Southern River

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Southern River's population is estimated at around 16,302 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 3,450 people (26.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,852 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 15,693, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 935 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,234 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 26.8% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (8.9%), along with the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 40.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is utilising the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth of national statistical areas is projected, with the suburb expected to increase by 2,917 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 9.0% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Southern River was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Southern River has recorded around 221 residential properties granted approval per year. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 1,108 homes have been approved, with an additional 84 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 1.9 people have moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five years.

The supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $380,000, consistent with regional patterns. This financial year has seen $14.7 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Perth, Southern River has 258.0% more development activity per person, offering buyers greater choice and suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. All new construction has been comprised of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character focused on family homes.

With around 71 people per approval, Southern River reflects a developing area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Southern River is expected to grow by 1,461 residents through to 2041. Current construction levels should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Southern River has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

AreaSearch has identified 25 projects that could impact the area's performance. Key initiatives include the Sutherland Park Master Plan, Sutherland Park Leisure, Aquatic and Sports Hub (SPLASH), Florian Huntingdale, and Southern River Business Park. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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AreaSearch analysis places Southern River well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Southern River has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 3.1%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.3%, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of June 2025, there are 8,527 residents in work, and the unemployment rate is 0.8% below Greater Perth's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is high at 72.9%, compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. The dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training.

There is strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. However, professional & technical employs only 7.2% of local workers, below Greater Perth's 8.2%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 3.3%, while labour force grew by 3.1%, causing a fall in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth saw employment rise by 3.7%, with labour force growth of 3.8% and an increase in unemployment by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Southern River. These projections estimate local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific growth rates against the local employment mix.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022, Southern River had a median income among taxpayers of $65,398. The average income stood at $77,041. Nationally, these figures are extremely high compared to $58,380 and $78,020 across Greater Perth respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $74,685 (median) and $87,981 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household incomes rank exceptionally high at the 86th percentile ($2,364 weekly). Distribution data shows 39.0% of the population fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring the metropolitan region where 32.0% occupy this bracket. Economic strength emerges through 34.8% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. High housing costs consume 16.0% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 85th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Southern River's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 97.2% houses and 2.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Perth metro's 88.9% houses and 11.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Southern River was at 19.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 63.1% and rented ones at 17.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,100, higher than Perth metro's $1,733. The median weekly rent figure was $420, compared to Perth metro's $330. Nationally, Southern River's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,100 versus Australia's average of $1,863. Rents in the area were substantially above the national figure of $375 at $420.

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

Family households account for 87.0% of all households, including 56.8% couples with children, 19.5% couples without children, and 9.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 13.0%, with lone person households at 11.4% and group households comprising 1.7% of the total. The median household size is 3.3 people, which is larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.8.

Southern River shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 32.2% of residents aged 15+, surpassing the SA3 area average of 23.7% and the WA state average of 27.9%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 21.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 31.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 11.3% while certificates make up 20.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 35.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.6% in primary education, 9.9% in secondary education, and 6.0% pursuing tertiary education. The four schools in Southern River have a combined enrollment of 2,440 students. The area shows above-average socio-educational conditions with an ICSEA score of 1059. The educational mix includes three primary schools and one K-12 school.

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

Southern River has 52 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by five different routes that combined offer 1084 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of the transport system is rated as good, with residents on average being located 247 meters from their nearest stop.

Across all routes, there are an average of 154 trips per day, which equates to approximately 20 weekly trips per individual stop.

Southern River'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 Southern River, with a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 58% (~9,420 people) have private health cover, compared to 51.2% in Greater Perth.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 5.4 and 5.2% of residents respectively. About 80.9% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 73.3% in Greater Perth. As of August 2021, the area has 8.7% (1,418 people) of residents aged 65 and over, lower than the 14.7% in Greater Perth. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors require more attention.

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

Southern River has a high level of cultural diversity, with 41.6% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 49.3% born overseas. The dominant religion is Christianity, comprising 39.6% of the population. However, Islam is notably overrepresented in Southern River at 14.7%, compared to 11.8% across Greater Perth.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Other (21.2%), English (20.4%), and Australian (16.8%). Some ethnic groups have significant representation differences: South African is overrepresented at 1.7% (vs regional 0.8%), Indian at 8.8% (vs 5.4%), and Sri Lankan at 0.7% (vs 0.5%).

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

Southern River's median age is 33, which is lower than Greater Perth's figure of 37 and Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, Southern River has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (17.3%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (5.4%). The 5-14 age group is significantly higher than the national average of 12.2%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 14.3% to 15.3% of the population, while the 0 to 4 cohort has decreased from 7.5% to 6.2%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Southern River's population. The 45 to 54 age group is expected to grow by 20%, adding 450 residents to reach a total of 2,651. Conversely, both the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 age groups are projected to decrease in number.