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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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2021 Census | -- people
Sales Activity
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Population
An assessment of population growth drivers in Upper Swan reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends
The population of the Upper Swan statistical area (Lv2) is estimated at approximately 1,787 as of November 2025. This represents a significant increase from the 2021 Census figure of 549 people, marking a growth rate of 225.5%. The latest estimate by AreaSearch, based on examination of ERP data released by the ABS in June 2024 and validation of new addresses since the Census date, shows a resident population of around 1,711. This level of population results in a density ratio of 87 persons per square kilometer. The Upper Swan (SA2) has experienced notable growth since the 2021 Census, surpassing both national (9.7%) and state averages. Interstate migration contributed approximately 59% to overall population gains during recent periods, with other factors such as natural growth and overseas migration also being positive contributors.
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 uses growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its Greater Capital Region projections from 2023, based on 2022 data. Projected demographic shifts indicate a significant population increase for the Upper Swan (SA2), with an expected rise of 317 persons to reach a total population of approximately 2,104 by 2041. This projected figure reflects a decrease of 43.6% in total population over the seventeen-year period from 2025 to 2041.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Upper Swan among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide
Upper Swan averaged approximately 136 new dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. From FY-21 to FY-25, around 682 homes were approved, with an additional 65 approved in FY-26 so far. This indicates that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, offering buyers more options and enabling population growth.
The average value of new dwellings is $391,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment. There have been $2.5 million in commercial approvals this financial year, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Perth, Upper Swan has 1722.0% more development activity per person, providing buyers ample choice and indicating strong developer confidence. Recent construction comprises 98.0% detached houses and 2.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. There are approximately 5 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market.
With population expected to remain stable or decline, Upper Swan should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Infrastructure
Upper Swan has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 36thth percentile nationally
Two projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly: North Ellenbrook (West) District Structure Plan in 2017-2025, Vale Estate (Aveley) in 2018-present, Tonkin Highway North Ellenbrook Interchange in 2020-2023.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
METRONET
METRONET is the largest public transport infrastructure program in Western Australia's history, expanding the Perth rail network by 72 kilometres and adding 23 new stations. As of February 2026, the program has reached substantial completion with the opening of the new Midland Station on February 22, 2026, marking the delivery of the final rail infrastructure project. Major milestones achieved include the Yanchep Rail Extension, Morley-Ellenbrook Line, Thornlie-Cockburn Link, and the Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal. The program also delivered 246 locally built C-series railcars and implemented high-capacity signalling across the network.
Bullsbrook Freight and Industrial Land Use Strategy
A long-term strategic framework for the development of over 2,500 hectares of industrial and employment land in Bullsbrook. The strategy supports a proposed intermodal freight terminal and associated logistics, warehousing, and advanced manufacturing uses. It aims to integrate with the Tonkin Highway and rail networks, potentially generating up to 40,000 jobs over a 50 to 70-year horizon. While the intermodal terminal proposal by some private proponents did not progress in 2024, the government's district structure planning remains active to guide future growth.
North Ellenbrook (West) District Structure Plan
The North Ellenbrook West District Structure Plan (DSP) establishes the strategic framework for a major new urban growth area in the City of Swan. Spanning approximately 393 hectares, the West DSP facilitates the delivery of between 4,000 and 4,500 new dwellings to house up to 7,500 residents. Key features include the provision for schools, retail activity centres, employment land, and extensive environmental corridors. The project is supported by Metropolitan Region Scheme (MRS) Amendment 1409/41, which rezones land from Rural to Urban Deferred and Parks and Recreation. Major private developers involved include Parcel Property, Wolfdene, and Oreana, with initial residential construction and retail launches targeted for 2029. The precinct will be integrated with the Tonkin Highway via a new $100 million interchange and connected to the METRONET Ellenbrook station.
City of Swan Water and Wastewater Upgrades
A comprehensive infrastructure program by Water Corporation to upgrade water and wastewater networks across Perth's north-eastern corridor. Key works include the 2.5km Broadway water pipeline, the 1.5km Dayton to Caversham pipeline, and an 18km wastewater pipeline from Bullsbrook to Ellenbrook. These upgrades support rapid population growth, improve supply pressure, and enable the decommissioning of older facilities like the Bullsbrook Wastewater Treatment Plant.
METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line
The METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line is a 21 kilometre heavy rail line extending Perth's passenger rail network from Bayswater Station on the Midland Line to Ellenbrook, with five new stations at Morley, Noranda, Ballajura, Whiteman Park and Ellenbrook. Delivered by the MELconnx Alliance for METRONET and the Public Transport Authority of Western Australia, the project includes around 21km of new track, 1.2km of rail viaducts, road and rail bridges, pedestrian overpasses and underpasses, fauna underpasses and 3,300 park and ride bays. The line opened to passengers on 8 December 2024 and is operated as the Ellenbrook Line, cutting public transport journey times from Ellenbrook to the Perth CBD to about 31 minutes and supporting significant residential and employment growth in Perth's north eastern corridor.
METRONET High Capacity Signalling Project
A decade-long, city-wide upgrade of Perth's urban rail signalling to a Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) system across 500km of the Transperth network. The project implements 'moving block' technology to safely reduce the distance between trains, increasing network capacity by 40 percent. Key works include the installation of over 7,000 transponders, in-cab signalling for 125 trains, and 600+ new passenger information displays at 87 stations. The system is managed from the state-of-the-art Public Transport Operations Control Centre (PTOCC) in East Perth, which became operational in April 2025.
METRONET High Capacity Signalling Program
The High Capacity Signalling (HCS) project is a decade-long technology upgrade to Perth's rail network, replacing ageing fixed-block signalling with an advanced Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) system. This 'moving block' technology uses real-time data to safely reduce the distance between trains, enabling a 40 percent increase in network capacity. The project includes the construction of a state-of-the-art Public Transport Operations Control Centre (PTOCC) in East Perth and the installation of a private Long-Term Evolution (LTE) radio network to support high-speed data transmission.
North Ellenbrook (East) District Structure Plan
A 499-hectare masterplanned residential community in Perth's north-east corridor led by Lendlease and DevelopmentWA. The project will deliver approximately 5,500 dwellings for up to 16,500 residents. Key infrastructure includes a future high school site, multiple primary schools, a neighbourhood centre, and district playing fields. The plan features conservation areas to protect the Western Swamp Tortoise habitat. Construction of critical enabling infrastructure, including the Tonkin Highway North Ellenbrook Interchange, is expected to commence in 2026 to unlock the housing lots.
Employment
Employment conditions in Upper Swan remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis
Upper Swan's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs. The construction sector notably employs many residents.
In the past year, unemployment stood at 4.2%, with an estimated employment growth of 0.8%. As of September 2025361 residents are employed, but the unemployment rate is higher than Greater Perth's by 0.3% (4.3%). Workforce participation in Upper Swan is lower at 58.1%, compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Employment is concentrated in education & training, construction, and health care & social assistance sectors.
Education & training jobs are particularly high, at 1.4 times the regional average. However, professional & technical jobs make up only 2.9% of local workers, lower than Greater Perth's 8.2%. There are 1.5 workers for every resident, indicating Upper Swan is an employment hub attracting external workers. Between September 2024 and 2025, employment increased by 0.8%, while labour force grew by 1.9%, causing unemployment to rise by 1 percentage point. In contrast, Greater Perth saw stronger employment growth of 2.9%. Statewide in WA, as of 25-Nov-25, employment contracted by 0.27% (losing 5,520 jobs), with an unemployment rate of 4.6%, slightly higher than the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Upper Swan's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.8% in five years and 12.3% in ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch
AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that income in Upper Swan is below the national average. The median income is $41,794 and the average income stands at $50,061. In comparison, Greater Perth has a median income of $60,748 and an average income of $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $45,815 (median) and $54,877 (average). Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Upper Swan rank modestly, between the 20th and 34th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 29.5% of the population falls within the $800 - $1,499 income range, contrasting with the surrounding region where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 32.0%. After housing expenses, 86.5% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Upper Swan is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership
Upper Swan's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 98.6% houses and 1.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Perth metro's composition of 89.1% houses and 10.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Upper Swan stood at 51.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.9% and rented ones at 10.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,885, higher than Perth metro's average of $1,842. The median weekly rent in Upper Swan was $300, lower than Perth metro's figure of $340. Nationally, Upper Swan's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Upper Swan has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size
Family households account for 74.3% of all households, consisting of 23.8% couples with children, 37.4% couples without children, and 10.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 25.7%, with lone person households at 24.8% and group households comprising 1.5% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.8.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Educational outcomes in Upper Swan fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment
The area's university qualification rate is 13.0%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 37.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.7%) and certificates (27.7%).
School attendance encompasses 19.3% of the community, including 8.1% in secondary education, 5.8% in primary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Transport analysis indicates 22 active public transport stops in Upper Swan, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by four distinct routes, offering a total of 274 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated highly, with residents located an average of 165 meters from the nearest stop.
Service frequency averages 39 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 12 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Health performance in Upper Swan is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts
Upper Swan faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 47%, covering around 841 people, which is lower than Greater Perth's 55.3% and the national average of 55.7%. The most frequent medical conditions are arthritis (11.0%) and mental health issues (10.2%), with 59.5% of residents reporting no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Perth.
Upper Swan has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 31.8%, or 568 people, than Greater Perth's 12.6%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, outperforming the general population in various health metrics.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
Upper Swan ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics
Upper Swan has a lower cultural diversity, with 79.6% born in Australia and 89.1% being citizens. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.2%. Christianity is the predominant religion, practiced by 47.8%, slightly higher than Greater Perth's 44.4%.
The top three ancestry groups are English (36.3%), Australian (27.5%), and Scottish (7.5%), each substantially higher than regional averages of 26.2%, 22.0%, and 4.1% respectively. Notably, Croatian (2.8%) and Dutch (2.2%) are overrepresented compared to the region's 0.9% and 1.3%. Welsh also shows a slight increase at 0.8% versus the regional average of 0.5%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Upper Swan ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide
Upper Swan's median age is 51 years, which is notably higher than Greater Perth's median age of 37 years and older than the national norm of 38 years. Compared to the Greater Perth average, the 65-74 age cohort is significantly over-represented in Upper Swan at 20.2%, while the 25-34 age cohort is under-represented at 5.7%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 85+ age group has grown from 1.1% to 2.4% of Upper Swan's population. Conversely, the 45-54 age cohort has declined from 16.5% to 14.2%, and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 8.7% to 7.4%. Demographic modeling suggests that Upper Swan's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 85+ age cohort is projected to increase by 15 people, rising from 42 to 58. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 100% of total population growth, reflecting Upper Swan's aging demographic profile. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 75-84 age cohorts.