Serpentine (WA)

Serpentine lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

According to ABS population estimates for the broader region and new address verifications by AreaSearch post-Census, the suburb of Serpentine (WA) has a population of approximately 3,315 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 452 people (15.8%) from the 2021 Census, which counted 2,863 people. This trend is calculated from the local population of 3,257 estimated by AreaSearch using the latest ABS ERP data release (June 2025) alongside 55 validated new addresses added since the Census. Such a population size results in a density of 31 persons per square kilometer, indicating a spacious residential environment. The 15.8% population expansion in the suburb of Serpentine (WA) since the 2021 census outpaced the national rate of 9.3% and the state average, positioning it as a local growth frontrunner. Net interstate migration was the primary engine of this growth, accounting for roughly 48.0% of the population increase in recent times, though natural increase and overseas migration also contributed positively.

AreaSearch incorporates ABS and Geoscience Australia demographic forecasts for individual SA2 regions published in 2024 using 2022 as the baseline. For SA2 regions lacking these forecasts, and to project trends beyond 2032, AreaSearch applies age-cohort growth rates from the latest ABS Greater Capital Region projections (published in 2023, based on 2022 data). Anticipated demographic shifts suggest that the suburb of Serpentine (WA) will experience a population rise slightly below the median of areas assessed by AreaSearch, with projections indicating an increase of 300 persons by 2041, translating to an overall growth of 7.3% over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Serpentine among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

An evaluation of ABS building approval statistics compiled by AreaSearch for the local area shows that Serpentine averages about 22 annual dwelling approvals, accumulating to approximately 111 new homes over the last 5 financial years. In the current FY-26 period, 25 approvals have been documented. Since an average of 3.8 new residents moved in per constructed home over the past 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25), demand is outstripping supply, which generally drives up property values and heightens buyer competition. Newly approved homes carry an average estimated construction cost of $382,000, which is marginally above the regional benchmark, indicating a focus on premium projects. Furthermore, commercial approvals worth $3.8 million have been registered during this financial year, which highlights the predominantly residential nature of the locality.

Relative to Greater Perth, Serpentine registers approximately 56% of the per capita residential building approvals, placing it in the 68th percentile of all areas evaluated nationwide. Every newly approved residential build consists of standalone houses, preserving the classic low-density environment dominated by spacious family properties. With a ratio of roughly 201 residents for every approved dwelling, the locality displays the typical features of an expanding growth corridor.

Future projections indicate that Serpentine will gain an additional 242 residents by 2041 based on the most recent quarterly estimate from AreaSearch. Looking at established development trends, the supply of new housing is expected to comfortably satisfy demand, providing favorable purchasing options for buyers and potentially supporting population growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Serpentine has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 26thth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure projects, planning choices, and development initiatives are key drivers of regional growth. AreaSearch has identified one major project that is expected to influence the local area. Significant regional developments include the Tonkin Highway Extension and Thomas Road Upgrade, the Provision Of Regional-Level Sporting Facilities In Growth Areas Perth And Peel, the Additional Australind Trains Procurement, and the H2Perth Hydrogen Facility, with details provided for the most relevant projects.

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Employment performance in Serpentine exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Serpentine features a diverse local workforce distributed across manual and professional occupations, with construction workers particularly well represented. The area exhibits a low unemployment rate of 2.8% and achieved an estimated job growth rate of 1.9% over the past year, according to AreaSearch data compiled for the statistical area. In March 2026, 1,573 local residents were employed, and the unemployment rate sat 1.4% below the 4.2% recorded in Greater Perth. However, labour force participation is low at 58.1% compared to 70.2% across Greater Perth. Census records show that a modest 12.2% of the workforce worked from home, though this figure may reflect the influence of Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.

The primary employment sectors for local residents are construction, mining, and retail trade. The region displays a strong concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, employing a share that is 8.3 times the regional average. Conversely, health care & social assistance accounts for only 8.3% of local employment, which is lower than the 14.8% average for Greater Perth. A comparison of the Census working population against the resident population suggests that local employment opportunities within the immediate area are relatively limited.

AreaSearch's analysis of SALM and ABS data for the broader statistical area indicates that in the year ending March 2026, local employment numbers expanded by 1.9% while the total labor force grew by 2.2%, leading to a 0.3 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate. Over the same timeframe, Greater Perth saw employment rise by 2.0% and its labor force grow by 2.5%, resulting in a 0.4 percentage point increase. National employment forecasts released in May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia help illustrate potential long-term trends for Serpentine. These five and ten-year projections have been applied to the local industry mix to model potential growth. Nationally, employment is projected to rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though individual sector growth rates vary. Weighting these projections against the local industry profile suggests that Serpentine's employment base could grow by 5.5% over five years and 11.9% over ten years, representing a basic extrapolation that does not incorporate local population forecasts.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

The most recent ATO postcode data analyzed by AreaSearch for the 2023 financial year indicates that incomes in Serpentine are higher than the national average, recording a median of $57,507 and an average of $73,961. In comparison, Greater Perth recorded a median income of $60,748 and an average of $80,248. Adjusted for a Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates as of March 2026 stand at roughly $63,793 for the median and $82,045 for the average. According to the 2021 Census, weekly household income is in the 62nd percentile at $1,955, while personal income sits in the 42nd percentile. In terms of earnings distribution, 28.1% of residents (representing 931 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, which is similar to the broader regional trend where 32.0% fall into this bracket. A significant group of high earners, representing 30.8% of the population earning above $3,000 weekly, points to robust financial resources in the suburb. Disposable income after housing costs accounts for 85.0% of earnings, and the area is positioned in the 5th decile of the SEIFA income index.

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

The local housing stock at the latest Census was composed of 87.0% detached houses and 13.0% alternative dwellings including townhouses and apartments, compared to the Perth metropolitan average of 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwelling types. Home ownership rates are high, with 39.9% of residents owning their properties outright, while the remaining homes are either mortgaged (52.3%) or occupied by tenants (7.9%). The median monthly mortgage payment was $2,200, which is higher than the Perth metro median of $1,907. The median weekly rent was recorded at $348, compared to the metropolitan median of $350. Nationally, Serpentine's mortgage costs are higher than the Australian median of $1,863, whereas weekly rents are below the national median of $375.

Serpentine features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Families make up the vast majority of local households at 80.1%, consisting of couples with children at 35.8%, couples without children at 36.1%, and single-parent homes at 8.1%. Non-family households account for the remaining 19.9%, with single-person households representing 18.1% and group housing making up 1.1%. The average household size is 2.7 residents, slightly larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Educational outcomes in Serpentine fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The locality displays lower levels of tertiary education, with university graduation rates at 12.2%, which is below the national benchmark of 30.4%. This highlights an area for potential educational development and investment. Among university qualifications, bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.7%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 1.5% and graduate diplomas at 1.0%. Vocational training is prominent, with 39.6% of residents aged 15 and over possessing technical qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas at 8.4% and certificates at 31.2%.

A substantial portion of the population is engaged in studies, with 36.7% of residents enrolled in an educational institution. This group includes 13.0% in high schools, 12.6% in primary schools, and 3.3% in higher education or university programs.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Serpentine's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Public health metrics indicate favorable conditions for local residents, with AreaSearch's analysis of health and mortality statistics showing results that align with national averages. The incidence of common medical conditions is low in the broader population, though elevated rates are visible among older, high-risk groups. Private health insurance coverage is high, with approximately 57% of residents (~1,874 people) holding policies, compared to 59.0% across Greater Perth.

Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent health issues, affecting 9.3% and 8.5% of the population, respectively. Meanwhile, 65.9% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. General health outcomes for the working-age cohort are standard. Residents aged 65 and over make up 19.8% of the community (representing 656 people), which exceeds the Greater Perth proportion of 16.1%. Seniors face some health challenges, though these rankings remain favorable compared to national figures for the wider population.

Serpentine ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

The local community shows lower levels of cultural diversity than average, with citizens representing 77.2% of the population, 77.3% of residents born in Australia, and 97.3% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 44.1% of the population. Notably, Jewish residents make up 0.1% of the local population, compared to a 0.3% share across Greater Perth.

Regarding parental country of birth, the three most common ancestries are English at 35.8% of the population (exceeding the regional average of 28.0%), Australian at 32.7% (exceeding the regional average of 21.2%), and Scottish at 6.8%. Other ethnic groups show distinct concentrations, with Dutch ancestry overrepresented at 3.3% of the local population (compared to 1.5% regionally), Welsh at 0.9% (compared to 0.7%), and South Australian at 0.5% (compared to 1.0%).

Serpentine hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

With a median age of 44, the local population is older than the Greater Perth average of 37 and the national average of 38. The 55 to 64 age cohort is highly represented at 16.0% compared to Greater Perth, while the 25 to 34 age bracket is less common at 10.9%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 65 to 74 grew from 10.3% to 11.5%, while the 45 to 54 cohort decreased from 17.4% to 13.1%. Demographic projections indicate the local age profile will shift by 2041, led by a 40% growth in the 65 to 74 cohort (adding 151 people to reach 533 from 381). This aging trend is prominent, with seniors aged 65 and over accounting for 79% of the projected population growth, while the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 youth cohorts are projected to decrease.