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 ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, Scarborough's population is estimated at around 20,496 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,891 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,605. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of resident population at 20,110 following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 151 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 4,107 persons per square kilometer, placing Scarborough in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 16.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeds the national average of 9.9%. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 74.0% 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, 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, with an expected expansion of 2,826 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 11.9% 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 in Scarborough shows an average of approximately 107 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 536 homes. As of FY26135 approvals have been recorded. This results in about 5 new residents arriving per year per dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25, indicating a significant demand exceeding supply. New properties are constructed at an average value of $617,000, focusing on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

In FY26, commercial development approvals totalled $4.8 million, reflecting Scarborough's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Perth, Scarborough has a somewhat elevated construction rate, recording 32.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. New development consists of approximately 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 characteristics of a growth area.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Scarborough is projected to add approximately 2,439 residents by 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.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 21 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include The Dunes Beachfront Residences, Myka Residences, Iconic Scarborough, and Marbella Beachside. Below is a list detailing those most relevant.

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.

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 is 1.8% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 4.4% over the past year. This figure is based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

As of that date, 13,732 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 2.2% below Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Scarborough stands at 81.2%, compared to Greater Perth's 71.6%. According to Census responses, only 10.7% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and mining.

Scarborough shows a particularly notable concentration in mining, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. Conversely, retail trade shows lower representation at 6.4% versus the regional average of 9.3%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 4.4%, while labour force increased by 3.8%, resulting in a decrease in unemployment by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth experienced employment growth of 2.9% and labour force growth of 3.0%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Scarborough. These projections estimate that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, though these are simple weighting extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do 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 ATO data released for financial year 2023, Scarborough had a median income among taxpayers of $68,904 and an average level of $93,885. These figures are among the highest in Australia, compared to Greater Perth's levels of $60,748 and $80,248 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Scarborough would be approximately $75,533 (median) and $102,917 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows individual earnings in Scarborough stand out at the 92nd percentile nationally ($1,231 weekly). Income analysis reveals that 31.6% of locals (6,476 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly income category, aligning with regional levels where this cohort also represents 32.0%. Higher earners represent a substantial presence in Scarborough, 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. 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

Scarborough's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 36.3% houses and 63.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Perth metro had 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Scarborough was at 24.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.6% and rented ones at 40.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than Perth metro's average of $1,907. The median weekly rent in Scarborough was $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 at 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 2.6.

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

Educational attainment in Scarborough significantly surpasses broader benchmarks. As of the latest data, 44.7% of residents aged 15+ hold university qualifications, compared to 27.9% in Western Australia and 29.0% in the SA4 region. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 31.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.5%) and graduate diplomas (4.1%).

Trade and technical skills feature prominently, 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

Scarborough has 81 active public transport stops serving mixed bus routes. Five individual routes operate here, collectively facilitating 1,333 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 163 meters from their nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Scarborough's residential nature. Cars are the dominant mode of transport at 78%, followed by trains at 10% and buses at 6%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.2, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 10.7% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 190 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 16 weekly trips per 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 remarkable results based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 64% of Scarborough's total population (13,213 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Perth's 59.0%.

Nationally, the average is 55.7%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in Scarborough, affecting 7.7% and 6.6% of residents respectively. Notably, 75.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Perth's 71.9%. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 14.8% of residents aged 65 and over (3,033 people), lower than Greater Perth's 16.3%. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population nationally.

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 2016, showed higher cultural diversity than most other local markets, with 14.0% speaking a language other than English at home and 33.7% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Scarborough, comprising 39.8%. However, Judaism's representation was notably high at 0.3%, matching Greater Perth's percentage.

The top three ancestry groups were English (29.7%), Australian (21.7%), and Irish (9.6%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Welsh at 0.9% (vs regional 0.7%), French at 1.0% (vs 0.5%), and South African at 1.1% (vs 1.0%).

Scarborough's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Scarborough's median age is 37, matching Greater Perth's figure and closely resembling Australia's median age of 38. The 25-34 age group comprises 20.8% of Scarborough's population, higher than Greater Perth but below the national average of 14.4%. The 5-14 cohort makes up 9.3%, lower than both Greater Perth and the national figure. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 4.0% to 5.3%. Conversely, the 25-34 group has decreased from 23.9% to 20.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Scarborough's age structure. The 75-84 group is expected to grow by 71%, reaching 1,853 people from the current 1,086. Those aged 65 and above are projected to account for 58% of population growth. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 5-14 cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.