Scarborough (WA)

Population growth drivers in Scarborough are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census the suburb of Scarborough (WA)'s population is estimated at around 20,582 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,977 people (16.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,605 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 20,550, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 157 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 4,124 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, making land in the area a highly-sought resource. The suburb of Scarborough (WA)'s 16.9% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.3%), along with the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 74.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is utilising the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth of national locations is projected, with the suburb of Scarborough (WA) expected to expand by 2,516 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting recording a gain of 12.1% in total over the 16 years.

The level of residential development activity in Scarborough was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

According to AreaSearch evaluations of ABS building permit data mapped from regional statistics, there has been an average of roughly 107 residential building approvals yearly in Scarborough, representing about 536 new dwellings over the last 5 financial years. Thus far in FY-26154 approvals have been logged. With an average of 4.8 new occupants per year for each home constructed during the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), the volume of new supply falls significantly short of demand, which typically intensifies buyer rivalry and elevates price levels, even as new residences are built with a mean construction cost of $617,000, indicating developers are targeting high-end, premium projects. Furthermore, approvals for commercial structures worth $4.8 million have been registered during this financial year, pointing to a quiet commercial development sector.

Compared with Greater Perth, Scarborough experiences slightly higher development rates (reaching 30.0% above the regional average per capita over the 5 year period), which helps maintain choice for buyers while preserving demand for existing housing. Recent completions consist of 28.0% standalone houses alongside 72.0% medium and high-density residential properties. The emphasis on higher-density options offers more reachable price points and fits downsizers, property investors, and first-time buyers. Having approximately 128 people per approved dwelling, Scarborough shows the hallmarks of a developing locality.

Projecting forward, the population is set to rise by 2,484 residents by 2041 (starting from the most recent AreaSearch quarterly projection). Given current construction volumes, incoming housing supply looks poised to satisfy requirements comfortably, creating favorable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating expansion beyond ongoing population forecasts.

Scarborough has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 45thth percentile nationally

Local planning policy, infrastructure upgrades, and major construction projects represent the strongest influences on regional real estate performance. In total, 20 developments have been tracked by AreaSearch that are expected to influence the neighborhood. Key local projects include The Dunes Beachfront Residences, Myka Residences, Iconic Scarborough, and the White Sands Development, with the listed items highlighting those of greatest significance.

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Employment conditions in Scarborough rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

A highly qualified labor force characterizes Scarborough, which features a strong presence of essential service industries, a low unemployment rate of 2.1%, and an estimated job growth rate of 3.7% over the past year, as aggregated by AreaSearch from regional statistics. By March 2026, 13,941 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate sat 2.1% lower than the Greater Perth mark of 4.2%, while the labor participation rate reached a very high level (80.7% compared with 70.2% in Greater Perth). Based on Census forms, a modest 10.7% of the workforce operated from home, though this figure may reflect the influence of Covid-19 restrictions.

The primary employment sectors for local workers are health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and mining. The mining industry has a notably heavy concentration, employing workers at 1.4 times the average rate for the wider region. Conversely, retail trade is underrepresented, accounting for 6.4% of jobs compared to the regional average of 9.3%. Given the comparison between the Census working population and resident counts, this predominantly residential neighborhood appears to contain few local jobs.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, aggregated from broader statistical areas, during the year to March 2026, employment levels increased by 3.7% and labour force increased by 3.8%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth experienced employment growth of 2.0% and labour force growth of 2.5%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Scarborough. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Scarborough's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does 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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, the suburb of Scarborough had a median income among taxpayers of $68,904 with the average level standing at $93,885. This is among the highest in Australia and compares to levels of $60,748 and $80,248 across Greater Perth respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $76,435 (median) and $104,147 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows individual earnings stand out at the 92nd percentile nationally ($1,231 weekly). Income analysis reveals the predominant cohort spans 31.6% of locals (6,503 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, aligning with regional levels where this cohort likewise represents 32.0%. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 32.6% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. High housing costs consume 16.2% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 72nd percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Scarborough displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

At the time of the most recent Census, the distribution of home types in Scarborough stood at 36.3% detached houses and 63.8% other options (such as townhouses, units, and alternative formats), contrasting with the wider Perth metropolitan structure of 77.8% detached houses and 22.1% other dwellings. The level of home ownership in Scarborough was below the Perth metropolitan average at 24.1%, while the remaining occupied properties were either being purchased with a mortgage (35.6%) or leased by tenants (40.3%). The median monthly home loan repayment of $2,167 was significantly higher than the Perth metropolitan median of $1,907, and the median weekly rent reached $405, compared to the regional average of $350. Nationally, Scarborough residents face mortgage payments well above the Australian median of $1,863, and rental costs exceed the national average of $375.

Scarborough features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family units constitute the largest share of households at 58.2%, which is made up of 21.1% couples raising children, 27.2% childless couples, and 8.9% single-parent households. Non-family living arrangements account for the other 41.8% of residences, with people living alone making up 34.4% and shared group households representing 7.4% of the total. Reflecting these patterns, the median household size of 2.1 residents is smaller than the Greater Perth median of 2.6.

Educational achievement in Scarborough places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Academic achievement in Scarborough is notably higher than regional benchmarks, with 44.7% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 27.9% across WA and 29.0% in the SA4 region. This significant education gap positions the local population well for white-collar and knowledge-based roles. Bachelor degrees are the most common credential at 31.1%, followed by postgraduate study at 9.5% and graduate diplomas at 4.1%. Vocational skills are also prominent, with 31.2% of individuals aged 15+ holding practical qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas at 12.1% and certificates at 19.1%.

Engagement in learning is highly visible, with 26.5% of local citizens enrolled in educational programs. This student population includes 7.6% attending primary schools, 7.2% in higher education institutions, and 5.6% enrolled in high schools.

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

Analysis of local transit options shows 81 active public transport stops located within the suburb, consisting of various bus options. These locations are connected by 5 distinct routes, which combine to support 1,333 weekly passenger journeys. Transit connection is classified as outstanding, with homes situated an average of 163 meters from the nearest stop. Due to the residential nature of the suburb, the majority of working residents travel outward for employment, with private cars remaining the primary travel choice at 78%, followed by 10% utilizing trains and 6% using buses. The average household owns 1.2 motor vehicles, which is lower than the metropolitan average. A relatively small share of 10.7% of residents worked from home, based on 2021 Census data that may be influenced by pandemic conditions.

Transit schedules show an average frequency of 190 journeys daily across all active routes, which translates to roughly 16 weekly trips per public transit stop.

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

Public health metrics reveal excellent health outcomes for Scarborough residents, based on analysis of mortality trends and chronic illness data by AreaSearch, showing a very low incidence of common medical conditions across every demographic cohort. Furthermore, the rate of residents holding private health insurance is exceptionally high, covering roughly 64% of the population (13,269 people). This is higher than the Greater Perth coverage rate of 59.0% and the national standard of 55.7%.

Psychological conditions and asthma represent the most frequent health issues among locals, affecting 7.7% and 6.6% of the population respectively, while 75.6% of residents reported having no ongoing chronic health conditions compared to 71.9% throughout Greater Perth. The working-age population exhibits strong physical health and low rates of long-term illness. Older residents aged 65 and over make up 13.9% of the population (2,860 people), which is below the Greater Perth average of 16.1%. Senior health profiles are particularly positive, with national health rankings tracking closely with the broader local population.

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

The local population displays greater cultural diversity than most equivalent property markets, with 14.0% of residents using a language other than English at home and 33.7% born in another country. Christianity stands as the primary religious affiliation, claimed by 39.8% of individuals. However, the most distinct religious deviation is found in Judaism, which accounts for 0.3% of the community, equal to the 0.3% average recorded across Greater Perth.

Regarding family backgrounds and parental birthplaces, the three most common ancestries reported are English at 29.7%, Australian at 21.7%, and Irish at 9.6%. Distinct patterns also emerge for smaller ethnic ancestries: Welsh heritage is overrepresented at 0.9% (compared to 0.7% in the wider region), French heritage sits at 1.0% (compared to 0.5% regionally), and South Australian ancestry is reported at 1.1% (compared to 1.0% regionally).

Scarborough's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

With a median age of 36 years, Scarborough is almost identical to the Greater Perth median of 37 and slightly below the Australian benchmark of 38. Compared to the wider Perth metropolitan area, Scarborough has a larger share of residents aged 25 - 34 (22.0%) but fewer young people aged 15 - 24 (9.5%). The high concentration of residents aged 25 - 34 stands well above the national figure of 14.6%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents in the 35 to 44 age bracket has risen from 17.7% to 19.0%, whereas the 25 to 34 demographic has contracted from 23.9% to 22.0%. Future demographic projections suggest the age structure of the suburb will undergo substantial changes by 2041. The 75 to 84 cohort is expected to grow the fastest at 71%, adding 726 residents to reach a total of 1,756. Seniors aged 65+ will account for 55% of all population growth, highlighting local aging patterns. In contrast, the childhood cohorts of 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 are projected to experience population decreases.