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 ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the estimated population of the suburb of Southern River is around 15,977 as of Feb 2026. This shows an increase of 3,125 people (24.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,852. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 15,520 in Jun 2024 and an additional 945 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,209 persons per square kilometer, similar to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth exceeded the national average (9.9%) since the 2021 census. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 40.0% 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, AreaSearch uses growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Future demographic trends project an above median population growth for national statistical areas, with the suburb expected to increase by 2,919 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 11.2% 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, Southern River recorded around 217 residential properties granted approval per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, approximately 1088 homes were approved, with an additional 114 approved in FY26 so far. On average, about 1.9 people moved to the area for each dwelling built over these years.

This suggests balanced supply and demand, maintaining stable market conditions. The average construction value of new homes was $380,000, indicating a focus on quality construction compared to regional levels. In FY26, commercial approvals totalled $14.4 million, reflecting steady investment activity in the area. Compared to Greater Perth, Southern River has 251% more development activity per person, offering buyers greater choice and suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. All new construction since records began has been detached dwellings, preserving the area's suburban character with a focus on family homes.

Currently, there are around 67 people per approval in Southern River, reflecting its developing status. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is expected to grow by approximately 1784 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, 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

Twenty-five infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. 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 likely to be most 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's workforce is highly educated with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate stood at 3.1% as of an unspecified date. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.6%.

As of September 2025, 8,596 residents were employed with an unemployment rate of 0.8% lower than Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation was 73.8%, slightly higher than Greater Perth's 71.6%. Home-based work accounted for a low 7.7% of jobs, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Dominant employment sectors included health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training.

The area showed strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing (1.3 times the regional level) but had lower professional & technical employment (7.2% vs Greater Perth's 8.2%). Limited local employment opportunities were suggested by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over the year to September 2025, employment and labour force both increased by 2.6%, keeping unemployment steady while Greater Perth saw marginal unemployment growth. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment expansion of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch reports that based on its aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended 30 June 2023, Southern River suburb had a median income among taxpayers of $65,398 with an average level of $77,041. Nationally, these figures are high compared to the Greater Perth levels of $60,748 and $80,248 respectively. By September 2025, considering a 9.62% Wage Price Index growth since financial year ended 30 June 2023, estimated incomes would be approximately $71,689 (median) and $84,452 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household incomes rank at the 86th percentile with a weekly income of $2,364. Income distribution shows that 39.0% of Southern River's population (6,231 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the metropolitan region where 32.0% occupy this bracket. Economic strength is evident with 34.8% of households earning high weekly incomes exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. High housing costs consume 16.0% of income, but strong earnings 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

In Southern River, as per the latest Census, 97.2% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 2.8% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types. This contrasts with Perth metro's figures of 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Southern River stood at 19.8%, with mortgaged properties making up 63.1% and rented dwellings accounting for 17.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,100, exceeding the Perth metro average of $1,907. The median weekly rent in Southern River was $420, higher than the Perth metro figure of $350. Nationally, Southern River's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than 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 constitute 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 account for 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 2.6.

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% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the SA3 area average of 23.7% and Western Australia's rate of 27.9%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 21.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are 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.

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 bus services. These are covered by 5 routes, offering 1,247 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport access is good, with residents typically living 246 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards; cars dominate at 83%, while trains account for 10%. On average, there are 1.9 vehicles per dwelling, above the regional norm. Only 7.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census).

Daily service frequency averages 178 trips across all routes, equating to around 23 weekly trips per stop.

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

Southern River's health outcomes data shows excellent results based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

The area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 58% of Southern River's total population (~9,233 people) have private health cover, which is very high compared to other areas. Asthma and mental health issues were found to be the most common medical conditions in Southern River, affecting 5.4 and 5.2% of residents respectively. Notably, 80.9% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, which is higher than the 71.9% reported across Greater Perth. In terms of demographics, 9.1% of Southern River's residents are aged 65 and over (1,453 people), lower than the 16.3% in Greater Perth. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Southern River are particularly strong and align with national rankings for the general population.

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. Christianity is the main religion in Southern River, accounting for 39.6% of people there, which is higher than the Greater Perth average. Islam is overrepresented in Southern River, comprising 14.7% of its population compared to the regional average of 3.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (21.2%), English (20.4%), and Australian (16.8%). Notably, South African ancestry is overrepresented at 1.7%, Indian at 8.8%, and Sri Lankan at 0.7% compared to regional averages of 1.0%, 2.6%, and 0.2% respectively.

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

Southern River's median age is 33, making it 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 percentage of residents aged 5-14 (17.0%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (5.6%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 15 to 24 has grown from 14.3% to 15.6%, while the 0 to 4 age group has decreased from 7.5% to 6.1%. By 2041, significant demographic shifts are projected for Southern River. The 45 to 54 age cohort is expected to grow by 22%, adding 480 residents to reach a total of 2,653. Conversely, both the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 age groups are forecasted to decrease in numbers.