West Perth

West Perth lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of West Perth's population is estimated at around 7,241 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,139 people (18.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,102 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 7,205, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 81 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,321 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. West Perth's 18.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%), along with the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 93.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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, a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australian statistical areas is forecast, with the suburb expected to expand by 2,925 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 45.1% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions West Perth among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, West Perth has experienced around 21 dwellings receiving development approval each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 109 homes. So far in FY-26, 11 approvals have been recorded. This results in approximately 14.6 new residents arriving per dwelling constructed annually between FY-21 and FY-25. Demand significantly exceeds new supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition.

The average construction value of new homes is $683,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In this financial year, $75.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Perth, West Perth has significantly less development activity, at 58.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes, though construction activity has recently intensified. Nationally, this is also below average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 9.0% standalone homes and 91.0% medium and high-density housing, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers.

With around 196 people per dwelling approval, West Perth shows characteristics of a growth area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, West Perth is expected to grow by 3,263 residents through to 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Area infrastructure performance is significantly influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 55 such projects that could impact the area. Notable projects include Perth City Link Redevelopment, Edith Cowan University City Campus, Aboriginal Cultural Centre, and Perth Cultural Centre Rejuvenation. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

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West Perth shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

West Perth has a highly educated workforce with professional services showing strong representation. The unemployment rate is 6.5%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, there are 4,946 residents employed while the unemployment rate stands at 2.5% above Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in West Perth is high at 81.4%, compared to Greater Perth's 71.6%. According to Census responses, only 9.7% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The leading employment industries among residents are professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and mining. West Perth has a particular specialization in professional & technical services with an employment share twice the regional level.

Conversely, construction is under-represented at 5.5% of West Perth's workforce compared to Greater Perth's 9.3%. With a ratio of 7.9 workers per resident as of the Census, West Perth functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 2.7% while employment decreased by 4.7%, leading to a rise in unemployment of 1.9 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Perth where employment rose by 2.9%. According to Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25, national employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to West Perth's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows median income in West Perth is $62,497 and average income is $90,466. This compares to Greater Perth's median of $60,748 and average of $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $68,509 (median) and $99,169 (average). Census 2021 income data shows individual earnings at the 93rd percentile nationally ($1,251 weekly), but household income ranks at the 60th percentile. The largest segment comprises 32.4% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (2,346 residents). High housing costs consume 17.8% of income, placing disposable income at the 58th percentile and SEIFA income ranking in the 8th decile.

West Perth features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

West Perth's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, had 9.0% houses and 91.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasted with Perth metro's figures of 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in West Perth stood at 15.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 19.6% and rented ones at 65.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,772, lower than the Perth metro average of $1,907. The median weekly rent in West Perth was $400, higher than Perth metro's $350. Nationally, West Perth's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

West Perth features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 43.6% of all households, including 10.0% that are couples with children, 27.3% that are couples without children, and 5.0% that consist of single parents. Non-family households make up the remaining 56.4%, with lone person households comprising 47.0% and group households making up 9.3% of the total. The median household size is 1.8 people, which is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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

West Perth's residents aged 15 and above have a high level of educational attainment, with 57.8% holding university qualifications compared to the broader Western Australian (27.9%) and Greater Perth (30.1%) averages. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 35.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 17.3% and graduate diplomas at 4.7%. Vocational pathways account for 21.4% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 9.6% and certificates at 11.8%. A significant portion, 24.4%, is actively pursuing formal education, including 11.6% in tertiary education, 4.3% in primary education, and 1.9% in secondary education.

A substantial 24.4% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 11.6% in tertiary education, 4.3% in primary education, and 1.9% pursuing secondary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in West Perth shows that there are 49 active transport stops currently operating. These include a mix of train and bus services. The area is served by 35 individual routes which collectively provide 14,066 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent with residents typically located just 110 meters from the nearest transport stop. As West Perth is primarily residential, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 48%, followed by bus at 22% and walking at 15%.

The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 0.5, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 9.7% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 2,009 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 287 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in West Perth is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population and nearer the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

West Perth shows better-than-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but closer to the national average among older, at-risk cohorts. Approximately 63% of West Perth's total population (4569 people) has private health cover, compared to Greater Perth's 59.0%.

Nationally, this figure stands at 55.7%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in West Perth, affecting 9.5% and 6.4% of residents respectively. 73.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Perth's 71.9%. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 14.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1078 people), lower than Greater Perth's 16.3%. While health outcomes among seniors are above average, they rank lower nationally compared to the broader population.

West Perth is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

West Perth has a high level of cultural diversity, with 31.7% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 50.3% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in West Perth, making up 36.0% of people. Judaism is overrepresented in West Perth compared to Greater Perth, comprising 0.6% versus 0.3%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (23.1%), Other (15.1%), and Australian (14.2%), the latter being lower than the regional average of 21.2%. Spanish (0.9%) is notably overrepresented compared to the regional figure of 0.4%, as are Polish (1.1% vs 0.7%) and Russian (0.6% vs 0.2%).

West Perth's population is younger than the national pattern

West Perth has a median age of 36 years, nearly matching Greater Perth's average of 37 and slightly below Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Perth, West Perth has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (29.9%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (3.7%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.4%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the proportion of West Perth's population aged 75-84 has increased from 4.3% to 5.3%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 25-34 has decreased from 31.6% to 29.9%, and the 45-54 age group has dropped from 9.8% to 8.5%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in West Perth's age profile. The 25-34 cohort is expected to grow by 33%, adding 714 residents to reach a total of 2,880.