Shelley (WA)

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Shelley's population is estimated at around 5,348 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 553 people (11.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,795 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,258 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 15 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,510 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Shelley's 11.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (8.9%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, 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). Looking at population projections moving forward, an above median population growth is projected for statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch. The suburb is expected to grow by 771 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 11.5% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis indicates Shelley has averaged around 26 dwelling approvals annually. From FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 134 homes were approved, with a further 10 approved in FY-26.

This results in about 177 people per approval. Over the past five financial years, an average of 3.1 new residents arrived per dwelling constructed. New dwellings are developed at an average cost of $610,000, targeting the premium market segment.

Shelley's development levels are similar to Greater Perth's on a per capita basis. New development consists of 97.0% detached houses and 3.0% attached dwellings, maintaining Shelley's traditional suburban character focused on family homes. However, developers are constructing more detached housing than previously indicated (78.0% at Census), reflecting strong demand for family homes despite densification trends. Shelley is expected to grow by 613 residents by 2041, with current development rates comfortably meeting demand and potentially supporting growth beyond current projections.

Shelley has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects that could impact this area. Key projects are Willetton Youth Centre Renovation, Southlands Boulevarde Shopping Centre Redevelopment, Westfield Carousel Expansion, and Willetton Sports Precinct Transformation. The following details 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 Shelley places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Shelley has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 1.5% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 3.0%.

As of June 2025, Shelley's unemployment rate is 2.3% lower than Greater Perth's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is at 62.9%, compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. The dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Shelley has a strong specialization in education & training, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. However, construction is under-represented, with only 6.6% of Shelley's workforce compared to Greater Perth's 9.3%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. In the 12-month period ending Sep-22, employment increased by 3.0%, while labour force grew by 3.0%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. In contrast, Greater Perth experienced employment growth of 3.7% and labour force growth of 3.8%, with a 0.1 percentage point rise in unemployment. According to Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22, national employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Shelley's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.9% over ten years.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that income in Shelley is among the highest in Australia. The median assessed income is $61,110 and the average income stands at $90,119. This contrasts with Greater Perth's figures of a median income of $58,380 and an average income of $78,020. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $69,788 (median) and $102,916 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Shelley cluster around the 71st percentile nationally. The data shows that the predominant cohort spans 27.8% of locals (1,486 people) with incomes in the $1,500 - 2,999 category. This is consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region showing 32.0% in the same income category. Economic strength emerges through 36.6% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 87.6% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

As per the latest Census evaluation in Shelley, dwelling structures consisted of 78.5% houses and 21.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Perth metro had 78.4% houses and 21.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Shelley was at 41.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.4% and rented ones at 25.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Shelley was $2,275, higher than Perth metro's average of $1,820. The median weekly rent figure in Shelley was $380, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Shelley's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 78.5% of all households, including 40.9% couples with children, 27.8% couples without children, and 9.2% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 21.5%, with lone person households at 19.3% and group households making up 2.1%. The median household size is 2.7 people, aligning with the Greater Perth average.

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

Shelley's educational attainment exceeds broader benchmarks, with 45.9% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 27.9% in WA and 29.9% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most common at 28.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.7%) and graduate diplomas (3.4%). Vocational pathways account for 24.6% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 10.7% and certificates at 13.9%. Educational participation is high, with 31.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 9.9% in primary, 9.5% in secondary, and 7.9% in tertiary education.

Shelley Primary School has an enrollment of 460 students and serves the local area, demonstrating significant socio-educational advantages (ICSEA score: 1141). The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. There are 8.6 school places per 100 residents in Shelley, below the regional average of 14.8.

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

Transport analysis in Shelley shows 23 active public transport stops, all bus services. These stops are served by 11 different routes, offering a total of 1,423 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents located an average of 181 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 203 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 61 weekly trips per stop.

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

Health outcomes data shows excellent results across Shelley, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover stands at approximately 63%, covering 3,368 people, which is higher than Greater Perth's 52.2% and the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 6.4%) and mental health issues (5.7%), while 74.7% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to Greater Perth's 76.0%.

Shelley has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 20%, with 1,069 people, compared to Greater Perth's 15.9%. Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, closely mirroring the general population's health profile.

Shelley is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Shelley has a high level of cultural diversity, with 34.7% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 48.5% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Shelley, making up 44.0% of the population. Buddhism appears to be overrepresented in Shelley compared to Greater Perth, comprising 6.6% versus 6.7%.

The top three represented ancestry groups are English at 24.8%, Australian at 14.4%, and Other at 14.2%. Certain ethnic groups show notable differences: Sri Lankan is overrepresented at 1.2% compared to the regional average of 0.7%, Korean at 1.3% versus 1.2%, and Chinese at 12.9% versus 14.7%.

Shelley hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Shelley is 42 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 years and older than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 15-24 age group makes up 15.2% of Shelley's population, compared to Greater Perth. However, the 25-34 age cohort is less prevalent in Shelley at 8.4%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15-24 age group has increased from 13.6% to 15.2%, while the 0-4 age group has declined from 4.4% to 3.5%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for Shelley. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 50%, reaching 577 people from 385. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 53% of total population growth, reflecting Shelley's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0-4 and 5-14 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.