Willetton

Population growth drivers in Willetton are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Willetton's population, as of November 2025, is estimated at around 21,330. This figure reflects a growth of 2,068 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 19,262. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 21,179 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 42 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,440 persons per square kilometer, placing Willetton in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate of 10.7% since the 2021 census exceeds the national average of 8.9%, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 91.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving this growth.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. 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. Willetton is projected to increase by 3,261 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 14.6% over the 17 years.

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 around 106 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 531 homes. As of FY-26, 28 approvals have been recorded. Historically, each dwelling constructed has resulted in approximately 3.6 new residents per year between FY-21 and FY-25. This has led to demand significantly exceeding supply, typically driving price growth and increased buyer competition.

The average construction value of new properties is $446,000. In the current financial year, commercial approvals valued at $16.5 million have been registered, suggesting balanced commercial development activity in Willetton compared to Greater Perth. The area maintains similar development levels per capita with surrounding regions, preserving market equilibrium despite recent moderation in development activity.

New developments primarily consist of detached houses (97.0%) and medium/high-density housing (3.0%), reflecting Willetton's traditional suburban character focused on family homes. With approximately 281 people per dwelling approval, there is room for population growth. AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Willetton to gain 3,110 residents by 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand favourably for buyers while potentially enabling growth beyond existing forecasts.

Willetton has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Willetton Sports Precinct Transformation, Centuria Canning Vale Industrial Development, Willetton Senior High School Redevelopment, and Murdoch Health and Knowledge Precinct. 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 Willetton places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Willetton has a highly educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 1.5% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.0%.

As of June 2025, there were 11,365 residents employed, and the unemployment rate was 2.3 percentage points lower than Greater Perth's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was on par with Greater Perth at 65.2%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Willetton has a particular employment specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 6.8% compared to the regional average of 9.3%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. In the 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 3.0%, alongside labour force growth of 3.0%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. This contrasts with Greater Perth where employment rose by 3.7%, labour force grew by 3.8%, and unemployment rose by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment expansion at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Willetton's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Willetton's median income among taxpayers was $51,157 and average income stood at $65,740 in financial year 2022. These figures compared to Greater Perth's median of $58,380 and average of $78,020 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Willetton would be approximately $58,421 (median) and $75,075 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows household income ranks at the 76th percentile ($2,178 weekly), while personal income sits at the 39th percentile. In Willetton, 32.2% of the population falls within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 32.0% in the same category. A substantial proportion of high earners (32.7%) indicates strong economic capacity throughout Willetton. After housing costs, residents retain 87.4% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area'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

Willetton's dwelling structure in its latest Census comprised 90.0% houses and 10.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Perth metro's 78.4% houses and 21.6% other dwellings. Willetton's home ownership level was 39.9%, with the rest either mortgaged (40.0%) or rented (20.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Willetton was $2,100, higher than Perth metro's average of $1,820. Median weekly rent in Willetton was $400, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Willetton's mortgage repayments ($2,100) are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents ($400) exceed 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, consisting of 51.5% couples with children, 21.4% couples without children, and 10.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for 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. Among residents aged 15+, 42.9% hold university qualifications, compared to 27.9% in WA and 29.9% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most common at 27.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.7%) and graduate diplomas (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. Willetton operates a robust network of 7 schools educating approximately 5,643 students. The area demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions with an ICSEA score of 1097. The educational mix includes 4 primary, 1 secondary, and 2 K-12 schools. Willetton functions as an education hub with 26.5 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 14.8, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Willetton has 89 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 22 different routes that together facilitate 3,735 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents on average living just 218 meters from the nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 533 trips across all routes, which translates to about 41 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 at approximately 53%, higher than the average SA2 area (~11,368 residents). The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (5.6%) and asthma (5.1%), while 77.6% report no medical ailments, compared to 76.0% in Greater Perth. Willetton has 16.7% of residents aged 65 and over (3,562 people). Senior 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, making up 41.2% of the population. Buddhism, however, is more prevalent in Willetton compared to Greater Perth, with 6.7% of its population identifying as Buddhist.

The top three ancestry groups in Willetton are Chinese (21.2%), English (19.2%), and Australian (14.8%). Notably, Indian (8.8%) and Korean (1.6%) populations are higher than the regional averages, while Sri Lankan representation is also slightly elevated at 0.9%.

Willetton's median age exceeds the national pattern

Willetton has a median age of 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Perth's figure of 37 and Australia's figure of 38 years. Compared to the Greater Perth average, Willetton has an over-representation of the 5-14 cohort (17.6% locally) and an under-representation of the 25-34 age group (7.4%). The concentration of the 5-14 cohort is well above the national figure of 12.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 14.1% to 15.9%, while the 75 to 84 cohort has grown from 4.4% to 5.5%. Conversely, the 35 to 44 age group has declined from 15.3% to 13.6%. By 2041, Willetton's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 75 to 84 age cohort is expected to grow by 1,005 people (an increase of 86%), from 1,173 to 2,179. Conversely, both the 5 to 14 and 35 to 44 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.