Subiaco

Population growth drivers in Subiaco are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of the suburb of Subiaco as of Feb 2026 is around 13,613. This reflects an increase of 3,673 people (37.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,940 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 11,296 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 616 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 4,349 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 84.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in Subiaco, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Examining future population trends, an above median population growth is projected for the suburb of Subiaco with an expected increase of 1,844 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a reduction of 3.7% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Subiaco among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Subiaco has seen around 245 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 1,228 homes. So far in FY-26104 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, between FY-21 and FY-25, there has been an average of only 0.9 people moving to the area for each dwelling built, indicating that supply is meeting or surpassing demand. This provides greater buyer choice while supporting potential population growth above projections.

New dwellings are developed at an average value of $516,000, revealing a focus on the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In this financial year alone, $107.6 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Perth, Subiaco has 210.0% more construction activity per person, which should provide buyers with ample choice. However, building activity has slowed in recent years. This level is well above average nationally, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. New development consists of 20.0% detached dwellings and 80.0% attached dwellings, focusing on higher-density living to create more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 39.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options.

With around 72 people per dwelling approval, Subiaco shows characteristics of a growth area. However, population projections show stability or decline, suggesting reduced housing demand pressures in the future, which could benefit potential buyers.

Subiaco has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 49thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 40 projects that may impact the area. Key projects include St John of God Subiaco Hospital Redevelopment, Arco Subiaco, Incontro Apartments, and Salvado Road Medical Precinct. The following list details those likely 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 places Subiaco well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Subiaco's workforce is highly educated with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate was 2.6% as of AreaSearch data aggregation. As of September 2025, 6831 residents were employed at a rate of 1.4% below Greater Perth's 4.0%.

Workforce participation was similar to Greater Perth's 71.6%. Census responses showed 13.4% worked from home, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training sectors. Notably, professional & technical employment is at 2.2 times the regional average while construction has limited presence with 4.3% compared to 9.3% regionally.

The area hosts more jobs than residents, functioning as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.1%, while employment decreased by 3.8%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth experienced employment growth of 2.9% and labour force growth of 3.0%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia suggest Subiaco's employment should increase by 7.5% over five years and 15.3% over ten years based on industry-specific projections applied to its employment mix.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Subiaco had a median taxpayer income of $78,667 and an average income of $126,501. Nationally, these figures rank in the top percentile. In Greater Perth, median and average incomes were $60,748 and $80,248 respectively. Based on a 9.62% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, current estimates for Subiaco are approximately $86,235 (median) and $138,670 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census data indicates that individual earnings in Subiaco reached the 95th percentile nationally ($1,330 weekly). The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 has 28.3% of residents (3,852 people), similar to the surrounding region at 32.0%. Subiaco's affluence is evident with 38.2% earning over $3,000 weekly, supporting premium retail and services. High housing costs consume 15.5% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 79th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Subiaco features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Subiaco's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 38.8% houses and 61.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Perth metro had 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Subiaco was 29.3%, similar to Perth metro's level. Mortgaged dwellings constituted 24.6%, while rented dwellings were 46.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,498, higher than Perth metro's average of $1,907. Median weekly rent in Subiaco was $438, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Subiaco's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,498 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 56.6% of all households, including 20.8% couples with children, 27.9% couples without children, and 6.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 43.4%, with lone person households at 39.1% and group households comprising 4.5%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Educational achievement in Subiaco places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Subiaco's residents aged 15+ have a higher proportion of university qualifications at 62.5%, compared to Western Australia's 27.9% and Greater Perth's 30.1%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 38.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (18.8%) and graduate diplomas (4.9%). Vocational pathways account for 18.4%, with advanced diplomas at 9.1% and certificates at 9.3%. Educational participation is high, with 28.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.2% in tertiary education, 7.5% in primary education, and 6.7% pursuing secondary education.

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

Public transport analysis indicates 67 active transport stops operating within Subiaco. These include a mix of train and bus services. The stops are serviced by 35 individual routes, collectively providing 7,651 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 143 meters from the nearest stop. As primarily residential, most commute outward. Car remains dominant at 58%, followed by bus at 13% and train at 12%.

Vehicle ownership averages 0.9 per dwelling, below regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 13.4% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 1,093 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 114 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Subiaco's health outcomes show 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 77% of Subiaco's total population (10,537 people) has private health cover, compared to Greater Perth's 59.0% and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in Subiaco, affecting 8.3 and 6.2% of residents respectively, while 73.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to Greater Perth's 71.9%. Working-age residents in Subiaco exhibit low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 21.4% of residents aged 65 and over (2,913 people), higher than Greater Perth's 16.3%. Health outcomes among seniors in Subiaco are strong, ranking broadly in line with the general population nationally.

Subiaco 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

Subiaco, as per the ABS Census 2016 data, had a higher level of cultural diversity compared to most local markets. 19.8% of its population spoke a language other than English at home, while 39.2% were born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Subiaco, with 41.8% of people identifying as such.

Notably, Judaism was slightly overrepresented compared to Greater Perth, comprising 0.4% of Subiaco's population versus 0.3%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (27.9%), Australian (17.7%), and Other (10.7%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences in representation: French was overrepresented at 1.3%, Welsh at 0.8%, and Russian at 0.6%.

Subiaco's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Subiaco has a median age of 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Perth's figure of 37 and Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age cohort is notably over-represented in Subiaco at 18.1%, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 8.9% compared to the Greater Perth average. Between 2021 and the present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 6.0% to 8.0% of the population, and the 15-24 cohort has increased from 9.6% to 11.1%. Conversely, the 0-4 age group has declined from 4.5% to 3.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Subiaco's age profile will significantly change. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to expand by 355 people (33%), growing from 1,089 to 1,445. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 100% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 65-74 and 55-64 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.