Suburb profile · Greater Perth
Shelley (WA) has an estimated 5,289 residents, up 10.3% since the 2021 Census, with 24 projects tracked in the area around Shelley (WA).
Updated 14 Oct 2026.
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The suburb of Shelley (WA) sits 8.9 kilometres south-southeast of the Perth CBD. Based on AreaSearch's analysis, its population is estimated at around 5,289 as of Aug 2026, derived from aggregated SA2-level ERP counts released yearly and national address file data updated each quarter. This represents an increase of 494 people (10.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,795 people. The community is exceptionally well educated, highly culturally diverse and has a high share of residents born overseas, along with a notable proportion of residents aged 15 to 24.
Residents of the suburb of Shelley (WA) include a high proportion of teenagers, alongside middle-aged residents who are largely couples with children. The area also shows standout school performance levels and enjoys high levels of income, while its population growth follows moderate expansion patterns.
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01Profile
The analysis, national rankings and who lives there.
The suburb of Shelley (WA) sits 8.9 kilometres south-southeast of the Perth CBD. Based on AreaSearch's analysis, its population is estimated at around 5,289 as of Aug 2026, derived from aggregated SA2-level ERP counts released yearly and national address file data updated each quarter. This represents an increase of 494 people (10.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,795 people. The community is exceptionally well educated, highly culturally diverse and has a high share of residents born overseas, along with a notable proportion of residents aged 15 to 24.
Residents of the suburb of Shelley (WA) include a high proportion of teenagers, alongside middle-aged residents who are largely couples with children. The area also shows standout school performance levels and enjoys high levels of income, while its population growth follows moderate expansion patterns.
Estimated resident population by year (ABS, not Census counts): 4,368 in 2006 and 5,284 in 2025. The dashed segment ends at the AreaSearch estimate for Aug 2026: 5,289 (ABS June 2025 base).
Share of residents in each age band (ABS age profile, scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate). Largest: 15 to 24, 16.2%.
Share of households in each weekly household income band (2021 Census). Largest: $1,500 - 2,999, 27.8%.
Shelley (WA) ranks in the 94th percentile nationally for education and the 93rd for employment drivers.
Each bar and spoke is a national percentile; the dashed ring is the typical area. 99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better. Orange marks the top three measures where a higher percentile is better; not Age, Housing or Housing Cost.
02Market and pipeline
Rents, sale prices and what is being built.
The median rent in Shelley (WA) is $735 a week, down 0.3% over 12 months to Sep 2026 and 2% above Greater Perth.
2% above Greater Perth on median weekly rent
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $735 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2026 | |
| Change in median rent over 12 months | -0.3% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2026 | |
| Median rent, Canning | $720 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, Canning, over 12 months | +9.1% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2026 | |
| Median rent, Perth - South East | $716 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2026 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Change in median rent, Perth - South East, over 12 months | +7.0% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2026 | |
| Median rent, Greater Perth | $723 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, Greater Perth, over 12 months | +6.5% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2026 | |
| Median rent, WA | $714 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, WA, over 12 months | +7.0% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2026 |
AreaSearch tracks 24 projects in and around Shelley (WA), 9 of them under construction.
A $163 million redevelopment of the Perth Hockey Stadium at Curtin University's Bentley campus into Hockey Australia's national hockey centre. The project includes four outdoor pitches, with at least two to International Hockey Federation Category 1 standard, an indoor hockey centre with FIH-standard courts, a 1,000-seat stadium expandable to 10,000 in…
The City of Canning is transforming the Willetton Sports Precinct, formerly known as Burrendah Park, into a multi-generational sport and community hub.
Scheduled renovation works for the Willetton Youth Centre, which was temporarily closed from May 12 to June 13, 2025, for facility upgrades and improvements by the City of Canning.
A staged long-term redevelopment of the Kent Street Weir Precinct on the banks of the Canning River (Djarlgarro Beeliar) in Wilson. Works include a new district-level inclusive play space with cultural interpretation elements, an off-leash dog exercise area, wetland buffer expansion with over 21,000 native plants, a pump track, upgraded shelters and BBQ…
Major expansion of Westfield Booragoon from 72,000 square metres to 120,000 square metres across two stages. Stage 1 includes a new entertainment and leisure precinct with a 9-screen Hoyts cinema complex, fresh food precinct with relocated and expanded Woolworths, a new boutique supermarket, food laneway, 53 additional specialty stores, new east-west mall…
Staged redevelopment of the Kent Street Weir Precinct on the Canning River, delivered by the City of Canning as a major community recreation and environmental upgrade.
Major new four-level library and cultural centre forming the cultural heart of the future Melville City Centre. The project will deliver the City's main library, museum, exhibition galleries, performance and creative spaces, community meeting rooms, children's and youth areas, cafe and public plaza.
Upgrade and expansion of Mount Pleasant Primary School in Mount Pleasant, Western Australia, including new teaching blocks, an upgraded administration building and a covered assembly area to modernise facilities and support enrolments from Kindergarten to Year 6. The school is located at 29 Queens Road, Mount Pleasant, within the City of Melville.
Research-led digital twin project at Curtin University's Bentley campus supporting the Pathways to Net Zero Precincts program. The project is piloting an integrated digital twin platform using real-time building sensor data to improve space utilisation, operational energy efficiency, Consumer Energy Resource integration, and precinct-scale decarbonisation.
Curtin University Building 316 is a five-storey, 22,000-square-metre dedicated sciences building housing the School of Electrical Engineering, Computing and Mathematical Sciences and the WA School of Mines.
Boutique residential development comprising four luxury two-storey standalone townhouses on a 791sqm corner lot at 27 Reynolds Road, Applecross. Designed by Urbane in collaboration with DKO Architecture, featuring high-spec three-bedroom and two-bathroom layouts targeting the luxury residential market.
Heartwood Bentley is an urban renewal precinct within the 31-hectare Bentley Redevelopment Area in the City of Canning, approximately 8 km south of the Perth CBD. DevelopmentWA is transforming 21 hectares of government-owned land into a modern, sustainable neighbourhood delivering up to 1000 new homes, with a target of one in seven being social housing.
Images marked AI impression are illustrative only and not photographs of the project; follow the project links for actual imagery. Original imagery? Contact us.
Estimated completion year of the 8 projects in and around the area that are not yet completed and have one: 2026 5, 2027 1, 2028 0, 2029 2. 5 have no completion year.
AreaSearch has tracked 1 substantial development application lodged in and around Shelley (WA) over the period covered (about 1.9 years). Coverage varies by council.
Status of the 1 tracked applications: 1 approved, 0 under assessment, 0 other (refused, withdrawn or no status).
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tracked applications | 1 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, period covered (about 1.9 years) | |
| Tracked, last 12 months | 0 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area | |
| ABS building approvals | 5.7 per 1,000 people | ABS building approvals | 67th percentile nationally |
| Average approvals a year | 28 | ABS building approvals | 41st percentile nationally |
| Applications approved | 1 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, period covered (about 1.9 years) |
Key infrastructure and planning changes likely to influence the suburb of Shelley include: Whaleback Golf Course & Hospitality Revitalisation (Approved); Wyong Reserve Sporting Facilities Upgrade (Construction); Australian Hockey Centre (Construction); METRONET Canning Bridge Bus Interchange Upgrade (Planning); and Willetton Youth Centre Renovation (Construction). These projects represent significant developments that will shape the area's future infrastructure landscape.
Infrastructure development impacting the suburb of Shelley spans multiple sectors including Transport & Logistics, Sports & Recreation, and Health & Medical, among others.
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On AreaSearch's development drivers ranking, recent residential development output has been above average within Shelley when compared nationally.
Dwelling approval activity in the suburb of Shelley area has seen 52 residential approvals over the past two financial years, based on AreaSearch's SA2 aggregation method. The suburb of Shelley's current population of 5,289 has been supported by 28 approvals on average over recent years.
The suburb of Shelley has seen 5.7 approvals per 1,000 people in recent years, compared to 7.4 approvals in Greater Perth. This means that one dwelling has been approved for every 201 people in the suburb of Shelley, compared to one for every 118 in Greater Perth.
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Looking at development activity over the past five years, the suburb of Shelley's approval levels have been significantly below the yearly average of 28, showing a notable downturn in recent development.
Over the past five years, the population in the suburb of Shelley has grown by approximately 408 people, while 141 residential approvals were recorded. This equates to a ratio of 2.9 people added for each new dwelling approval. This indicates solid population growth supported by housing development activity.
03People
Population, age, income, work, education and more.
99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better.
Shelley has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 5,289 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | |
| Growth since 2021 Census | +10.3% | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | 69th percentile nationally |
| Population density | 2,479 per km² | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | 77th percentile nationally |
| Average yearly growth, 2020 to 2025 | +1.6% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Average yearly growth, 2015 to 2025 | +1.2% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population at the 2021 Census | 4,795 | 2021 Census | |
| Residents added since the 2021 Census | 494 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | |
| Average yearly growth, 2022 to 2025 | +2.3% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Population growth, 2024 to 2025 | +1.8% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Land area | 2.13 km² | AreaSearch boundary analysis |
Total population for the suburb of Shelley was estimated to be approximately 5,289 as at Aug 2026. This is based upon an estimated resident population of 5,284 from the ABS up to June 2025.
The suburb of shelley has added approximately 494 people and shown a 10.30% increase from the 4,795 people recorded at the 2021 Census period.
The population density in the suburb of Shelley is estimated at 2,483 persons per square kilometre based on the latest population estimate.
Over the past 10 years, the population in the suburb of Shelley has shown a compound annual growth rate of 1.2% per annum.
Population growth in the suburb of Shelley is driven by: Overseas migration (100.0%), Natural increase (0.0%), Interstate migration (0.0%). The primary driver is Overseas migration, contributing 100.0% of overall population gains.
Shelley's median age exceeds the national pattern.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 42 years | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | 67th percentile nationally |
| Aged 65 and over | 18.8% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Children under 15 | 16.1% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 34 | 25.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 64 | 49.0% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age at the 2021 Census | 42 years | 2021 Census | |
| Aged 0 to 4 | 3.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 5 to 14 | 12.5% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 24 | 16.2% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 34 | 9.2% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 35 to 44 | 13.0% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 45 to 54 | 14.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 55 to 64 | 12.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 65 to 74 | 10.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 75 to 84 | 6.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 85 and over | 1.8% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
AreaSearch estimates the median age in the suburb of Shelley at 42 years as at August 2026. That is in line with the 2021 Census figure of 42 years, on an age profile AreaSearch re-estimates for population change recorded since the Census.
At an estimated 42 years as at August 2026, Shelley is 5 years older than the Greater Perth 2021 Census average (37 years) and 4 years older than the national Census average (38 years).
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most over-represented age group in the suburb of Shelley compared to the Greater Perth region is the 15 - 24 group, making up 16.2% of the population.
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most under-represented age group in the suburb of Shelley compared to the Greater Perth region is the 25 - 34 group, making up 9.2% of the population.
Yes, certain age groups in the suburb of Shelley show significant variance compared to Greater Perth. The most under-represented age group is 25-34 year-olds (9.2% vs 15.8%).
AreaSearch estimates children aged 0-14 years at 16.1% of the population in the suburb of Shelley as at August 2026.
AreaSearch estimates people aged 65 and over at 18.8% of the population in the suburb of Shelley as at August 2026.
Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 80% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median taxable income (ATO) | $66,764 a year | ATO FY-24, annual | 76th percentile nationally |
| Average taxable income | $94,295 a year | ATO FY-24, annual |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Census household income / week | $2,186 | 2021 Census, weekly | 77th percentile nationally |
| Census personal income / week | $898 | 2021 Census, weekly | 66th percentile nationally |
| High-income households | 36.6% | 2021 Census | |
| Census family income / week | $2,609 | 2021 Census, weekly | |
| Low-income households | 17.7% | 2021 Census |
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the suburb of Shelley is approximately $71,464. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded a median of $66,764.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the suburb of Shelley is approximately $100,933. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded an average of $94,295.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the suburb of Shelley is approximately $71,464 compared to $68,556 in Greater Perth. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $66,764 and $64,047 respectively.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the suburb of Shelley is approximately $100,933 compared to $90,565 in Greater Perth. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $94,295 and $84,609 respectively.
As per the 2021 Census, the weekly household income bracket containing the largest proportion of the suburb of Shelley's households (~27.7% / 472 households) is the $1,500 - 2,999 cohort.
The largest weekly household income cohort in the suburb of Shelley is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing about 27.7% of households. In comparison, Greater Perth's largest household income cohort is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing 32.0% of its households, according to the 2021 Census.
The 2021 Census data indicates that the median household income in the suburb of Shelley is $2,186/wk.
According to the 2021 Census, the median family income in the suburb of Shelley is $2,609/wk.
The 2021 Census shows that the median personal income in the suburb of Shelley is $898/wk.
The suburb of Shelley's income level is extremely high nationally according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-24. The suburb of Shelley's median income among taxpayers is $66,764 and the average income stands at $94,295, which compares to figures for Greater Perth's of $64,047 and $84,609 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 7.04% since FY-24, current estimates would be approximately $71,464 (median) and $100,933 (average) as of June 2026.
The estimated disposable income in the suburb of Shelley is $8,301 per year according to AreaSearch analysis.
The suburb of shelley's disposable income is $8,301 compared to $6,842 for Greater Perth, based on AreaSearch analysis.
The exceptional employment performance in Shelley places it among Australia's strongest labour markets.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment rate | 1.5% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Workforce participation | 65.3% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Employed residents | 2,855 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Daytime population | 4,141 | AreaSearch estimate of residents and workers present on a weekday | |
| Labour force | 2,899 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch |
As of March 2026, the suburb of Shelley has approximately 2,855 employed residents with an unemployment rate of 1.5%. This very low unemployment rate indicates a tight labour market with strong demand for workers. The area ranks in the top 25% nationally for employment performance, indicating a robust job market.
As of March 2026, the unemployment rate in the suburb of Shelley stands at 1.5%, which is 2.7 percentage points below Greater Perth's rate of 4.2%. This lower unemployment rate suggests stronger local employment conditions. For comparison, the national unemployment rate is 4.2%.
The employment landscape in the suburb of Shelley is dominated by several key sectors. The largest employers are health care & social assistance (15.8% of employment), education & training (13.0%), and professional & technical (10.2%). Other significant employers include retail trade and public administration & safety.
Over the past year to March 2026, the suburb of Shelley has experienced employment growth, with total employment increasing while the labour force increased. As a result, the unemployment rate has risen. By comparison, Greater Perth saw employment increased and its unemployment rate rose.
The workforce participation rate in the suburb of Shelley is 65.3%, which represents the proportion of working-age residents who are either employed or actively seeking work. This healthy participation rate reflects good employment opportunities and workforce engagement. The local rate trailing the Greater Perth average of 69.9%, showing similar workforce dynamics to Greater Perth.
The suburb of shelley shows notable specialisation in education & training, which employs 13.0% of the local workforce compared to 9.2% across Greater Perth. This moderate specialisation indicates some local strength in the sector.
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The suburb of shelley's employment market shows strong performance nationally, ranking in the top 25% of areas assessed by AreaSearch. This indicates robust employment conditions and economic vitality compared to other regions. Recent job advertisement trends show the broader employment region experienced 4.5% growth, ranking 12th out of 37 regions nationally.
Educational achievement in Shelley places it within the top 6% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor qualifications | 28.8% | 2021 Census | 84th percentile nationally |
| Postgraduate qualifications | 13.7% | 2021 Census | 86th percentile nationally |
| University qualifications | 45.9% | 2021 Census | |
| Vocational qualifications | 13.9% | 2021 Census | 18th percentile nationally |
| Graduate diploma or certificate | 3.4% | 2021 Census | 76th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced diploma or diploma | 10.7% | 2021 Census | 51st percentile nationally |
| No post-school qualification | 29.3% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending an educational institution | 31.8% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending university or other higher education | 7.9% | 2021 Census | 86th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending primary school | 9.9% | 2021 Census | 45th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending secondary school | 9.5% | 2021 Census | 82nd percentile nationally |
45.9% of people aged 15 and over in the suburb of Shelley have university qualifications, compared to 30.1% in Greater Perth.
29.3% of people aged 15 and over in the suburb of Shelley have no formal qualifications, compared to 35.6% in Greater Perth.
The suburb of shelley ranks in the 94th percentile nationally for education based on AreaSearch's analysis of qualification and performance metrics.
The most common qualifications in the suburb of Shelley are: Bachelor Degree (28.8%), Certificate (13.9%), Postgraduate (13.7%).
31.8% of the population in the suburb of Shelley is currently engaged in formal education, including 9.9% in primary school, 9.5% in secondary school, 7.9% at university (all shares of total residents).
The average ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) score for schools in the suburb of Shelley is 1141, indicating above-average socio-educational advantage compared to the national average of 1000.
There are 1 schools within the suburb of Shelley, with a combined enrollment of approximately 460 students.
The suburb of shelley includes 1 primary school.
Shelley features high concentrations of couples with children and family households but relatively few lone person households, with a larger average household size than Greater Perth.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household size | 2.7 people | 2021 Census | 71st percentile nationally |
| Lone-person households | 19.3% | 2021 Census | 26th percentile nationally |
| Couples with children | 40.9% | 2021 Census | 81st percentile nationally |
| Couples without children | 27.8% | 2021 Census | 58th percentile nationally |
| One-parent families | 9.2% | 2021 Census | 33rd percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group households | 2.1% | 2021 Census | 29th percentile nationally |
| Households at the 2021 Census | 1,701 | 2021 Census | |
| Estimated households | 1,876 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026 | |
| Family households | 78.5% | 2021 Census | 76th percentile nationally |
| Average children per family | 1.6 per family | 2021 Census | 46th percentile nationally |
As of the 2021 Census, the suburb of Shelley had 1,701 households. Based on population growth patterns, this has grown by approximately 10.3% to an estimated 1,876 households today.
The average household size in the suburb of Shelley is 2.7 people. This compares to 2.6 in Greater Perth and reflects the area's household composition mix.
Family households dominate at 78.5% of all households. Non-family households consist of lone person households (19.3%), group households (2.1%), and other household types (0.0%).
Of the 1,335 family households, couples with children account for 40.9% of all households, couples without children at home 27.8%, and single parent families 9.2%. This mix shapes local demand for schools, family services, and housing types.
Compared to Greater Perth, the suburb of Shelley shows distinct household patterns. Family households are notably over-represented at 78.5% (versus 71.5% in Greater Perth). Conversely, lone person households are under-represented at 19.3% compared to 24.9% in Greater Perth. This family-oriented profile influences local demand for family homes, schools, and children's services.
Families in the suburb of Shelley have an average of 1.6 children, matching the Greater Perth average of 1.6. This influences local demand for child-related services and larger family homes.
Marriage patterns reveal 59.0% of the adult population are currently married, while 28.6% have never married. This compares to 47.6% married and 36.1% never married across Greater Perth.
Single-person households represent 19.3% of all households in the suburb of Shelley, notably lower than the average for Greater Perth of 24.9%. This affects demand for smaller dwellings and single-person accommodation.
Group households (unrelated people sharing) account for 2.1% of households, below the Greater Perth average of 3.5%. This lower rate suggests less student or young professional shared accommodation.
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.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born overseas | 48.5% | 2021 Census | 89th percentile nationally |
| Speak another language at home | 34.7% | 2021 Census | 79th percentile nationally |
| English only at home | 65.3% | 2021 Census | 20th percentile nationally |
| Australian citizens | 82.8% | 2021 Census | 31st percentile nationally |
| Born in Australia | 51.5% | 2021 Census | 10th percentile nationally |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents | 0.4% | 2021 Census | 16th percentile nationally |
Shelley scores quite highly on cultural diversity, with 34.7% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 48.5% born overseas.
The main religion in Shelley was found to be Christianity, which makes up 44.0% of people in Shelley. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Buddhism, which comprises 6.6% of the population, compared to 2.7% across Greater Perth.
In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Shelley are English, comprising 24.8% of the population, Australian, comprising 14.4% of the population, which is notably lower than Greater Perth's 21.2%, and Other, comprising 14.2% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Sri Lankan is notably overrepresented at 1.2% of Shelley (vs 0.2% across Greater Perth), Korean at 1.3% (vs 0.3%) and Chinese at 12.9% (vs 4.0%).
48.5% of the suburb of Shelley population was born overseas, compared to 37.7% across Greater Perth.
34.7% of the population in the suburb of Shelley speaks a language other than English at home, compared to 22.0% in Greater Perth.
0.4% of the suburb of Shelley population identifies as Australian Aboriginal, compared to 1.4% in Greater Perth.
82.8% of the suburb of Shelley population holds citizenship, compared to 83.0% in Greater Perth.
04Place
Housing, health, transport, local services and the reports on them.
Shelley is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rented homes | 25.0% | 2021 Census | 41st percentile nationally |
| Owned outright | 41.6% | 2021 Census | 74th percentile nationally |
| Detached houses | 78.5% | 2021 Census | 36th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment | $2,275 a month | 2021 Census, monthly | 82nd percentile nationally |
| Owned with a mortgage | 33.4% | 2021 Census | 44th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-detached, terrace and townhouses | 21.2% | 2021 Census | 86th percentile nationally |
| Median weekly rent paid, 2021 Census | $380 | 2021 Census, weekly | 55th percentile nationally |
| Median rent as a share of median household income | 17.4% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 19th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment as a share of household income | 24.0% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 50th percentile nationally |
| People per bedroom | 0.8 per bedroom | 2021 Census | 72nd percentile nationally |
In the suburb of Shelley, 41.6% of homes are owned outright, 33.4% are owned with a mortgage, and 25.0% are rented.
According to the latest data, 78.5% of dwellings in the suburb of Shelley are houses.
In the suburb of Shelley, 0.2% of dwellings are apartments or units, with an additional 21.2% being semi-detached dwellings.
Outright home ownership in the suburb of Shelley stands at 41.6%, compared to 29.3% in Greater Perth.
The median monthly mortgage repayment in the suburb of Shelley is $2,275, compared to $1,907 in Greater Perth.
The aggregate monthly housing cost in the suburb of Shelley is $1,171, which represents the average monthly cost across all housing types.
In the suburb of Shelley, households with mortgages typically spend 24.0% of their income on mortgage repayments, while renters spend 17.4% of their income on rent.
The average persons per bedroom ratio in the suburb of Shelley is 0.8, indicating the level of household density.
Housing affordability in the suburb of Shelley shows mortgage holders spending 24.0% of income on repayments (vs 23.6% in Greater Perth), while renters spend 17.4% of income on rent (vs 18.8% in Greater Perth).
The dwelling mix in the suburb of Shelley consists of 78.5% detached houses, 21.2% semi-detached dwellings, 0.2% apartments, and 0.0% other dwelling types.
Housing in Shelley consumes approximately 12.4% of median household income ($9,465 monthly), indicating costs are highly affordable. The generally accepted benchmark is that housing should not exceed 30% of household income.
Recent development applications in Shelley show attached dwellings contributing 8% of approvals compared to 22% of existing stock, while detached houses represent 92% of applications versus 78% of current dwellings. This suggests development patterns consistent with existing housing mix. Density increases remain below national trends.
Shelley's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics relative to locations nationally with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private health cover | 62.9% | ATO FY 2024, private health cover | 85th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition | 74.7% | 2021 Census | 79th percentile nationally |
| Need help with daily activities | 3.0% | 2021 Census | 11th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition, under 65 | 81.8% | 2021 Census | 83rd percentile nationally |
| Three or more long-term health conditions, under 65 | 0.5% | 2021 Census | 8th percentile nationally |
Around 62.9% of people in the suburb of Shelley are covered by private health insurance, which compares to 59.1% in Greater Perth.
In the suburb of Shelley, 3.0% of the population is identified as requiring ongoing medical assistance. By comparison, 4.6% of people in Greater Perth require similar assistance.
5.1% of people in the suburb of Shelley are diagnosed with asthma. In comparison, 6.8% of the population across Greater Perth is affected by asthma.
Diabetes affects 4.3% of the suburb of Shelley population, while in Greater Perth, 4.0% of people are diagnosed with diabetes.
3.7% of people in the suburb of Shelley have heart disease. Across Greater Perth,3.3% of the population is affected by heart disease.
In the suburb of Shelley, 62.9% of the population are estimated to have private health insurance. Comparatively, Greater Perth sees an estimated private health coverage rate of 59.1%.
Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport access | 67 out of 100 | AreaSearch transport analysis of timetable data | 67th percentile nationally |
| Public transport stops | 23 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 23rd percentile nationally |
| Weekly public transport trips | 1,439 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 42nd percentile nationally |
| People per public transport stop | 229 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Public transport routes | 11 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per dwelling | 1.6 per dwelling | 2021 Census | |
| Working residents who worked from home | 9.8% | 2021 Census, taken during COVID-19 restrictions |
There are 23 public transport stops within the suburb of Shelley.
The suburb of Shelley has 1,439 weekly trips across 11 routes, averaging 205 trips per day.
On average, residential properties are 181 metres from the nearest transport stop.
From the typical resident, the nearest pharmacy is 482 m away and the nearest child care centre 487 m.
Distance from the typical resident to the nearest of each service. Every bar starts at 0 m. The nearest is orange.
Public transport 23 stops nearby, 1,439 weekly trips, access rating 67 out of 100.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amenity score | 60 out of 100 | AreaSearch proximity analysis | 60th percentile nationally |
| Nearest pharmacy | 482 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest child care | 487 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest school | 551 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest GP | 698 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest dentist | 835 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest shopping centre | 1.2 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest supermarket | 1.3 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest fitness centre | 1.3 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest bank | 2.2 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest hospital | 4.2 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest government service | 4.3 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
Sector reports that go deeper on these services: child care, medical, retail, aged care and specialist disability accommodation (SDA).
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05Reports and tools
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06About this profile
Where the figures come from, downloads and nearby areas.
On AreaSearch's development drivers ranking, recent residential development output has been above average within Shelley when compared nationally.
Shelley has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 46th percentile nationally.
No headline figures are reported for this area.
Median rent in Shelley (WA) is $735 a week, -0.3% over 12 months to Sep 2026.
Shelley has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends.
Shelley's median age exceeds the national pattern.
Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 80% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch.
The exceptional employment performance in Shelley places it among Australia's strongest labour markets.
Educational achievement in Shelley places it within the top 6% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community.
Shelley features high concentrations of couples with children and family households but relatively few lone person households, with a larger average household size than Greater Perth.
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 is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership.
Shelley's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics relative to locations nationally with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.
Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
Amenity provision was found to be above the typical area assessed nationally by AreaSearch, based on counts and proximity analysis.
Shelley (WA) has an estimated 5,289 residents, up 10.3% since the 2021 Census, with 24 projects tracked in the area around Shelley (WA).
Latest estimate as at Aug 2026; other figures from the 2021 Census, ATO FY-24 and AreaSearch estimates where labelled. Updated 14 Oct 2026.
Sources: ABS Census 2021, ABS estimated resident population, ATO taxation statistics, state rental bonds and property sales records where published, and AreaSearch analysis for Shelley (WA).
Data currency
Refreshed . Rents to Sep 2026, population and age estimated to Aug 2026, taxable income FY 2024 and projects to Sep 2026. Housing, households and cultural diversity are from the 2021 Census (next update with the 2026 Census results).
Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, and are labelled as such. Other sections were compiled 15 Oct 2026 from sources that update on their own cycles; "See the evidence" lists each source and its cycle.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For a complete picture, consider both boundary types where available.
Main sources: ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL51345). QuickStats reports 2021 only; the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.
This page uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries (suburb-style geography). SAL represents commonly-known suburb names used in addresses, while Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census and statistical reporting. Even when sharing the same name, SAL and SA2 boundaries often cover different geographic areas with different populations.
AreaSearch compiles this page from official and industry sources, including ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia, then calculates statistics for the boundary shown, and ranks, growth rates and benchmarks itself. Property sales come from the state valuation authority, rents from state rental bond lodgements, development applications from council and state planning portals, school data from ACARA, and public transport from state transport departments. Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, labelled as such.
No. Most of this page is built beyond the Census. Dated for this area: population (Aug 2026), age profile (Aug 2026), infrastructure projects (Sep 2026) and income (FY 2024). Compiled with this profile from sources that publish on their own cycles: development and approvals, property sales and rents, employment, education, transport, health and services and amenities. Only housing, households and cultural diversity remain wholly Census-based, because no more current small-area dataset exists for those measures.
Key demographics and figures for Shelley (WA) from the 2021 Census, ATO taxpayer data and AreaSearch estimates and analysis. Each topic has its own table of key figures beside the section it belongs to, and each row names its source and date. The percentile compares Shelley (WA) with every neighbourhood-sized area across Australia (ABS SA2 areas): a higher percentile means more of that measure than most, not necessarily better.
Source: AreaSearch (areasearch.com.au) compiled from ABS Census 2021, ATO and other public sources.
