Swanbourne

Population growth drivers in Swanbourne 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, as of Nov 2025, the Swanbourne statistical area (Lv2) has an estimated population of around 4,836. This reflects an increase of 244 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,592. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population as 4,819 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 919 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Swanbourne has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.5%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 80.0% 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 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). Moving forward with demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas analysed is expected. The area is expected to expand by 531 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 14.2% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Swanbourne has had virtually no dwelling approvals in recent years. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, an estimated four homes were approved in total. As of FY26 so far, zero approvals have been recorded.

This results in an average of 102 people moving to the area for each dwelling built over these five years. The demand significantly exceeds new supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average value of $1,347,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. Compared to Greater Perth, Swanbourne has markedly lower building activity. This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. Additionally, this activity is under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New construction in Swanbourne has been completely comprised of standalone homes, preserving its low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. This favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest (81.0% at Census), demonstrating ongoing robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. The estimated count of 4922 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects Swanbourne's quiet, low activity development environment.

Swanbourne has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 35thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified ten projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones are Claremont on the Park Stage 2 (The Crescent), Swanbourne Station Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), The Grove Residences, and 22 St Quentin Avenue Mixed-Use Development. The following list details those 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 of employment trends sees Swanbourne performing better than 85% of local markets assessed across Australia

Swanbourne has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. Its unemployment rate was 1.3% as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation in September 2025.

At this time, 2654 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.7% lower than Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation was similar to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Leading employment industries included health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. Swanbourne showed strong specialization in professional & technical services with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level but had lower representation in construction at 5.0% compared to the regional average of 9.3%.

The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data on working population versus resident population. From September 2024 to September 2025, labour force decreased by 3.1% and employment declined by 3.2%, increasing unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasted with Greater Perth where employment rose by 2.9%. State-level data as of 25-Nov showed WA employment contracted by 0.27% (losing 5,520 jobs) and the state unemployment rate was 4.6%, compared to national rates of 4.3% for unemployment and 0.14% for employment growth. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 projected national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Swanbourne's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.8% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ended June 2023 shows that income in Swanbourne is among the top percentile nationally. The median assessed income is $79,986, while the average income stands at $161,440. This contrasts with 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 9.62% from July 2023 to September 2025, current estimates would be approximately $87,681 (median) and $176,971 (average). According to the Census conducted in August 2021, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Swanbourne, with households earning over $4,000 per week dominating at 43.5% of residents. This contrasts with the broader area where those earning between $1,500 and $2,999 dominate at 32.0%. A significant 56.2% earn above $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 88.9% of income on average. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile nationally.

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

In Swanbourne, as per the latest Census evaluation, 81.4% of dwellings were houses, with 18.6% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Perth metro's 68.6% houses and 31.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Swanbourne was 42.2%, similar to Perth metro, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.9% and rented ones at 26.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $3,504, higher than Perth metro's average of $3,293. The median weekly rent figure in Swanbourne was $470, compared to Perth metro's $450. Nationally, Swanbourne's median monthly mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $3,504 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were 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% of all households, including 43.1% couples with children, 28.0% couples without children, and 8.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 20.3%, with lone person households at 17.7% and group households comprising 2.4%. 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

Swanbourne residents aged 15 and above have a notably high educational attainment, with 58.0% holding university qualifications. This is significantly higher than the Western Australia (WA) average of 27.9% and the Greater Perth average of 30.1%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 37.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 15.7% and graduate diplomas at 5.0%. Vocational pathways account for 16.9% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 8.8% and certificates at 8.1%.

Educational participation is high, 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.

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

Swanbourne has 24 operational public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 5 distinct routes that collectively facilitate 1,375 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is deemed good with residents situated an average of 209 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 196 trips daily, equating to roughly 57 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

Health outcomes data shows excellent results across Swanbourne, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 91% of the total population (4,414 people), compared to 86.3% across Greater Perth and a national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 6.8% and 6.8% of residents respectively, while 75.3% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 74.2% across Greater Perth.

The area has 18.8% of residents aged 65 and over (909 people), which is lower than the 21.5% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health 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 is roughly aligned with the broader area in cultural diversity, as 74.9% were born in Australia, 91.0% are citizens, and 92.2% speak English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 47.8%. Judaism is overrepresented, comprising 0.8%, compared to 0.5% regionally.

The top three ancestry groups are English (33.4%), Australian (25.1%), and Scottish (9.4%). Notably, South African (1.2%) and Welsh (0.7%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Swanbourne versus the regional averages of 1.1% and 0.8%, respectively. Dutch ethnicity is also slightly overrepresented at 1.7% compared to the regional average of 1.5%.

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

The median age in Swanbourne is 38 years, which is close to Greater Perth's average of 37 years and equivalent to Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, Swanbourne has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (15.2%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (9.9%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 75-84 has grown from 5.1% to 6.5%, while those aged 15-24 increased from 13.9% to 15.1%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 5-14 has declined from 16.4% to 15.2%, and the 45-54 age group has dropped from 14.5% to 13.3%. By 2041, Swanbourne's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 135 people, reaching 330 from 140. This growth will be led by the aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above comprising 55% of the projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5-14 and 0-4 age cohorts.