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

According to ABS demographic data and AreaSearch's validation of newer addresses post-census, the population of the suburb of Westminster is calculated to be 8,788 in May 2026. This indicates that since the 2021 Census, which documented 7,042 residents, the population grew by 1,746 individuals, or 24.8%. The figure is deduced from a baseline resident count of 8,770, which AreaSearch determined using the ABS June 2025 ERP release, combined with an additional 37 addresses confirmed since the census. This population size results in a density of 3,804 individuals per square kilometer, placing the locality in the top quarter of all areas evaluated nationwide by AreaSearch. The suburb of Westminster recorded a expansion rate of 24.8% post-2021, outperforming the national benchmark of 9.3% and the wider SA3 territory, making it a primary growth hub. Demographic gains were heavily underpinned by arrivals from abroad, which represented roughly 67.0% of the overall population increase in the recent timeframe.

Projections published in 2024 with a 2022 baseline from the ABS and Geoscience Australia are applied to each SA2 zone. For localities lacking these specific numbers, and to project trends beyond 2032, growth coefficients by age band from the 2023 Greater Capital Region projections based on 2022 statistics are utilized. Based on these combined SA2 models, the suburb of Westminster is anticipated to experience demographic growth exceeding the national median, adding 1,211 residents by 2041, which corresponds to a 13.6% increase over the 16 years.

The level of residential development activity in Westminster was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

An evaluation of ABS building approval records shows that the suburb of Westminster averages approximately 61 approved residential units annually. This includes an estimated 306 dwellings approved over the 5 fiscal years from FY-21 to FY-25, alongside 66 approvals registered during FY-26. Because there were 5.3 new occupants for each completed home during the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, the volume of new builds is lagging behind public demand, which typically intensifies buyer rivalry and elevates price levels. The expected construction cost of these new residences averages $300,000. In addition, commercial development has been quiet, with only $1.5 million in commercial building approvals registered in the current financial year.

Dwelling approvals per capita in the suburb of Westminster are 83.0% higher than the rate across Greater Perth, offering home seekers a wider selection. The breakdown of new residential construction is 46.0% stand-alone houses and 54.0% multi-unit projects like townhomes and apartments. This shift toward medium and high-density housing options provides cheaper entry points and appeals to downsizers, real estate investors, and first-time buyers. It represents a clear change from the traditional local property mix, where separate houses make up 63.0% of properties, reflecting a reduction in vacant residential land and adapting to shifting lifestyle choices and affordability constraints. The ratio of roughly 114 people per approved dwelling highlights the changing nature of the suburb of Westminster.

Demographic projections indicate the suburb of Westminster will add 1,193 new inhabitants by 2041 relative to the most recent quarterly figures from AreaSearch. If current building volumes persist, the supply of housing should easily satisfy this demand, which provides advantageous conditions for purchasers and potentially supports growth above current projections.

Westminster has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 48thth percentile nationally

Development projects, transport improvements, and planning strategies are key drivers of local performance. AreaSearch has identified 10 initiatives likely to affect the locality. Key developments include Amelia Heights Estate - DevelopmentWA & Satterley, Mosaic Balcatta Estate, City of Stirling Local Planning Scheme No. 4 (LPS4), and the Stirling Better Suburbs Urban Renewal Strategy, with details of the most significant projects listed below.

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

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Employment conditions in Westminster remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Westminster has a workforce characterized by strong educational credentials and a solid concentration in key service fields, with a jobless rate of 6.1% and a 5.6% rise in employed residents over the last year, using data aggregated by AreaSearch. In March 2026, there were 4,948 employed locals, while the unemployment level was 1.9% higher than the Greater Perth benchmark of 4.2%. The workforce participation rate was typical at 72.6% compared to 70.2% across Greater Perth. Census records indicate that a minor share of 5.2% of workers performed their duties from home, though this figure may be influenced by pandemic restrictions.

Local workers are primarily employed in healthcare and social assistance, retail, and hospitality. The concentration of workers in healthcare and social assistance is particularly pronounced, reaching 1.2 times the metropolitan average. In contrast, education and training is underrepresented, employing 6.1% of workers compared to the metropolitan average of 9.2%. The contrast between the numbers of local workers and resident workers suggests that this mostly residential district offers a restricted number of local jobs.

Data from SALM and the ABS indicates that in the 12 months leading to March 2026, the number of employed residents rose by 5.6% and the total labor force grew by 5.5%, while the unemployment level did not change in any meaningful way. Over the same period, Greater Perth saw employment grow by 2.0% and the labor force expand by 2.5%, with the jobless rate rising by 0.4 percentage points. The May-25 national employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia help illustrate potential occupational trends for the suburb of Westminster. These five and ten-year national forecasts have been aligned with the local industry profile to estimate future changes. Nationwide employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth profiles vary widely by sector. Applying these trends to the local industry mix suggests employment among residents should grow by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, assuming a basic weighted share without adjusting for local population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to postcode-level ATO records for the 2023 financial year, taxpayers in the suburb of Westminster recorded a median income of $53,763 and an average income of $60,385. These figures are below the national benchmarks and compare to median and average levels of $60,748 and $80,248 across Greater Perth. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates would be approximately $59,639 for median income and $66,985 for average income as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census places personal, family, and household incomes in the suburb of Westminster in a modest range, between the 29th and 42nd percentiles. The largest income group comprises 33.8% of local residents, or 2,970 people, earning in the $1,500 - 2,999 brackets, which is similar to the metropolitan trend of 32.0%. Housing costs present a severe burden, leaving only 80.5% of income available, which ranks in the 24th percentile.

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

The residential mix in the suburb of Westminster at the time of the latest Census consisted of 62.9% detached houses and 37.1% alternative dwellings, such as semi-detached homes and apartments, compared to the Perth metro breakdown of 77.8% houses and 22.1% alternative dwellings. The home ownership rate of 19.1% was lower than the metropolitan average, with the remaining homes being paying off a mortgage (35.7%) or occupied by tenants (45.2%). The median monthly home loan payment was $1,517, which is well below the Perth metro average of $1,907, while the median weekly rental cost was $330, compared to the metro average of $350. Nationally, mortgage payments in the suburb of Westminster are significantly below the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are much lower than the national figure of $375.

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

Families make up 62.4% of households, consisting of 25.4% couples with children, 21.4% couples without children, and 13.4% single parents. The remaining 37.6% of households are non-family arrangements, with single-person households representing 32.0% and shared houses making up 5.8%. The median household occupancy of 2.3 people is lower than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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

Educational attainment in the suburb of Westminster is lower than regional averages, with 28.7% of residents aged 15+ holding a higher education degree compared to 37.1% in the SA3 region. This represents an opportunity for skill development. Among degree holders, 19.7% have a bachelor qualification, followed by 6.6% with postgraduate qualifications and 2.4% with graduate diplomas. Vocational and technical training is common, with 34.3% of residents aged 15+ possessing vocational qualifications, including 13.0% with advanced diplomas and 21.3% with certificates.

The level of enrolment in education is high, with 29.8% of residents participating in formal learning. This is made up of 9.1% in primary school, 5.8% in higher education, and 5.1% in high school.

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

An analysis of public transit options shows 33 bus stops operating in the suburb of Westminster. These stops are served by 13 routes, providing 2,679 weekly passenger journeys. Public transport access is high, with the average distance to the nearest stop being 173 meters. Most residents travel outside the area for work, and private vehicles are the main transport mode at 82%, followed by 8% who use buses and 5% who use trains. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.1 cars, which is below the metropolitan average. A relatively small proportion of residents work from home, at 5.2% based on the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic conditions.

Service frequency averages 382 runs per day across all local routes, which translates to roughly 81 weekly services per 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

Based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality patterns and the incidence of chronic conditions, health markers in the suburb of Westminster are close to national levels, with typical rates of common illnesses overall, although older cohorts show slightly higher rates than the national average. The proportion of residents with private health insurance is low, standing at about 51% of the population, or approximately 4,497 people, compared to 59.0% across Greater Perth.

Asthma and mental health issues are the most frequent medical conditions, affecting 6.2% and 7.0% of residents. Conversely, 75.8% of the population reported no chronic conditions, compared to 71.9% in Greater Perth. Working-age residents exhibit strong health profiles with low rates of chronic illness. Residents aged 65 and older represent 13.3% of the community, or 1,168 individuals, which is below the Greater Perth average of 16.1%. While health outcomes among these seniors present some difficulties, they rank lower nationally than the rest of the local 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

The suburb of Westminster is highly multicultural, with 49.8% of residents speaking a language other than English in their homes and 52.3% born in another country. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 45.3% of the population. The most prominent statistical variance is in the Other category, which represents 4.2% of residents compared to 1.4% across Greater Perth.

Ancestry details indicate that the top three backgrounds are Other at 24.7%, which is much higher than the regional average of 11.2%, English at 16.7%, which is much lower than the regional average of 28.0%, and Australian at 13.9%, which is much lower than the regional average of 21.2%. There are also distinct concentrations of certain ethnic backgrounds: Macedonian accounts for 2.8% of the suburb of Westminster compared to 0.4% regionally, Serbian accounts for 0.8% compared to 0.3%, and Indian represents 6.8% compared to 2.6%.

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

The median age in the suburb of Westminster is 34 years, which is lower than the Greater Perth average of 37 and younger than the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, there is a higher proportion of young adults aged 25 - 34 (21.6%) but a smaller share of people aged 55 - 64 (8.4%). The concentration of residents aged 25 - 34 is higher than the national share of 14.6%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 65 to 74 grew from 6.4% to 7.5%, while the share of children aged 0 to 4 shrank from 8.3% to 6.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest changing age patterns, with the 75 to 84 cohort projected to grow by 78%, adding 294 residents to reach 672, while the number of children aged 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 is expected to decrease.