St James (WA)

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

According to investigations of ABS demographic releases for the wider region, along with fresh address data validated by AreaSearch since the Census, the population of the suburb of St James (WA) is projected to be approximately 5,661 in May 2026. This represents an expansion of 767 individuals (15.7%) from the 2021 Census, which counted 4,894 residents. This variation is calculated from a resident headcount of 5,660, projected by AreaSearch using the most recent ERP statistics from the ABS (June 2025) plus 18 validated new addresses since the Census date. This size of population translates to a density ratio of 3,410 persons per square kilometer, placing the locality in the top quartile of domestic regions examined by AreaSearch. The 15.7% expansion rate of the suburb of St James (WA) since the 2021 census was higher than the national average (9.3%), as well as the SA3 territory, making it a regional growth leader. Population gains for the locality were mainly pushed by migration from overseas, which functioned as virtually the sole driver of population gains during recent times.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 territory, published in 2024 with 2022 as the baseline. For SA2 territories lacking this information, and to calculate gains across all localities in the years after 2032, AreaSearch uses the growth rates by age bracket supplied by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (published in 2023, utilizing 2022 statistics). Looking at future demographic dynamics, a population rise slightly below the median of national statistical territories is anticipated, with the suburb of St James (WA) projected to grow by 472 persons to 2041 using consolidated SA2-level forecasts, showing a total gain of 8.3% over the 16 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within St James when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, St James has averaged around 18 new dwelling approvals each year, totalling an estimated 94 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 18 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 5.5 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand significantly exceeds new supply, which usually results in price growth and increased buyer competition, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $519,000, showing that developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. There have also been $69.1 million in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting robust local business investment.

Relative to Greater Perth, St James has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person while it places among the 43rd percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established properties. This level is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 62.0% detached dwellings and 38.0% townhouses or apartments, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points, from family homes to more affordable compact living. At around 387 people per approval, St James indicates a mature market.

Population forecasts indicate St James will gain 471 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Present construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

St James has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes in local public works, major construction projects, and zoning plans have a strong effect on local performance. In total, 9 projects have been tracked by AreaSearch that are expected to influence the locality. Key initiatives include the Elizabeth Baillie Park Redevelopment Project, the Curtin University Net Zero Precinct Digital Twin, the Sam Kerr Football Centre and Queens Park Regional Open Space, and the Heartwood Bentley - Bentley Redevelopment Project, with the list below highlighting those expected to be most significant.

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.

The exceptional employment performance in St James places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

St James possesses a highly educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 2.2%, and 1.3% in estimated employment growth over the past year, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 3,510 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.0% below Greater Perth's rate of 4.2%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (73.5% compared to Greater Perth's 70.2%). Based on Census responses, a low 7.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and accommodation & food. The area demonstrates particularly notable concentration in accommodation & food, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. On the other hand, construction is under-represented, with only 7.9% of St James's workforce compared to 9.3% in Greater Perth. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, aggregated from broader statistical areas, during the year to March 2026, employment levels increased by 1.3% and labour force increased by 1.0%, resulting in unemployment fall by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Perth, where employment rose by 2.0%, the labour force grew by 2.5%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within St James. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to St James's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 reveals that income in the suburb of St James is higher than average nationally, with the median assessed at $60,650 while the average income stands at $72,077. This contrasts to Greater Perth's figures of a median income of $60,748 and an average income of $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $67,279 (median) and $79,955 (average) as of March 2026. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in St James cluster around the 59th percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate the largest segment comprises 34.9% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,975 residents), reflecting patterns seen regional levels where 32.0% similarly occupy this range. High housing costs consume 16.6% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 54th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

St James is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within St James, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 70.2% houses and 29.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Perth metro's 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within St James was lagging that of Perth metro, at 18.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (34.3%) or rented (47.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Perth metro average at $1,842, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $330, compared to Perth metro's $1,907 and $350. Nationally, St James's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

St James features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Domestic units are mostly occupied by families, which account for 59.5% of households, comprising 23.9% couples with offspring, 24.2% partners without children, and 8.7% single parent households. Non-family households account for the remaining 40.5%, with individuals living alone making up 30.1% and shared homes comprising 10.8% of the total. The median domestic occupancy of 2.4 residents is below the Greater Perth standard of 2.6.

The educational profile of St James exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Academic credentials in St James greatly exceed regional averages, with 40.3% of inhabitants aged 15+ holding tertiary degrees, compared to 27.9% throughout WA and 29.9% across the SA4 territory. This notable academic advantage leaves the locality well positioned for jobs in the knowledge economy. Bachelor degrees are most common at 26.9%, followed by postgraduate degrees (10.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Practical and vocational qualifications are also common, with 29.2% of inhabitants aged 15+ holding college credentials, which include advanced diplomas (10.9%) and certificates (18.3%).

Engagement in learning is remarkably high, with 33.1% of inhabitants currently registered in academic courses. This proportion is made up of 12.9% studying in higher education, 7.0% in primary schools, and 5.9% attending high schools.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 25 active transport stops operating within St James comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 12 individual routes, collectively providing 2,189 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 152 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 79%, with 11% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, below the regional average. A relatively low 7.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 312 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 87 weekly trips per individual stop.

St James's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Medical reports suggest generally favorable metrics for people living in St James, with research by AreaSearch on death rates and medical conditions demonstrating results that match national standards and typical rates of shared medical conditions in both younger and older cohorts, while the proportion of people holding private medical insurance is very high at roughly 56% of all residents (~3,159 people). This is in contrast to 59.0% recorded for Greater Perth.

The most frequent health issues in the locality were psychological conditions and asthma, affecting 9.4 and 6.3% of residents respectively, whereas 75.0% reported having no health issues whatsoever, compared to 71.9% in the Greater Perth area. Health metrics for working-age residents are generally typical. The locality contains 7.0% of residents aged 65 and over (396 people), which sits below the 16.1% level in Greater Perth. Health outcomes for older people are above average, with nationwide rankings matching the wider community.

St James was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

St James registers high levels of ethnic variety, with 30.5% of the local population using a non-English language at home and 41.3% having been born outside Australia. The most common religion in St James is Christianity, representing 35.5% of people in St James. However, the most distinct deviation was observed in Buddhism, which is practiced by 5.8% of the population, compared to 2.7% across Greater Perth.

Looking at background (parental place of origin), the three most common categories in St James are English, making up 23.2% of the population, Australian, making up 19.6% of the population, and Other, making up 16.3% of the population, which is much higher than the regional baseline of 11.2%. Furthermore, there are visible variations in the presence of other backgrounds: Korean is notably overrepresented at 0.9% of St James (vs 0.3% regionally), Welsh at 0.7% (vs 0.7%) and New Zealand at 0.9% (vs 0.8%).

St James hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in the suburb of St James (WA) is 31 years, which is lower than the Greater Perth average of 37 and below the national median of 38. Compared with Greater Perth, the suburb of St James (WA) has a higher proportion of people aged 25 - 34 (27.6%) but fewer children aged 5 - 14 (8.5%). This concentration of residents aged 25 - 34 is well above the national figure of 14.6%. Since the year 2021, younger arrivals have pulled the median age down by 1.2 years to 31. Significant shifts show the 25 to 34 age bracket has risen from 24.4% to 27.6% of the population, while the 35 to 44 bracket increased from 14.8% to 16.1%. By contrast, the 65 to 74 group fell from 5.9% to 4.9%. Demographic forecasts for the year 2041 suggest major shifts for the suburb of St James (WA). The 25 to 34 age cohort is forecast to experience strong growth, increasing by 199 people (13%) from 1,562 to 1,762. On the other hand, the 5 to 14 and 35 to 44 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.