Somerville (WA)

An assessment of population growth drivers in Somerville reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of Nov 2025, Somerville's population is estimated at around 4343. This reflects an increase of 178 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4165. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 4248 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in Jun 2024 and additional validation of 22 new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 952 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 58% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. 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 Greater Capital Region projections, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Examining future trends, a population increase just below the median of non-metropolitan areas nationally is expected for Somerville (WA) SA2, with an estimated increase of 464 persons to 2041, reflecting an 8.9% gain over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Somerville, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Somerville has experienced around 14 dwellings receiving development approval annually over the past five financial years ending June 2021. This totals an estimated 70 homes. As of April 2026, 3 approvals have been recorded in FY-26. The population decline in the area suggests new supply has likely kept up with demand, offering good choice to buyers.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $246,000, reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers compared to regional norms. Additionally, $11.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of WA, Somerville records 96.0% more building activity per person, creating greater choice for buyers. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods. This level is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints.

Recent construction comprises 62.0% detached houses and 38.0% attached dwellings, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points. The estimated count of 502 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Looking ahead, Somerville is expected to grow by 386 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate as of April 2026. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Somerville has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 20thth percentile nationally

Ten projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area's performance. Key projects include Fabric Street Temporary Workforce Accommodation, Goldfields Pipeline Renewal (Stage 1), Kalgoorlie-Boulder Water Bank Project, and KCGM 800-Bed Workers Accommodation Camp. The following list details those likely to be 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.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Somerville performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Somerville has a skilled workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate was 1.2% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 0.6%.

As of September 2025, 2,616 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.0%, below Rest of WA's rate of 3.3%. Workforce participation is high at 75.2%, compared to Rest of WA's 59.4%. Leading industries include mining, education & training, and health care & social assistance. Mining is particularly strong, with an employment share 2.5 times the regional level.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 0.0% of Somerville's workforce compared to 9.3% in Rest of WA. Employment opportunities may be limited locally, as indicated by Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 0.6%, and labour force increased by 0.6%, keeping the unemployment rate stable at 1.2%. In contrast, Rest of WA had employment growth of 1.4% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with a drop in unemployment rate to 3.1%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Somerville's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.1% over five years and 11.7% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

The suburb of Somerville had a median taxpayer income of $87,215 and an average income of $101,052 in financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is notably higher than the national figures for Rest of WA, which were $59,973 (median) and $74,392 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth from financial year 2023 until September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $95,605 and average income around $110,773. Somerville's incomes rank highly nationally, with household, family, and personal incomes all between the 96th and 97th percentiles. The predominant income bracket in Somerville is $1,500 - 2,999, which accounts for 32.8% of locals (1,424 people), similar to the regional figure of 31.1%. A significant portion of households, 49.9%, earns high weekly incomes exceeding $3,000, indicating strong consumer spending power. After accounting for housing costs, residents retain 88.2% of their income on average, reflecting robust purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Somerville is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

The latest Census data showed that in Somerville, 72.4% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 27.7% being other types such as semi-detached homes and apartments. In comparison, Non-Metro WA had a higher proportion of houses at 82.9%, with 17.0% being other dwellings. Home ownership in Somerville stood at 15.8%, with the majority of dwellings either mortgaged (46.5%) or rented (37.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Somerville was $2,123, higher than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,517. Weekly rent in Somerville was recorded at $330, compared to Non-Metro WA's $280. Nationally, Somerville's median monthly mortgage repayment is higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while weekly rents are lower than the national figure of $375.

Somerville has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 75.7% of all households, including 42.3% couples with children, 26.2% couples without children, and 6.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 24.3%, with lone person households at 21.3% and group households comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Rest of WA average of 2.5.

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

Educational qualifications in Somerville trail regional benchmarks; 22.1% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees compared to 30.4% nationally. This gap indicates potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most common at 15.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 42.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.0%) and certificates (33.7%).

Educational participation is high; 34.4% of residents are currently enrolled in formal education, including 14.2% in primary, 9.6% in secondary, and 2.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis indicates 15 active transport stops operating within Somerville. These stops are served by a mix of buses operating along two routes, collectively facilitating 126 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport is rated as good, with residents typically located 299 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 18 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 8 weekly trips per individual stop.

Somerville'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 Somerville, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 67% of the total population (2,923 people), compared to 63.6% across Rest of WA and a national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 5.5 and 5.0% of residents respectively, while 81.5% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 74.9% across Rest of WA.

As of 23rd May 2022, the area has 5.4% of residents aged 65 and over (234 people), which is lower than the 9.2% in Rest of WA. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Somerville was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Somerville's population shows significant cultural diversity, with 16.6% speaking a language other than English at home and 28.4% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Somerville, practiced by 47.6% of its residents. While Hinduism comprises only 2.8% of Somerville's population, this figure is higher than the regional average of 1.3%.

In terms of ancestry, Australian and English are the most represented groups, accounting for 26.5% and 26.4% respectively, followed by Other at 10.4%. Notably, New Zealanders make up 1.9% of Somerville's population compared to the regional average of 1.5%, Maori comprise 3.0% versus a regional average of 3.3%, and South Africans constitute 1.3% against a regional average of 0.9%.

Somerville's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

Somerville's median age in 2021 was 32 years, which is younger than Rest of WA's 40 and the national average of 38. The 25-34 age group constituted 18.6% of Somerville's population, higher than Rest of WA's percentage. The 65-74 cohort made up 4.3%, which is less prevalent compared to other regions. Between 2021 and the present, the 25-34 age group grew from 15.6% to 18.6%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort declined from 15.8% to 14.5%, and the 45-54 group decreased from 15.1% to 14.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate that Somerville's 25-34 age cohort is projected to increase by 264 people, rising from 807 to 1,072. Conversely, population declines are expected for the 55-64 and 75-84 cohorts.