Willetton

Population growth drivers in Willetton are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Willetton's population, as of November 2025, is estimated at approximately 21,709 people. This figure represents an increase of 2,447 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 19,262 in Willetton (SA2). The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 21,179 residents following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024, along with an additional 42 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,483 persons per square kilometer, placing Willetton statistical area (Lv2) in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch's assessments. Willetton's growth rate of 12.7% since the 2021 Census exceeds the national average of 9.7%, indicating it as a region experiencing significant population growth. Overseas migration contributed approximately 91.0% of overall population gains in recent periods for this area.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch utilises growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Future population dynamics anticipate an above median growth for national statistical areas, with Willetton expected to increase by 3,261 persons to reach a total of 25,970 by 2041, reflecting a 12.6% overall increase over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Willetton averaged approximately 106 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 531 homes. As of FY26, 38 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.6 new residents per year arrived per dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25, indicating demand significantly exceeds supply. New properties are constructed at an average value of $446,000, targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

This financial year has seen $16.5 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Willetton's development levels per person are similar to Greater Perth, maintaining market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas, although recent periods have shown moderated activity. New development consists predominantly of detached houses (97.0%) and a smaller proportion of medium and high-density housing (3.0%), preserving the area's traditional suburban character focused on family homes.

The location has approximately 281 people per dwelling approval, suggesting potential for growth. Population forecasts indicate Willetton will gain 2,731 residents by 2041, with current construction levels likely meeting demand and creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Willetton has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 47thth percentile nationally

Area's performance significantly influenced by local infrastructure changes. Seven projects identified by AreaSearch as impactful: Willetton Sports Precinct Transformation, Centuria Canning Vale Industrial Development, Willetton Senior High School Redevelopment, Murdoch Health and Knowledge Precinct. Below listed are 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 Willetton places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Willetton's workforce is highly educated with a notable presence in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 1.6% as of September 2025, lower than Greater Perth's 4.0%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.1%. There were 11,262 residents employed in September 2025 with an unemployment rate of 2.4%, matching Greater Perth's workforce participation rate of 65.2%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. The area specializes in professional & technical jobs, with a share 1.3 times the regional average, but has lower representation in construction at 6.8% compared to the regional average of 9.3%.

Employment opportunities appear limited locally as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over the past year, employment increased by 2.1% alongside a labour force increase of 2.2%, with unemployment remaining largely unchanged. In contrast, Greater Perth saw employment rise by 2.9% and unemployment rise marginally. State-wide, WA's employment contracted by 0.27% between November 2024 and November 2025, losing 5,520 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.6%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest total employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Willetton's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

The suburb of Willetton has an income level below the national average, according to AreaSearch data from the Australian Taxation Office for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Willetton is $51,157, with an average income of $65,740. These figures compare to Greater Perth's median and average incomes of $60,748 and $80,248 respectively. Based on a 9.62% growth in wages since financial year 2023, estimated current incomes are approximately $56,078 (median) and $72,064 (average) as of September 2025. Willetton's household income ranks at the 76th percentile ($2,178 weekly), while personal income is at the 39th percentile. In terms of income distribution, 32.2% of Willetton's population falls within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, consistent with broader regional trends showing 32.0% in the same category. Notably, 32.7% of residents earn above $3,000 per week, indicating strong economic capacity in the suburb. After housing costs, residents retain 87.4% of their income, reflecting robust purchasing power. Willetton's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Willetton, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 90.0% houses and 10.0% other dwellings. In comparison, Perth metro had 78.4% houses and 21.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Willetton was 39.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.0% and rented at 20.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,100, higher than the Perth metro average of $1,820. Median weekly rent in Willetton was $400, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Willetton's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,100 against the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were $400, exceeding the national figure of $375.

Willetton features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 84.1% of all households, including 51.5% couples with children, 21.4% couples without children, and 10.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 15.9%, with lone person households at 14.3% and group households comprising 1.5% of the total. The median household size is 3.1 people, which is larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.7.

Willetton shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Willetton's educational attainment is notably higher than broader averages. 42.9% of its residents aged 15 and above have university qualifications, compared to 27.9% in Western Australia (WA) and 29.9% in the Small Area 4 (SA4) region. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 27.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 11.7% and graduate diplomas at 3.3%. Vocational pathways account for 24.6% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 10.3% and certificates at 14.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 35.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.4% in primary education, 12.1% in secondary education, and 7.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Willetton has 92 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 23 different routes that together facilitate 4,574 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is considered good, with residents usually residing 216 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 653 daily trips across all routes, which translates to roughly 49 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Willetton shows excellent health outcomes with low prevalence of common conditions across all ages.

Private health cover is high at approximately 53% (~11,570 people), leading the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (5.6%) and asthma (5.1%). A majority, 77.6%, report no medical ailments, compared to 76.0% in Greater Perth. Willetton has 16.7% residents aged 65 and over (3,625 people). Seniors' health outcomes align with the general population's profile.

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

Willetton has a high level of cultural diversity, with 45.9% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 53.2% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Willetton, comprising 41.2% of its population. However, Buddhism is notably overrepresented, making up 6.7% of Willetton's population compared to the regional average of 6.7%.

The top three ancestry groups in Willetton are Chinese at 21.2%, English at 19.2%, and Australian at 14.8%. Notably, Indian (8.8%), Korean (1.6%), and Sri Lankan (0.9%) ethnicities are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 6.5%, 1.2%, and 0.7% respectively.

Willetton's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Willetton has a median age of 40, which is higher than Greater Perth's figure of 37 years and marginally higher than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to the Greater Perth average, Willetton has an over-representation of the 5-14 cohort at 17.6%, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 7.4%. This concentration of the 5-14 age group is well above the national average of 12.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 14.1% to 15.9% of Willetton's population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 4.4% to 5.5%. Conversely, the 35 to 44 age group has declined from 15.3% to 13.6%. Demographic modeling suggests that by 2041, Willetton's age profile will change significantly. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to grow significantly, expanding by 985 people (an 82% increase) from 1,193 to 2,179. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 50% of total population growth, reflecting Willetton's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.