Wembley

Population growth drivers in Wembley are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Analyzing ABS demographic updates and new address registries verified by AreaSearch since the Census indicates the population of Wembley stands at approximately 13,786 in May 2026. This represents a growth of 1,725 individuals (14.3%) from the 2021 Census, which documented 12,061 residents. The evaluation builds on an estimated resident population of 13,774 calculated by AreaSearch using the June 2025 ERP release from the ABS and 40 verified new locations added post-Census. Consequently, the local density stands at 3,221 residents per square kilometer, which places the suburb of Wembley within the highest quarter of national territories evaluated by AreaSearch. The suburb of Wembley recorded a 14.3% expansion rate that outpaced the national benchmark of 9.3%, establishing it as a regional growth leader. This population shift was largely powered by international arrivals, who accounted for roughly 94.0% of the recent population gains.

Projections for each SA2 zone utilize 2024 releases from the ABS and Geoscience Australia with 2022 serving as the baseline. For regions lacking direct metrics, and to formulate expectations after 2032, growth rates categorized by age brackets are drawn from the ABS 2023 Greater Capital Region forecasts based on 2022 files. Anticipated expansion for the suburb of Wembley sits slightly under the median for areas tracked by AreaSearch, with projections indicating an increase of 1,569 individuals leading up to 2041, representing a total rise of 11.3% over the 16 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Wembley when compared nationally

ABS building approval statistics compiled for the local zone show Wembley averaging roughly 33 approved homes annually. This translates to an estimated 168 residential approvals across the past 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25) and 36 during the current FY-26. Because the last 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25) saw an average of 7.7 additional occupants for each newly constructed dwelling, demand is running far ahead of supply. Such imbalances typically prompt rising prices and heightened competition, particularly as new builds average an estimated value of $598,000, signaling a developer concentration on high-end, premium houses. Furthermore, commercial approvals reached $9.2 million this financial year, showing a subdued focus on business properties.

Wembley registers a building rate that is 64.0% below the per-capita average for Greater Perth. This restricted supply pipeline generally reinforces the valuation and demand for established residential assets. This development pace is similarly low on a national scale, reflecting local market maturity and potential zoning or space limits. Recent housing additions consist of 89.0% detached houses and 11.0% multi-unit residential structures, maintaining the suburban environment through an emphasis on single-family properties. Notably, developers are producing a higher ratio of detached houses than the 49.0% recorded at the Census, indicating sustained demand for traditional homes despite density considerations. Averaging about 579 residents per building permit, the area displays the characteristics of a mature community.

Long-term forecasts point to Wembley adding 1,557 occupants by 2041, based on the latest quarterly calculations by AreaSearch. If the current pace of construction persists, the supply of homes may fall short of population needs, which could intensify buyer rivalry and support upward price movements.

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

Local infrastructure projects, major developments, and urban planning changes influence area performance. There are 19 projects identified that are expected to affect the local area. Notable projects include the Cambridge Forum Mixed-Use Development, Subi East Redevelopment, the Wembley Activity Centre Precinct Structure Plan Review, and Court Place.

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

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The labour market in Wembley demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

The local workforce is characterized by high levels of education and a strong concentration of professional roles, alongside an unemployment rate of 4.4% and an estimated 1.1% increase in employment over the preceding year. Statistics from March 2026 indicate 7,883 employed residents, with the local jobless rate sitting 0.2% above the 4.2% recorded for Greater Perth. Workforce participation matches typical standards at 73.1% compared to 70.2% across Greater Perth. Census responses showed that a modest 10.8% of workers performed their duties from home, though this period was influenced by COVID-19 lockouts.

The principal sectors employing local residents are health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. The area has a notable concentration in health care & social assistance, with its employment share reaching 1.3 times the wider metropolitan proportion. Conversely, the construction sector is underrepresented, employing 6.1% of the workforce compared to the regional average of 9.3%. Despite local business activity, a comparison of local jobs to resident workers indicates many people travel to other districts for employment.

According to analysis of SALM and ABS data aggregated from local statistical zones, the recent 12-month period saw employment expand by 1.1% while the labor force grew by 2.6%, resulting in a rise of 1.5 percentage points in the unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Perth experienced a 2.0% increase in employment and a 2.5% increase in the labor force, with its unemployment rate rising by 0.4 percentage points. National employment projections from May-25 compiled by Jobs and Skills Australia provide further context regarding future demand. These five and ten-year projections have been applied to the local workforce structure to model future opportunities. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though rates vary by industry. Applying these sectoral models to the local workforce profile suggests employment for residents could rise by 7.2% over five years and 14.8% over ten years, representing a basic weighted projection that does not factor in local population adjustments.

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

Wembley ranks in the top percentage tier nationally for personal earnings according to 2023 ATO statistics. Taxpayer records show a median income of $68,857 and an average income of $107,934, compared to Greater Perth values of $60,748 and $80,248. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates point to approximately $76,383 (median) and $119,731 (average) as of March 2026. The 2021 Census shows individual weekly earnings at the 82nd percentile nationally ($1,054 weekly). Around 26.7% of the population (3,680 individuals) earn between $1,500 and $2,999, which is close to the 32.0% regional pattern. High earners represent 34.5% of the population with incomes over $3,000/week, pointing to strong purchasing power. After housing costs, residents retain 85.4% of their income for other expenses, and the area is positioned in the 8th decile of the SEIFA income index.

Wembley displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Census data shows Wembley's housing stock consists of 48.8% detached houses and 51.2% alternative dwellings such as townhouses and apartments, differing from the Greater Perth distribution of 77.8% and 22.1% respectively. Home ownership stands at 29.4%, mirroring the metropolitan average, while mortgaged properties make up 32.1% and rental housing accounts for 38.5%. The typical monthly mortgage commitment of $2,458 is higher than the Perth metropolitan average of $1,907, whereas the median weekly rent of $290 is below the metropolitan standard of $350. Nationally, local mortgage commitments are higher than the Australian median of $1,863, while rental costs are below the national average of $375.

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

Families comprise 64.7% of all households, consisting of couples with children at 31.9%, couples without children at 24.8%, and single parents at 6.8%. The remaining 35.3% are non-family households, with lone person households representing 31.9% and shared group households at 3.4%. The average household size is 2.4 individuals, which is smaller than the metropolitan average of 2.6.

Wembley 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 the area is high, with 55.1% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees, compared to state levels of 27.9% and metropolitan levels of 30.1%. This educational profile positions the suburb well for professional opportunities. Bachelor degrees are held by 34.7% of residents, followed by postgraduate degrees at 15.9% and graduate diplomas at 4.5%. Vocational credentials are held by 21.9% of the population aged 15+, consisting of advanced diplomas at 10.5% and certificates at 11.4%.

A significant proportion of the population is engaged in study, with 31.8% of residents enrolled in formal education. This group includes 10.4% in primary schools, 8.0% in secondary schools, and 7.8% attending tertiary institutions.

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

Public transport services include 56 active bus stops within the suburb, operating across 11 routes that provide 1,658 passenger trips weekly. The typical distance to the nearest stop is 149 meters. Most residents commute outside the area, with private vehicles being the primary mode at 74%, followed by buses at 11% and trains at 8%. Vehicle ownership stands at 1.1 per household, which is below the regional average. A small portion of the workforce, 10.8%, worked from home during the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-era arrangements.

Service schedules average 236 daily departures across all routes, representing approximately 29 weekly departures for each transit stop.

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

Health profiles show strong outcomes across the suburb, based on mortality rates and chronic condition data showing low rates of illness across all demographics. Private health insurance coverage is high, with 70% of the population (9,655 individuals) covered, compared to 59.0% in Greater Perth and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are mental health concerns and asthma, affecting 7.2% and 6.3% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 76.1% of the population reported no chronic conditions, compared to 71.9% regionally. Residents aged 65 and older make up 14.9% of the population (2,054 individuals), which is below the 16.1% regional average. Senior health outcomes are strong, with national rankings aligning with the broader community.

Wembley 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

Cultural diversity measures show 24.7% of the population speak a language other than English at home, and 38.6% were born overseas. Christianity is the largest religious group, representing 40.8% of residents. Buddhism is notably represented at 8.5% of the population, which is higher than the Greater Perth average of 2.7%.

English ancestry is reported by 25.9% of the population, followed by Australian ancestry at 20.5%, and Other ancestries at 14.0%. Minor groups include French ancestry at 0.7% (compared to 0.5% regionally), Croatian ancestry at 0.9% (compared to 0.8%), and Welsh ancestry at 0.7% (matching the regional 0.7%).

Wembley's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age of 37 matches the Greater Perth average and is similar to the national average of 38. The 35 - 44 age bracket represents 17.8% of the population, while the 55 - 64 bracket is lower at 8.5%. Since 2021, the 15 to 24 age cohort increased from 10.4% to 11.9%, while the 0 to 4 group decreased from 5.7% to 4.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate the 75 to 84 cohort will grow by 69% (an increase of 468 people), rising from 675 to 1,144. Residents aged 65 and older are projected to account for 51% of total growth, while the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to contract.