years and also exceeds the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth's averages, the 15-24 age cohort is significantly over-represented at 18.9% in Salter Point, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 9.5%. This concentration of the 15-24 age group is well above the national average of 12.7%. Since the Census conducted on 28 August 2021, the percentage of the population in the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 16.1% to 18.9%, while the 25 to 34 age cohort has risen from 7.1% to 9.5%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 12.4% to 10.5%, and the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 12.6% to 11.4%. Population forecasts for Salter Point indicate substantial demographic changes by 2041. The 85+ age cohort is projected to significantly expand, increasing by 188 people (a 104% rise) from 180 to 369. This aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 65% of the projected growth. Conversely, the 35-44 and 5-14 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.