Swanbourne

Swanbourne lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

The population of Swanbourne, as estimated by AreaSearch based on ABS updates and address validation, was around 4,977 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 385 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,592. The current resident population estimate of 4,968 is inferred from AreaSearch's examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 946 persons per square kilometer, roughly inline with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Swanbourne has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.5%, outperforming the SA3 area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 80% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch utilises growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to increase by approximately 536 persons to reach a total of around 5,513 by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of about 11.1% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Swanbourne according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, Swanbourne has recorded approximately 2 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 10 homes. So far in FY-26, 1 approval has been recorded. On average, around 40.8 people have moved to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating significant demand exceeding new supply. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $1,347,000, targeting the premium market segment with higher-end dwellings.

This financial year has seen $58,000 in commercial approvals, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Perth, Swanbourne shows substantially reduced construction, 92.0% below the regional average per person, supporting stronger demand and values for established properties. However, building activity has accelerated in recent years. Nationally, Swanbourne's level of new supply is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent building activity consists entirely of standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

Developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies, reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes amid densification trends. The estimated count of 984 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections show Swanbourne adding 552 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects that could affect this region. Notable ones include Claremont on the Park Stage 2 (The Crescent), Swanbourne Station TOD, The Grove Residences, and 22 St Quentin Avenue Mixed-Use Development. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Swanbourne ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

Swanbourne has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. Its unemployment rate is 1.2%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, 2,688 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.6% lower than Greater Perth's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Swanbourne is similar to Greater Perth's 65.2%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. Notably, professional & technical employment levels are at 1.9 times the regional average.

However, construction is under-represented with only 5.0% of Swanbourne's workforce compared to Greater Perth's 9.3%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Over the 12 months to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.6% and employment declined by 1.9%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points in Swanbourne. In contrast, Greater Perth saw employment rise by 3.7%, labour force grow by 3.8%, and unemployment rise by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Swanbourne. These projections estimate local employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.8% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections against Swanbourne's employment mix.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2022, Swanbourne had a median taxpayer income of $79,986 and an average income of $161,440. These figures are exceptionally high nationally compared to Greater Perth's median of $58,380 and average of $78,020. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Swanbourne would be approximately $91,344 (median) and $184,364 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Swanbourne rank highly nationally, between the 96th and 99th percentiles. Income distribution reveals that 43.5% of locals (2,164 people) fall into the $4000+ category, differing from the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 32.0%. The area demonstrates affluence with 56.2% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. After housing costs, residents retain 88.9% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

Swanbourne is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Swanbourne's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 81.4% houses and 18.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Perth metro's 68.6% houses and 31.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Swanbourne was 42.2%, aligning with Perth metro's figure. Dwellings were either mortgaged (31.9%) or rented (26.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,504, higher than the Perth metro average of $3,293. The median weekly rent was $470, compared to Perth metro's $450. Nationally, Swanbourne's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863 and rents substantially above the national figure of $375.

Swanbourne features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 79.7 percent of all households, including 43.1 percent couples with children, 28.0 percent couples without children, and 8.3 percent single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 20.3 percent, with lone person households at 17.7 percent and group households comprising 2.4 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Swanbourne demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Educational attainment in Swanbourne is notably high, with 58% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications. This compares to 27.9% in Western Australia (WA) and 30.1% in Greater Perth. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 37.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 15.7% and graduate diplomas at 5%. Vocational pathways account for 16.9% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 8.8% and certificates at 8.1%.

Educational participation is significant, with 36.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.9% in secondary education, 10.8% in primary education, and 8.8% pursuing tertiary education. Swanbourne Primary School and Scotch College serve the area, collectively educating 1,970 students. The schools demonstrate high performance, with an ICSEA score of 1152, placing them among the most advantaged nationally. The educational mix includes one primary school and one K-12 school. Swanbourne functions as an education hub, offering 39.6 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 18%. This attracts students from surrounding communities.

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

Swanbourne has 27 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by five different routes, collectively facilitating 1,183 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents on average located 209 meters from the nearest stop.

The service frequency averages 169 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 43 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Swanbourne exhibits excellent health outcomes with very low prevalence of common conditions across all ages. Approximately 91% of Swanbourne residents have private health cover, compared to 87.5% in Greater Perth and a national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (6.8%) and asthma (6.8%), with 75.3% reporting no medical ailments, slightly higher than Greater Perth's 74.2%.

As of 2021, 18.8% of Swanbourne residents are aged 65 or over (935 people), lower than Greater Perth's 21.5%. Despite this, seniors' health outcomes align with the general population's profile.

In terms of cultural diversity, Swanbourne records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Swanbourne's population, born in Australia, was approximately 74.9%, with 91.0% being citizens and 92.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 47.8%. Judaism was overrepresented, at 0.8% compared to 0.5% regionally.

The top three ancestry groups were English (33.4%), Australian (25.1%), and Scottish (9.4%). Notable differences existed for South African (1.2%, vs regional 1.1%), Welsh (0.7%, vs 0.8%), and Dutch (1.7%, vs 1.5%) groups.

Swanbourne's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Swanbourne as of 2021 was 38 years, similar to Greater Perth's average of 37 and Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Perth, Swanbourne had a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (15.3%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (9.8%). Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the population aged 75-84 grew from 5.1% to 6.5%, while those aged 15-24 increased from 13.9% to 15.1%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 45-54 decreased from 14.5% to 13.3%, and those aged 5-14 dropped from 16.4% to 15.3%. By 2041, Swanbourne's population is projected to see significant shifts in age composition. The number of residents aged 85 and above is expected to grow by 129 people, reaching 330 from 144. Those aged 65 and above are projected to comprise 58% of the total population growth. Meanwhile, declines are projected for the populations aged 0-4 and 5-14 years.