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, Scarborough's (WA) statistical area (Lv2) population is estimated at around 20,485 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 2,880 people (16.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,605 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 20,110 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in Jun 2024 and an additional 147 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 4,105 persons per square kilometer, placing Scarborough (WA) (SA2) in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's 16.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average of 9.7%. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing 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 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, an above median population growth is projected for Scarborough (WA) (SA2), with the area expected to expand by 2,827 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 12.0% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers for Scarborough shows an average of around 107 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 536 homes. As of FY26135 approvals have been recorded. This results in approximately five new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25, indicating significant demand exceeding supply. The average construction value of new properties is $617,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

In FY26, commercial development approvals totalling $4.8 million have been recorded, reflecting Scarborough's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Perth, Scarborough has somewhat elevated construction levels, with 32.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. New development consists of 28.0% standalone homes and 72.0% townhouses or apartments, offering affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. With around 124 people per dwelling approval, Scarborough exhibits growth area characteristics.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Scarborough is projected to add 2,451 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

Scarborough has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 48thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 21 projects likely affecting the area. Notable ones are The Dunes Beachfront Residences, Myka Residences, Iconic Scarborough, and Marbella Beachside. Relevant projects are listed below.

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

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The exceptional employment performance in Scarborough places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Scarborough has a highly educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate was 1.8% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.3%.

As of September 2025, 13,731 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 2.2% lower than Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is high at 73.1%, compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. The dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and mining. Mining shows notable concentration with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Conversely, retail trade has lower representation at 6.4% versus the regional average of 9.3%. Employment opportunities appear limited locally based on Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 4.3%, while labour force grew by 3.8%, reducing unemployment by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth had employment growth of 2.9% with a marginal rise in unemployment. State-level data to November 25 shows WA employment contracted by 0.27%, with the state unemployment rate at 4.6%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Scarborough's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years.

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 ATO data released for financial year 2023, Scarborough had a median taxpayer income of $68,904 and an average income of $93,885. These are among the highest in Australia, compared to Greater Perth's median of $60,748 and average of $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth from financial year 2023 to September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $75,533 (median) and $102,917 (average). Census 2021 data shows Scarborough's individual earnings are at the 92nd percentile nationally ($1,231 weekly). Income analysis reveals that 31.6% of locals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, aligning with regional levels (32.0%). Higher earners represent a substantial presence, with 32.6% exceeding $3,000 weekly. High housing costs consume 16.2% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 72nd percentile nationally. Scarborough'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

The dwelling structure in Scarborough, as per the latest Census, consisted of 36.3% houses and 63.8% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In contrast, Perth metro had 59.6% houses and 40.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Scarborough was at 24.1%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (35.6%) or rented (40.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Scarborough was $2,167, higher than Perth metro's average of $1,950. The median weekly rent in Scarborough was recorded at $405, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Scarborough's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 58.2% of all households, including 21.1% couples with children, 27.2% couples without children, and 8.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 41.8%, with lone person households making up 34.4% and group households comprising 7.4%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.4.

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

Scarborough's educational attainment significantly exceeds broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 44.7% hold university qualifications, compared to 27.9% in WA and 29.0% in the SA4 region. This educational advantage positions Scarborough strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 31.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.5%) and graduate diplomas (4.1%).

Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 31.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (12.1%) and certificates (19.1%). Educational participation is notably high, with 26.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 7.6% in primary education, 7.2% in tertiary education, and 5.6% pursuing secondary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates 61 active stops operating in Scarborough, offering mixed bus services. These stops are served by five distinct routes, facilitating a total of 1,333 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents situated on average 163 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 190 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 21 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Scarborough's health outcomes show exceptional results across all age groups, with very low prevalence of common health conditions. As of 2021, approximately 64% of Scarborough's total population (13,206 people) have private health cover, which is higher than Greater Perth's 60.5% and the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common conditions in the area, affecting 7.7% and 6.6% of residents respectively.

A total of 75.6% of Scarborough residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to Greater Perth's 73.0%. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 13.9% (2,847 people), compared to Greater Perth's 18.3%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Scarborough are strong and align with the general population's health profile.

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

Scarborough's population, as of the 2016 Census, was more linguistically diverse than most other local areas in Australia, with 14.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Overseas-born residents made up 33.7% of Scarborough's population. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 39.8%.

Judaism, though small at 0.3%, was overrepresented compared to Greater Perth's 1.4%. In terms of ancestry, English (29.7%) and Australian (21.7%) were the top groups, both higher than regional averages of 23.5% and 20.6% respectively. Irish ancestry was also notable at 9.6%. Divergences included Welsh (0.9%), French (1.0%), and South African (1.1%), all overrepresented compared to regional figures of 0.6%, 0.6%, and 1.0% respectively.

Scarborough's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Scarborough's median age is 36 years, nearly matching Greater Perth's average of 37 years, which is slightly below Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, Scarborough has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (21.7%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (9.2%). This proportion of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 35 to 44 has increased from 17.7% to 18.6%, while the 25 to 34 age group has decreased from 23.9% to 21.7%. By 2041, Scarborough's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 75 to 84 age cohort is expected to grow by 85%, adding 850 residents and reaching a total of 1,854. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 62% of population growth, indicating demographic aging trends. Conversely, the 5 to 14 and 0 to 4 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.