Wembley Downs

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of the Wembley Downs statistical area (Lv2) is around 7,498 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 755 people (11.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,743 people in the Wembley Downs (SA2). The change was inferred from the resident population of 7,370 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 29 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,708 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The Wembley Downs (SA2)'s 11.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.7%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 91.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is 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). As we examine future population trends, an above median population growth of Australian statistical areas is projected for the Wembley Downs (SA2), with the area expected to grow by 949 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 10.9% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Wembley Downs averaged around 27 new dwelling approvals each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 137 homes. So far in FY-26, 9 approvals have been recorded. On average, 4 new residents arrive per year per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. This indicates a significant demand exceeding supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $874,000, targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In this financial year, there have been $8.0 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature.

Building activity shows 88.0% detached houses and 12.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving Wembley Downs' suburban character and attracting space-seeking buyers. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests at Census (73.0%), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. With around 247 people per dwelling approval, Wembley Downs shows a developing market. Population forecasts indicate the area will gain 820 residents through to 2041, according to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Wembley Downs has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 46thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects likely to impact the region. Key initiatives include Floreat Beach Masterplan, Bold Park Aquatic Centre Redevelopment, Wembley Downs Local Centre Precinct Structure Plan, and City Beach Highrise Development. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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The exceptional employment performance in Wembley Downs places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Wembley Downs has an educated workforce with professional services well represented. Its unemployment rate is 1.3%.

In the past year, estimated employment growth was 3.8%. As of September 2025, 4,075 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.7%, lower than Greater Perth's 4.0%. Workforce participation matches Greater Perth's 65.2%. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training.

Professional & technical employment is high at 1.6 times the regional level, while manufacturing is low at 2.8% versus the regional average of 5.5%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 3.8%, labour force by 3.5%, reducing unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. Greater Perth had employment growth of 2.9% and marginal unemployment rise. State-level data to November 25 shows WA employment contracted by 0.27%, with an unemployment rate of 4.6%. National forecasts indicate total employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections suggest Wembley Downs' growth could be 7.0% over five years and 14.4% over ten years.

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 2023, Wembley Downs had a median taxpayer income of $72,585 and an average income of $98,840. Nationally, these figures are exceptionally high, compared to Greater Perth's median of $60,748 and average of $80,248. By September 2025, estimated median and average incomes would be approximately $79,568 and $108,348 respectively, based on a 9.62% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. In Wembley Downs, household, family, and personal incomes ranked between the 83rd and 93rd percentiles nationally in 2021 Census figures. The $4000+ income bracket dominated with 33.5% of residents (2,511 people), differing from regional patterns where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates at 32.0%. Economic strength was evident with 46.3% of households earning over $3,000 weekly, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retained 87.2% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 10th decile.

Wembley Downs is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with strong rates of outright home ownership

Wembley Downs' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 72.8% houses and 27.3% other dwellings. Home ownership stood at 43.3%, with 40.9% of dwellings mortgaged and 15.8% rented. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,762, and the median weekly rent was $470. Nationally, Wembley Downs' mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Wembley Downs features high concentrations of family households, with a median household size of 2.7 people

Family households constitute 77.7% of all households, including 42.2% couples with children, 25.5% couples without children, and 9.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 22.3%, with lone person households at 20.0% and group households comprising 2.2%. The median household size is 2.7 people.

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

Wembley Downs has a notably high level of educational attainment among its residents aged 15 and above, with 51.2% holding university qualifications. This figure surpasses both the Western Australian state average of 27.9% and the Greater Perth average of 30.1%. The area's residents have a significant educational advantage, which positions them favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 33.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 12.5% and graduate diplomas at 5.7%.

Vocational pathways account for 22.0% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas making up 10.9% and certificates 11.1%. Educational participation is notably high in Wembley Downs, with 32.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.9% in secondary education, 10.2% in primary education, and 6.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Wembley Downs shows that there are currently 38 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 4 individual routes providing service to the area. The combined weekly passenger trips across these routes amount to 583.

The report rates transport accessibility as good, with residents typically located an average of 209 meters from their nearest transport stop. On average, there are 83 trips per day across all routes, which translates to approximately 15 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Wembley Downs shows excellent health outcomes with very low prevalence of common conditions across all ages. Private health cover is notably high at approximately 66% of its total population of 4,981, compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 6.2% and 6.0% of residents respectively. A significant 75.1% report no medical ailments, contrasting with Greater Perth's 0%. The area has 19.3%, or 1,447 people aged 65 and over. Senior health outcomes are strong, closely aligning with the general population's profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Wembley Downs was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Wembley Downs has a higher cultural diversity compared to most local markets, with 14.7% of its population speaking languages other than English at home and 31.0% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Wembley Downs, making up 49.3% of the population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented in Wembley Downs at 0.1%, compared to None% across Greater Perth.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (28.4%), Australian (24.2%), and Irish (8.4%). There are also significant differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: South African is overrepresented at 2.0% (vs None% regionally), Croatian at 0.9% (vs None%), and Welsh at 0.7% (vs None%).

Wembley Downs's median age exceeds the national pattern

Wembley Downs has a median age of 41 years, which is higher than the Greater Perth average of 37 years and slightly older than the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, Wembley Downs has an over-representation of the 45-54 age group at 15.0%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 8.1%. According to the 2021 Census, the 15-24 age group has increased from 13.5% to 14.8% of the population, while the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 15.5% to 13.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling predicts significant changes in Wembley Downs' age profile, with the 85+ cohort projected to grow by 118%, adding 308 residents to reach 571. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 61% of the population growth, while declines are anticipated for the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups.