Westminster

Westminster 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 population of Westminster is estimated at around 8,355 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,313 people (18.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,042 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 8,090 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 35 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,616 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Westminster's 18.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%), along with the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 67.0% 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, an above median population growth of Australian statistical areas is projected for Westminster, with the suburb expected to grow by 1,326 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 10.9% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Westminster has experienced around 50 dwellings receiving development approval per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 254 homes were approved, with a further 21 approved in FY-26. On average, each dwelling constructed over these years has resulted in about 3.8 new residents arriving annually.

This demand significantly exceeds new supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. The construction cost value of new properties averages around $300,000. Additionally, this financial year has seen $1.5 million in commercial development approvals recorded, indicating the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Perth, Westminster exhibits 57.0% higher development activity per person, offering greater choice for buyers. New building activity comprises approximately 49.0% detached houses and 51.0% medium and high-density housing, providing accessible entry options that appeal to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers.

With around 178 people per dwelling approval, Westminster exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Westminster is projected to gain 914 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, creating favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

Westminster has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 49thth percentile nationally

AreaSearch has identified ten projects that could impact the area significantly due to their influence on local infrastructure. Notable projects include Mosaic Balcatta Estate, Amelia Heights Estate developed by DevelopmentWA and Satterley, Stirling Better Suburbs Urban Renewal Strategy, and City of Stirling Local Planning Scheme No. 4 (LPS4). The following list provides details about those most likely to be 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 employment landscape in Westminster shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Westminster has a well-educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 5.5%, and there was an estimated employment growth of 5.6% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 4,488 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.6% higher than Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Westminster is on par with Greater Perth at 71.6%. A low 5.2% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food services. Notably, employment levels in health care & social assistance are 1.2 times the regional average.

Conversely, education & training has limited presence with only 6.1% of employment compared to the regional average of 9.2%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 5.6% alongside labour force growth of 3.6%, resulting in a decrease of 1.8 percentage points in the unemployment rate. This contrasts with Greater Perth where employment rose by 2.9%, labour force grew by 3.0%, and unemployment rose marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Westminster. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, indicate that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Westminster's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Westminster's income level is below the national average according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Westminster is $53,763 and the average income stands at $60,385. In comparison, Greater Perth's figures are $60,748 (median) and $80,248 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Westminster would be approximately $58,935 (median) and $66,194 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Westminster rank modestly, between the 29th and 42nd percentiles. Income brackets indicate that the largest segment comprises 33.8% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (2,823 residents), consistent with broader trends across the broader area showing 32.0% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Westminster, with only 80.5% of income remaining, ranking at the 24th percentile.

Westminster displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Westminster, according to the latest Census evaluation, 62.9% of dwellings were houses while 37.1% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In contrast, Perth metro had a higher percentage of houses at 77.8%, with 22.1% being other dwellings. Home ownership in Westminster was lower at 19.1%, with mortgaged properties making up 35.7% and rented dwellings accounting for 45.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area, as of the latest available data, was $1,517, which is below Perth metro's average of $1,907. The median weekly rent figure in Westminster was recorded at $330, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Westminster's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 62.4% of all households, including 25.4% couples with children, 21.4% couples without children, and 13.4% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 37.6%, with lone person households at 32.0% and group households making up 5.8%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Educational attainment in Westminster aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

Westminster's educational qualifications lag regional benchmarks, with 28.7% of residents aged 15 and above holding university degrees compared to the SA3 area's 37.1%. This gap suggests potential for educational development and skill enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most common at 19.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 34.3% of residents aged 15 and above holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (13.0%) and certificates (21.3%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.1% in primary education, 5.8% in tertiary education, and 5.1% pursuing secondary education.

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

Westminster operates 33 active public transport stops, served by 13 routes offering 2,679 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent accessibility, with an average distance of 173 meters to the nearest stop. Commuting patterns show a dominance of car use at 82%, followed by bus at 8% and train at 5%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling. The 2021 Census reports that 5.2% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 382 trips per day, equating to approximately 81 weekly trips per stop.

Service frequency averages 382 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 81 weekly trips per individual stop.

Westminster's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Westminster's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The level of common health conditions among the general population is somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts.

Private health cover stands at approximately 51% of the total population (4,276 people), compared to 59.0% across Greater Perth. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 7.0 and 6.2% of residents respectively. A total of 75.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. Working-age residents exhibit low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 13.5% of residents aged 65 and over (1,127 people), which is lower than the 16.3% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than those of the broader population.

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

Westminster's population comprises 49.8% speaking a language other than English at home, with 52.3% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion at 45.3%. The category 'Other' is overrepresented at 4.2%, compared to Greater Perth's 1.4%.

For ancestry, 'Other' comprises 24.7%, higher than the regional average of 11.2%. English ancestry stands at 16.7%, lower than the regional average of 28.0%. Australian ancestry is also lower at 13.9%, compared to the regional average of 21.2%. Notable disparities exist for Macedonian (2.8% vs 0.4%), Serbian (0.8% vs 0.3%), and Indian (6.8% vs 2.6%) ethnic groups.

Westminster hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Westminster's median age is 34 years, which is lower than Greater Perth's average of 37 years and considerably younger than Australia's national median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, Westminster has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (20.0%), but fewer residents aged 55-64 (8.7%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is well above the national average of 14.4%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of residents aged 65 to 74 has increased from 6.4% to 7.7%, while the proportion of residents aged 25 to 34 has decreased from 22.0% to 20.0%. Additionally, the proportion of residents aged 0 to 4 has dropped from 8.3% to 7.2%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Westminster. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to grow by 75%, adding 274 residents to reach a total of 642. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 age cohorts.