Wembley Downs

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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Wembley Downs is around 7,505. This reflects an increase of 762 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,743. 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 in June 2024 and an additional 29 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,709 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 11.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%), 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 Wembley Downs, with the area expected to grow by 952 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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Wembley Downs averaged approximately 27 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 137 homes. As of FY-26, 9 approvals have been recorded. Historically, around four new residents arrive annually for each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. This indicates demand significantly exceeds supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition.

The average construction value of new properties is $874,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, there have been $8.0 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature.

Building activity comprises 88% detached houses and 12% medium to high-density housing, maintaining Wembley Downs' suburban character while meeting space-seeking buyers' demand for detached homes. Notably, developers are constructing more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (73% at Census), implying continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. With around 247 people per dwelling approval, Wembley Downs exhibits a developing market. Population forecasts indicate an addition of 817 residents by 2041, with current development appearing well-suited to future needs and supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Wembley Downs has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 45thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects that may impact this region. Notable ones 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.

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.

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

Wembley Downs has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 1.3% as of September 2025. This rate is lower than Greater Perth's 4.0%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.8%, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 4,083 residents were employed, with a workforce participation rate of 68.3%, slightly below Greater Perth's 71.6%. A moderate 13.6% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training.

The area shows strong specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level. Conversely, manufacturing has lower representation at 2.8% compared to the regional average of 5.5%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 3.8%, labour force increased by 3.6%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth experienced employment growth of 2.9% and labour force growth of 3.0%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wembley Downs's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

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 income among taxpayers of $72,585. The average income stood at $98,840. Nationally, these figures are exceptionally high, with Greater Perth having median and average incomes of $60,748 and $80,248 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, estimated current incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $79,568 (median) and $108,348 (average). According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Wembley Downs rank highly nationally, between the 83rd and 93rd percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. The $4000+ income bracket dominates with 33.5% of residents. Economic strength is evident with 46.3% of households earning high weekly incomes exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 87.2% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

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

The latest Census evaluated dwelling structures in Wembley Downs with 72.8% houses and 27.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Perth metro had 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wembley Downs was at 43.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.9% and rented ones at 15.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,762, higher than Perth metro's average of $1,907. The median weekly rent figure for Wembley Downs was recorded at $470, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Wembley Downs's 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 higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 77.7% of all households, including 42.2% that are couples with children, 25.5% that are couples without children, and 9.3% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 22.3%, with lone person households at 20.0% and group households comprising 2.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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 exceeds 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, with bachelor degrees being the most common qualification at 33.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.5%) and graduate diplomas (5.7%). Vocational pathways are also well-represented among those aged 15 and above, accounting for 22.0% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas making up 10.9% and certificates 11.1%.

Educational participation in the area is notably high, 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

Public transport analysis shows 38 active transport stops operating within Wembley Downs, consisting of a mix of buses. These stops are served by 4 individual routes, collectively providing 583 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 209 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 85%, with 6% using buses. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, some 13.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 83 trips per day across all routes, equating 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 based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 66% of the total population (4,986 people), compared to 59.0% in Greater Perth and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 6.2 and 6.0% respectively. A higher proportion, 75.1%, report being completely clear of medical ailments than the Greater Perth average of 71.9%. The area has 19.8% residents aged 65 and over (1,485 people), higher than Greater Perth's 16.3%. Senior health outcomes are strong, ranking broadly in line with the general population nationally.

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 exhibited higher cultural diversity than most nearby areas, with 14.7% speaking a language other than English at home and 31.0% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Wembley Downs, accounting for 49.3%. Judaism, however, was more prevalent here at 0.1%, compared to 0.3% regionally.

The top three ancestry groups were English (28.4%), Australian (24.2%), and Irish (8.4%). Notably, South African (2.0% vs regional 1.0%) Croatian (0.9% vs 0.8%) and Welsh (0.7% vs 0.7%) groups showed higher representation in Wembley Downs.

Wembley Downs's median age exceeds the national pattern

Wembley Downs's median age is 41 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 years and slightly older than Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, Wembley Downs has a notably higher proportion of the 45-54 age group (14.9%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (8.1%). According to the 2021 Census, the 15-24 age group increased from 13.5% to 15.1%, while the 5-14 cohort decreased from 15.5% to 13.5%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Wembley Downs's age profile. The 85+ cohort is expected to grow by 109%, adding 302 residents to reach 580. Residents aged 65 and older will represent 61% of the population growth, while declines are projected for the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups.