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, the Southern River statistical area's population is estimated at around 15,959 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 3,107 people (24.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,852 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 15,520 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 1,208 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. The Southern River's 24.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.7%). 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 for the Southern River (SA2), with the area expected to increase by 2,912 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 11.3% 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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Southern River recorded around 217 residential properties granted approval per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 1088 homes were approved, with a further 114 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, about 1.9 people moved to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, suggesting balanced supply and demand, stable market conditions, and new homes constructed at an average value of $380,000.

This year has seen $14.4 million in commercial approvals, indicating steady investment activity. Compared to Greater Perth, Southern River has 251% more development activity per person, offering buyers greater choice and reflecting strong developer confidence. All new constructions have been detached dwellings, maintaining the area's suburban character focused on family homes. With around 67 people per approval, Southern River reflects a developing area. By 2041, AreaSearch estimates an increase of 1799 residents.

Current construction levels should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potential growth exceeding current forecasts.

Southern River has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 46thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 25 projects that may impact this region. Key projects include Sutherlands Park Leisure, Aquatic and Sports Hub (SPLASH), Sutherlands Park Master Plan, 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.

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

Southern River has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.1% as of the past year, with estimated employment growth at 2.6%.

As of September 2025, 8,595 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.8% below Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation at 72.9%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. The area shows strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, employing 1.3 times the regional average, while professional & technical services employ 7.2% of local workers, below Greater Perth's 8.2%. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 2.6%, matching labour force growth and keeping unemployment flat.

In contrast, Greater Perth saw employment rise by 2.9% and unemployment increase marginally. State-level data from WA as of 25-Nov shows employment contracted by 0.27%, with an unemployment rate of 4.6%. National forecasts project total employment to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth varies between sectors. Applying these projections to Southern River's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Southern River had a median income among taxpayers of $65,398. The average income stood at $77,041 in this suburb during that period. Nationally, these figures are high compared to the national levels of $60,748 and $80,248 for Greater Perth respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates project median income at approximately $71,689 and average income at around $84,452 as of September 2025. Data from the 2021 Census indicates that household incomes in Southern River rank exceptionally high at the 86th percentile ($2,364 weekly). Income distribution shows that 39.0% of the population (6,224 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, which is slightly higher than the metropolitan region where 32.0% occupy this bracket. Economic strength is evident with 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. 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 dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 97.2% houses and 2.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared 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 average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure for Southern River was $420, compared to Perth metro's $330. Nationally, Southern River's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,100 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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 constitute the remaining 13.0%, with lone person households at 11.4% and group households comprising 1.7%. 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 university qualification rate is 32.2%, exceeding the SA3 average of 23.7% and Western Australia's rate of 27.9%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 21.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are held by 31.8% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 11.3% and certificates at 20.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 35.6% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.6% in primary, 9.9% in secondary, and 6.0% in tertiary education.

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 together facilitate 1,247 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of the transport system is deemed good, with residents on average being located 246 meters from their nearest stop.

Across all routes, there are an average of 178 trips per day, which equates to approximately 23 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 Southern River has very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Private health cover rate is approximately 58% (around 9,222 people), compared to 51.8% 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 September 2021, 8.7% (1,388 people) of Southern River's population is aged 65 and over, lower than the 14.7% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention despite the area's strong overall results.

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. Islam is overrepresented in Southern River compared to Greater Perth, making up 14.7% versus 11.8%.

The top three ancestral groups are Other (21.2%), English (20.4%), and Australian (16.8%). Notably, South African ancestry is higher at 1.7% in Southern River compared to the regional average of 0.8%, Indian ancestry is at 8.8% versus 5.4%, and Sri Lankan ancestry is at 0.7% compared to 0.5%.

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

Southern River has a median age of 33, which is younger than Greater Perth's figure of 37 and Australia's national 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%). This proportion of 5-14 residents is notably higher than the national figure of 12.2%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 15 to 24 has increased from 14.3% to 15.3%, while the proportion of those aged 0 to 4 has decreased from 7.5% to 6.2%. By 2041, significant demographic changes are forecast for Southern River. The strongest projected growth is in the 45 to 54 age group, with a 23% increase that will add 498 residents, bringing this cohort's population up to 2,653. Conversely, both the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.