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

The population of the Subiaco statistical area (Lv2) is estimated at around 13,597 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 3,657 people 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 (June 2024) and an additional 519 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 4,344 persons per square kilometer. The Subiaco statistical area (Lv2) has experienced a growth rate of 36.8% since the 2021 census, exceeding the national average of 9.7%. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 84.0% 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, and 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. Future population trends project an above median growth for national statistical areas, with the Subiaco statistical area (Lv2) expected to increase by 1,867 persons to 2041, reflecting a reduction of 3.4% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Subiaco has seen approximately 245 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 1,228 homes. As of FY-26104 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years (FY-21 to FY-25), there was an average of 0.9 people moving to the area for each dwelling built, indicating supply meeting or surpassing demand and supporting potential population growth above projections. The average construction value of new dwellings is $516,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

This financial year has seen $107.6 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Perth, Subiaco has 210.0% more construction activity per person, providing buyers ample choice despite recent slowdowns in building activity. This level is above the national average, 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 shift from the existing housing mix (currently 39.0% houses) indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring diverse, affordable housing options. With around 72 people per dwelling approval, Subiaco displays characteristics of a growth area. However, with population projections showing stability or decline, it should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

With population projections showing stability or decline, Subiaco should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 40 projects that may impact the area. Notable projects include St John of God Subiaco Hospital Redevelopment, Arco Subiaco, Incontro Apartments, and Salvado Road Medical Precinct. Relevant projects are detailed below.

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

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

Subiaco has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented, and a low unemployment rate of 2.6%, as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of September 2025, there are 6,822 employed residents, with an unemployment rate 1.4% below Greater Perth's 4.0%.

Workforce participation is similar to the regional average at 67.5%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. Notably, professional & technical employment is high at 2.2 times the regional average, while construction has limited presence at 4.3% compared to the regional 9.3%. The area functions as an employment hub with a worker-to-resident ratio of 1.0, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from nearby areas.

Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.1%, and employment fell by 3.8%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth saw employment grow by 2.9% during this period. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows WA employment contracted by 0.27%, with the state unemployment rate at 4.6%. Nationally, employment grew by 0.14%, and the unemployment rate was 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts for May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Subiaco's employment mix suggests local employment could grow by 7.5% in five years and 15.3% in ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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, Subiaco had a median income among taxpayers of $78,667 and an average income of $126,501. Nationally, these figures place Subiaco in the top percentile. In Greater Perth, the median income was $60,748 and the average was $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Subiaco's median income are approximately $86,235 and its average income is estimated at around $138,670 as of September 2025. The 2021 Census data shows that individual earnings in Subiaco were at the 95th percentile nationally ($1,330 weekly). In terms of income brackets, 28.3% of residents (3,847 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, which is slightly lower than the surrounding region's 32.0%. Notably, 38.2% of Subiaco residents earn over $3,000 per week, indicating significant affluence and supporting premium retail and service offerings in the area. Despite high housing costs consuming 15.5% of income, 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

Subiaco's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 38.8% houses and 61.2% other dwellings. In comparison, Perth metro had 37.1% houses and 62.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Subiaco was at 29.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.6% and rented ones at 46.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,498, higher than Perth metro's average of $2,167. Median weekly rent in Subiaco was $438, compared to Perth metro's $390. Nationally, Subiaco's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,498 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Subiaco features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 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 account for the remaining 43.4%, with lone person households making up 39.1% and group households comprising 4.5%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which aligns with the Greater Perth average.

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

Educational attainment in Subiaco is significantly higher than broader benchmarks. As of the latest data, 62.5% of residents aged 15+ hold university qualifications, compared to 27.9% in Western Australia and 30.1% in Greater Perth. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 38.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 18.8% and graduate diplomas at 4.9%. Vocational pathways account for 18.4% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 9.1% and certificates at 9.3%.

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of the latest figures. 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

Subiaco has 64 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 35 routes that together facilitate 7,651 weekly passenger trips. The suburb's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents located an average of 143 meters from their nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 1,093 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 119 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 shows excellent health outcomes with low prevalence of common conditions across all ages. Private health cover stands at approximately 77% (10,525 people), higher than Greater Perth's 69.5%, and above the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues affect 8.3% of residents, arthritis impacts 6.2%, while 73.4% report no medical ailments, compared to 74.5% in Greater Perth.

Subiaco has 20.5% (2,787 people) aged 65 and over, higher than Greater Perth's 15.1%. Seniors' health outcomes are particularly strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

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, surveyed in August 2016, had a higher proportion of residents speaking languages other than English at home, with 19.8%, compared to most local markets. Born overseas, 39.2% of Subiaco's population was recorded in this survey. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 41.8%.

Judaism, while small at 0.4%, was higher than Greater Perth's 0.6%. Parents' birth countries showed English ancestry at 27.9%, Australian at 17.7%, and Other at 10.7%. French (1.3% vs 0.8%), Welsh (0.8% vs 0.7%), and Russian (0.6% vs 0.4%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages.

Subiaco's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Subiaco has a median age of 40, slightly higher than Greater Perth's figure of 37 and Australia's median age of 38. Compared to Greater Perth, Subiaco has an over-representation of the 25-34 cohort (18.6% vs 16.9%) and an under-representation of the 5-14 age group (9.0% vs 12.7%). Between 2021 and 2022, Subiaco's population saw changes in several age groups: the 75 to 84 cohort grew from 6.0% to 7.5%, the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 9.6% to 10.8%, while the 0 to 4 cohort declined from 4.5% to 3.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Subiaco's age profile. The 75 to 84 age group is expected to expand by 427 people (42%), reaching 1,447 individuals. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for all of Subiaco's population growth, reflecting its aging demographic trend. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 and 45 to 54 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.