Area profile · Greater Perth
Balga - Mirrabooka has an estimated 23,824 residents, up 13.3% since the 2021 Census, with 8 projects tracked in Balga - Mirrabooka.
Updated 14 Oct 2026.
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01Profile
The analysis, national rankings and who lives there.
Balga - Mirrabooka Statistical Area (Lv2) lies roughly 10.9 kilometres north of Perth CBD. AreaSearch estimates the population at approximately 23,824 as of Aug 2026, an increase of 2,792 people (13.3%) since the 2021 Census count of 21,032 people. This change is derived from the ABS Estimated Resident Population (ERP) of 23,741 as of June 2025, together with 117 validated new addresses added since the Census date. The area has a high share of residents born overseas and a strong presence of semi-detached housing, alongside an above-average renting population. Its employment base includes a notable administrative sector and pronounced logistics and transport activity, and it has an elevated share of residents aged 25 to 34.
The area has a comparatively young age profile, with a median age of 33, and its households are largely made up of group households. It is highly culturally diverse, and its income levels fall in the lower quartile. In terms of population growth, the area shows moderate expansion patterns.
Estimated resident population by year (ABS, not Census counts): 16,934 in 2001 and 23,741 in 2025. The dashed segment ends at the AreaSearch estimate for Aug 2026: 23,824 (ABS June 2025 base).
Share of residents in each age band (ABS age profile, scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate). Largest: 25 to 34, 19%.
Share of households in each weekly household income band (2021 Census). Largest: $1,500 - 2,999, 31.3%.
Balga - Mirrabooka ranks in the 92nd percentile nationally for cultural diversity and the 89th for development activity.
Each bar and spoke is a national percentile; the dashed ring is the typical area. 99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better. Orange marks the top three measures where a higher percentile is better; not Age, Housing or Housing Cost.
02Market and pipeline
Rents, sale prices and what is being built.
The median rent in Balga - Mirrabooka is $686 a week, up 9.0% over 12 months to Sep 2026 and 5% below Greater Perth.
5% below Greater Perth on median weekly rent
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $686 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2026 | |
| Change in median rent over 12 months | +9.0% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2026 | |
| Median rent, Stirling | $758 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, Stirling, over 12 months | +8.3% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2026 | |
| Median rent, Perth - North West | $760 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2026 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Change in median rent, Perth - North West, over 12 months | +7.7% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2026 | |
| Median rent, Greater Perth | $723 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, Greater Perth, over 12 months | +6.5% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2026 | |
| Median rent, WA | $714 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, WA, over 12 months | +7.0% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2026 |
See the development applications we track, then draw your own catchment and map retailers, health, schools and more.
Status of the 60 tracked applications: 40 approved, 0 under assessment, 20 other (refused, withdrawn or no status).
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AreaSearch tracks 8 projects in Balga - Mirrabooka (2 under construction) and 83 more in the surrounding area.
Statewide program delivering new and upgraded shared walking and cycling infrastructure across metropolitan Perth through the WA Bicycle…
The City of Stirling is implementing the Balga Plaza Local Centre Revitalisation to rejuvenate the civic and commercial core around…
Commercial development on Alexander Drive featuring a modern warehouse facility, commercial showrooms, and a drive-through food outlet to…
Approved mixed-use residential development comprising 22 multiple dwellings and a ground-floor consultancy room at 680 Wanneroo Road in…
Completed $1 million upgrade of Mirrabooka Town Square between Mirrabooka Bus Station and The Square Mirrabooka, delivered by the City of…
A 51.1 million AUD major redevelopment at North Metropolitan TAFE Balga campus, delivering the Construction Skills Innovation Hub with two…
Ongoing renewal of the Mirrabooka Town Centre into a mixed-use activity centre around The Square Mirrabooka, the bus interchange…
Upgrade to community sports infrastructure at Mirrabooka Regional Open Space, delivering new energy-efficient LED sports floodlighting…
Redevelopment of Alexander Heights Shopping Centre is underway.
Proposed mixed-use development within the Mirrabooka Town Centre precinct comprising 9 ground-floor commercial tenancies and 16 multiple…
Comprehensive upgrade and refurbishment of Stirling Central Shopping Centre in Westminster, featuring a modernised Woolworths supermarket…
A major redevelopment of North Metropolitan TAFE's Balga campus, delivering two new digitally connected buildings including a 1,140sqm…
Images marked AI impression are illustrative only and not photographs of the project; follow the project links for actual imagery. Original imagery? Contact us.
Estimated completion year of the 51 projects in and around the area that are not yet completed and have one: 2025 1, 2026 19, 2027 11, 2028 7, 2029 3, 2030 6, 2031 1, 2032 2, 2033 0, 2034 0, 2035 0, 2036 1. 7 have no completion year.
AreaSearch has tracked 60 substantial development applications lodged in and around Balga - Mirrabooka over the past 5 years, 7 in the last 12 months. Coverage varies by council.
Applications per year (dashed: part year): 2021 (part year) 4, 2022 10, 2023 14, 2024 11, 2025 16, 2026 (to Oct) 5.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tracked applications | 60 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years | |
| Tracked, last 12 months | 7 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area | |
| ABS building approvals | 4.3 per 1,000 people | ABS building approvals | 54th percentile nationally |
| Average approvals a year | 96 | ABS building approvals | 78th percentile nationally |
| Applications approved | 40 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years |
Key infrastructure and planning changes likely to influence the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 include: Perth Active Transport Network (Construction); Balga Plaza Local Centre Revitalisation (Construction); 35 Markham Way Residential Infill Development (Approved); 680 Wanneroo Road Mixed-Use Development (Approved); and North Metropolitan TAFE Balga Campus Redevelopment (Completed). These projects represent significant developments that will shape the area's future infrastructure landscape.
Infrastructure development impacting the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 spans multiple sectors including Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal, Education & Training, and Precincts & Urban Renewal, among others.
Infrastructure development activity impacting the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 currently ranks below national averages at the 29th percentile.
AreaSearch's development drivers ranking positions Balga - Mirrabooka among the top 11% of areas assessed nationwide.
Dwelling approval activity in the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 area has seen 258 residential approvals over the past two financial years, based on AreaSearch's SA2 aggregation method. The Balga - Mirrabooka SA2's current population of 23,824 has been supported by 96 approvals on average over recent years.
The Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 has seen 4.2 approvals per 1,000 people in recent years, compared to 7.4 approvals in Greater Perth. This means that one dwelling has been approved for every 184 people in the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2, compared to one for every 118 in Greater Perth.
The long-run outlook for development is part of AreaSearch Operator and Pro. Log in to see the forecast detail in Full.
Looking at development activity over the past five years, the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2's approval levels have been significantly above the yearly average of 96, indicating strong recent growth in development activity.
Over the past five years, the population in the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 has grown by approximately 1,871 people, while 479 residential approvals were recorded. This equates to a ratio of 3.9 people added for each new dwelling approval. This high ratio suggests strong population growth relative to housing supply, potentially indicating unmet housing demand.
03People
Population, age, income, work, education and more.
99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better.
Population growth drivers in Balga - Mirrabooka are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 23,824 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | |
| Growth since 2021 Census | +13.3% | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | 79th percentile nationally |
| Population density | 2,521 per km² | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | 78th percentile nationally |
| Average yearly growth, 2020 to 2025 | +1.7% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Average yearly growth, 2015 to 2025 | +1.3% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population at the 2021 Census | 21,032 | 2021 Census | |
| Residents added since the 2021 Census | 2,792 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | |
| Average yearly growth, 2022 to 2025 | +2.6% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Population growth, 2024 to 2025 | +1.8% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Land area | 9.45 km² | AreaSearch boundary analysis |
Total population for the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 was estimated to be approximately 23,824 as at Aug 2026. This is based upon an estimated resident population of 23,741 from the ABS up to June 2025.
The balga - mirrabooka sa2 has added approximately 2,792 people and shown a 13.28% increase from the 21,032 people recorded at the 2021 Census period.
The population density in the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 is estimated at 2,521 persons per square kilometre based on the latest population estimate.
Over the past 10 years, the population in the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 has shown a compound annual growth rate of 1.3% per annum.
Population growth in the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 is driven by: Overseas migration (74.8%), Natural increase (25.2%), Interstate migration (0.0%). The primary driver is Overseas migration, contributing 74.8% of overall population gains.
Balga - Mirrabooka's young demographic places it in the bottom 12% of areas nationwide.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 33 years | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | 12th percentile nationally |
| Aged 65 and over | 13.5% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Children under 15 | 19.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 34 | 31.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 64 | 54.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age at the 2021 Census | 33 years | 2021 Census | |
| Aged 0 to 4 | 6.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 5 to 14 | 12.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 24 | 12.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 34 | 19.0% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 35 to 44 | 15.8% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 45 to 54 | 10.8% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 55 to 64 | 8.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 65 to 74 | 7.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 75 to 84 | 4.5% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 85 and over | 1.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
AreaSearch estimates the median age in the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 at 33 years as at August 2026. That is in line with the 2021 Census figure of 33 years, on an age profile AreaSearch re-estimates for population change recorded since the Census.
At an estimated 33 years as at August 2026, Balga - Mirrabooka is 4 years younger than the Greater Perth 2021 Census average (37 years) and 5 years younger than the national Census average (38 years).
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most over-represented age group in the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 compared to the Greater Perth region is the 25 - 34 group, making up 19.0% of the population.
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most under-represented age group in the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 compared to the Greater Perth region is the 55 - 64 group, making up 8.7% of the population.
No, the age distribution in the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 is broadly in line with Greater Perth.
AreaSearch estimates children aged 0-14 years at 19.6% of the population in the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 as at August 2026.
AreaSearch estimates people aged 65 and over at 13.5% of the population in the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 as at August 2026.
Income metrics place the area in the bottom 9% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median taxable income (ATO) | $46,692 a year | ATO FY-24, annual | 7th percentile nationally |
| Average taxable income | $53,070 a year | ATO FY-24, annual |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Census household income / week | $1,293 | 2021 Census, weekly | 19th percentile nationally |
| Census personal income / week | $629 | 2021 Census, weekly | 15th percentile nationally |
| High-income households | 10.0% | 2021 Census | |
| Census family income / week | $1,461 | 2021 Census, weekly | |
| Low-income households | 29.6% | 2021 Census |
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 is approximately $49,979. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded a median of $46,692.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 is approximately $56,806. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded an average of $53,070.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 is approximately $49,979 compared to $68,556 in Greater Perth. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $46,692 and $64,047 respectively.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 is approximately $56,806 compared to $90,565 in Greater Perth. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $53,070 and $84,609 respectively.
As per the 2021 Census, the weekly household income bracket containing the largest proportion of the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2's households (~31.3% / 2,348 households) is the $1,500 - 2,999 cohort.
The largest weekly household income cohort in the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing about 31.3% of households. In comparison, Greater Perth's largest household income cohort is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing 32.0% of its households, according to the 2021 Census.
The 2021 Census data indicates that the median household income in the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 is $1,293/wk.
According to the 2021 Census, the median family income in the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 is $1,461/wk.
The 2021 Census shows that the median personal income in the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 is $629/wk.
The Balga - Mirrabooka SA2's income level is lower than average on a national basis according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-24. The Balga - Mirrabooka SA2's median income among taxpayers is $46,692 and the average income stands at $53,070, which compares to figures for Greater Perth's of $64,047 and $84,609 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 7.04% since FY-24, current estimates would be approximately $49,979 (median) and $56,806 (average) as of June 2026.
The estimated disposable income in the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 is $4,483 per year according to AreaSearch analysis.
The balga - mirrabooka sa2's disposable income is $4,483 compared to $6,842 for Greater Perth, based on AreaSearch analysis.
The labour market performance in Balga - Mirrabooka lags significantly behind most other regions nationally.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment rate | 11.9% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Workforce participation | 65.7% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Employed residents | 11,085 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Daytime population | 18,716 | AreaSearch estimate of residents and workers present on a weekday | |
| Labour force | 12,583 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch |
As of June 2026, the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 has approximately 11,085 employed residents with an unemployment rate of 11.9%. The elevated unemployment rate suggests challenging labour market conditions. The area faces employment challenges compared to other regions nationally.
As of June 2026, the unemployment rate in the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 stands at 11.9%, which is 7.7 percentage points above Greater Perth's rate of 4.2%. This higher unemployment rate may indicate local labour market challenges. For comparison, the national unemployment rate is 4.2%.
The employment landscape in the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 is dominated by several key sectors. The largest employers are health care & social assistance (17.7% of employment), retail trade (10.7%), and accommodation & food (8.9%). Other significant employers include construction and manufacturing.
Over the past year to June 2026, the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 has experienced employment growth, with total employment increasing while the labour force increased. As a result, the unemployment rate has risen. By comparison, Greater Perth saw employment increased and its unemployment rate rose.
The workforce participation rate in the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 is 65.7%, which represents the proportion of working-age residents who are either employed or actively seeking work. This healthy participation rate reflects good employment opportunities and workforce engagement. The local rate trailing the Greater Perth average of 69.9%, showing similar workforce dynamics to Greater Perth.
The balga - mirrabooka sa2 shows notable specialisation in transport, postal & warehousing, which employs 7.8% of the local workforce compared to 4.7% across Greater Perth. This concentration suggests the area has developed competitive advantages in this sector. The area also shows above-average employment in 3 other sectors, contributing to a distinctive economic profile.
The long-run outlook for employment is part of AreaSearch Operator and Pro. Log in to see the forecast detail in Full.
The balga - mirrabooka sa2's employment market shows weaker performance compared to most areas nationally. This suggests the need for targeted economic development initiatives. Recent job advertisement trends show the broader employment region experienced 4.5% growth, ranking 12th out of 37 regions nationally.
Education in Balga - Mirrabooka: university qualifications 20.1%, school advantage index (ICSEA) 948.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor qualifications | 14.4% | 2021 Census | 39th percentile nationally |
| Postgraduate qualifications | 4.4% | 2021 Census | 44th percentile nationally |
| University qualifications | 20.1% | 2021 Census | |
| Vocational qualifications | 23.7% | 2021 Census | 46th percentile nationally |
| Graduate diploma or certificate | 1.3% | 2021 Census | 11th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced diploma or diploma | 10.7% | 2021 Census | 50th percentile nationally |
| No post-school qualification | 45.6% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending an educational institution | 35.0% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending university or other higher education | 5.8% | 2021 Census | 67th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending primary school | 11.3% | 2021 Census | 70th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending secondary school | 8.3% | 2021 Census | 57th percentile nationally |
20.1% of people aged 15 and over in the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 have university qualifications, compared to 30.1% in Greater Perth.
45.6% of people aged 15 and over in the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 have no formal qualifications, compared to 35.6% in Greater Perth.
The balga - mirrabooka sa2 ranks in the 29th percentile nationally for education based on AreaSearch's analysis of qualification and performance metrics.
The most common qualifications in the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 are: Certificate (23.7%), Bachelor Degree (14.4%), Advanced Diploma (10.7%).
35.0% of the population in the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 is currently engaged in formal education, including 11.3% in primary school, 8.3% in secondary school, 5.8% at university (all shares of total residents).
The average ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) score for schools in the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 is 948, indicating below-average socio-educational advantage compared to the national average of 1000.
There are 10 schools within the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2, with a combined enrollment of approximately 3,765 students.
The balga - mirrabooka sa2 includes 7 primary schools, 1 secondary school, 2 combined schools.
Balga - Mirrabooka features high concentrations of single parent families and group households but relatively few couples without children, with an average household size in line with Greater Perth.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household size | 2.6 people | 2021 Census | 58th percentile nationally |
| Lone-person households | 29.0% | 2021 Census | 66th percentile nationally |
| Couples with children | 28.9% | 2021 Census | 45th percentile nationally |
| Couples without children | 18.8% | 2021 Census | 7th percentile nationally |
| One-parent families | 16.0% | 2021 Census | 91st percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group households | 5.2% | 2021 Census | 83rd percentile nationally |
| Households at the 2021 Census | 7,496 | 2021 Census | |
| Estimated households | 8,491 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026 | |
| Family households | 65.8% | 2021 Census | 28th percentile nationally |
| Average children per family | 1.6 per family | 2021 Census | 39th percentile nationally |
As of the 2021 Census, the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 had 7,496 households. Based on population growth patterns, this has grown by approximately 13.3% to an estimated 8,491 households today.
The average household size in the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 is 2.6 people. This compares to 2.6 in Greater Perth and reflects the area's household composition mix.
Family households dominate at 65.8% of all households. Non-family households consist of lone person households (29.0%), group households (5.2%), and other household types (0.0%).
Of the 4,932 family households, couples with children account for 28.9% of all households, couples without children at home 18.8%, and single parent families 16.0%. This mix shapes local demand for schools, family services, and housing types.
Compared to Greater Perth, the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 shows distinct household patterns. Conversely, family households are under-represented at 65.8% compared to 71.5% in Greater Perth. This higher proportion of single-person households drives demand for smaller dwellings and different community services.
Families in the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 have an average of 1.6 children, matching the Greater Perth average of 1.6. This influences local demand for child-related services and larger family homes.
Marriage patterns reveal 42.0% of the adult population are currently married, while 39.4% have never married. This compares to 47.6% married and 36.1% never married across Greater Perth.
Single-person households represent 29.0% of all households in the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2, similar to the average for Greater Perth of 24.9%. This affects demand for smaller dwellings and single-person accommodation.
Group households (unrelated people sharing) account for 5.2% of households, above the Greater Perth average of 3.5%. This higher rate points to more student or young professional shared accommodation.
Balga - Mirrabooka is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born overseas | 52.4% | 2021 Census | 92nd percentile nationally |
| Speak another language at home | 54.3% | 2021 Census | 90th percentile nationally |
| English only at home | 45.7% | 2021 Census | 9th percentile nationally |
| Australian citizens | 71.9% | 2021 Census | 9th percentile nationally |
| Born in Australia | 47.6% | 2021 Census | 7th percentile nationally |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents | 2.6% | 2021 Census | 68th percentile nationally |
Balga - Mirrabooka is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country, with 54.3% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 52.4% born overseas.
The main religion in Balga - Mirrabooka was found to be Christianity, which makes up 43.2% of people in Balga - Mirrabooka. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Islam, which comprises 16.2% of the population, substantially higher than the Greater Perth average of 3.2%.
In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Balga - Mirrabooka are Other, comprising 32.5% of the population, which is substantially higher than Greater Perth's 11.2%, English, comprising 16.2% of the population, which is notably lower than Greater Perth's 28.0%, and Australian, comprising 14.3% of the population, which is notably lower than Greater Perth's 21.2%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Vietnamese is notably overrepresented at 4.9% of Balga - Mirrabooka (vs 0.8% across Greater Perth), Macedonian at 1.9% (vs 0.4%) and Serbian at 0.7% (vs 0.3%).
52.4% of the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 population was born overseas, compared to 37.7% across Greater Perth.
54.3% of the population in the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 speaks a language other than English at home, compared to 22.0% in Greater Perth.
2.6% of the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 population identifies as Australian Aboriginal, compared to 1.4% in Greater Perth.
71.9% of the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 population holds citizenship, compared to 83.0% in Greater Perth.
04Place
Housing, health, transport, local services and the reports on them.
Balga - Mirrabooka is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than Greater Perth.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rented homes | 44.2% | 2021 Census | 83rd percentile nationally |
| Owned outright | 19.6% | 2021 Census | 14th percentile nationally |
| Detached houses | 73.7% | 2021 Census | 30th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment | $1,482 a month | 2021 Census, monthly | 26th percentile nationally |
| Owned with a mortgage | 36.2% | 2021 Census | 55th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-detached, terrace and townhouses | 23.9% | 2021 Census | 89th percentile nationally |
| Median weekly rent paid, 2021 Census | $305 | 2021 Census, weekly | 28th percentile nationally |
| Median rent as a share of median household income | 23.6% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 74th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment as a share of household income | 26.5% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 71st percentile nationally |
| People per bedroom | 0.8 per bedroom | 2021 Census | 47th percentile nationally |
In the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2, 19.6% of homes are owned outright, 36.2% are owned with a mortgage, and 44.2% are rented.
According to the latest data, 73.7% of dwellings in the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 are houses.
In the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2, 2.4% of dwellings are apartments or units, with an additional 23.9% being semi-detached dwellings.
Outright home ownership in the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 stands at 19.6%, compared to 29.3% in Greater Perth.
The median monthly mortgage repayment in the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 is $1,482, compared to $1,907 in Greater Perth.
The aggregate monthly housing cost in the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 is $1,120, which represents the average monthly cost across all housing types.
In the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2, households with mortgages typically spend 26.5% of their income on mortgage repayments, while renters spend 23.6% of their income on rent.
The average persons per bedroom ratio in the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 is 0.8, indicating the level of household density.
Housing affordability in the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 shows mortgage holders spending 26.5% of income on repayments (vs 23.6% in Greater Perth), while renters spend 23.6% of income on rent (vs 18.8% in Greater Perth).
The dwelling mix in the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 consists of 73.7% detached houses, 23.9% semi-detached dwellings, 2.4% apartments, and 0.0% other dwelling types.
Housing in Balga - Mirrabooka consumes approximately 20.0% of median household income ($5,599 monthly), indicating costs are highly affordable. The generally accepted benchmark is that housing should not exceed 30% of household income.
Recent development applications in Balga - Mirrabooka show attached dwellings contributing 41% of approvals compared to 26% of existing stock, while detached houses represent 59% of applications versus 74% of current dwellings. This suggests increasing densification. Housing density growth is around the national average.
Health in Balga - Mirrabooka: private health cover 46.2%, no long-term health condition 74.8%.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private health cover | 46.2% | ATO FY 2024, private health cover | 1st percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition | 74.8% | 2021 Census | 79th percentile nationally |
| Need help with daily activities | 5.4% | 2021 Census | 50th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition, under 65 | 80.8% | 2021 Census | 79th percentile nationally |
| Three or more long-term health conditions, under 65 | 1.4% | 2021 Census | 55th percentile nationally |
Around 46.2% of people in the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 are covered by private health insurance, which compares to 59.1% in Greater Perth.
In the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2, 5.4% of the population is identified as requiring ongoing medical assistance. By comparison, 4.6% of people in Greater Perth require similar assistance.
6.4% of people in the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 are diagnosed with asthma. In comparison, 6.8% of the population across Greater Perth is affected by asthma.
Diabetes affects 5.4% of the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 population, while in Greater Perth, 4.0% of people are diagnosed with diabetes.
3.0% of people in the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 have heart disease. Across Greater Perth,3.3% of the population is affected by heart disease.
In the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2, 46.2% of the population are estimated to have private health insurance. Comparatively, Greater Perth sees an estimated private health coverage rate of 59.1%.
Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport access | 66 out of 100 | AreaSearch transport analysis of timetable data | 66th percentile nationally |
| Public transport stops | 129 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 82nd percentile nationally |
| Weekly public transport trips | 3,493 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 66th percentile nationally |
| People per public transport stop | 184 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Public transport routes | 17 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per dwelling | 1.2 per dwelling | 2021 Census | |
| Working residents who worked from home | 3.8% | 2021 Census, taken during COVID-19 restrictions |
There are 129 public transport stops within the Balga - Mirrabooka SA2.
The Balga - Mirrabooka SA2 has 3,493 weekly trips across 17 routes, averaging 499 trips per day.
On average, residential properties are 178 metres from the nearest transport stop.
From the typical resident, the nearest child care centre is 423 m away and the nearest school 453 m.
Distance from the typical resident to the nearest of each service. Every bar starts at 0 m. The nearest is orange.
Public transport 129 stops nearby, 3,493 weekly trips, access rating 66 out of 100.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amenity score | 40 out of 100 | AreaSearch proximity analysis | 40th percentile nationally |
| Nearest child care | 423 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest school | 453 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest pharmacy | 756 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest supermarket | 828 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest GP | 1.0 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest dentist | 1.3 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest fitness centre | 1.4 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest shopping centre | 1.4 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest bank | 1.8 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest government service | 2.0 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest hospital | 5.5 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
Sector reports that go deeper on these services: child care, medical, retail, aged care and specialist disability accommodation (SDA). There are 5 long day care centres with 349 places in Balga - Mirrabooka, about 4.6 children aged 0-4 per place.
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05Reports and tools
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06About this profile
Where the figures come from, downloads and nearby areas.
AreaSearch's development drivers ranking positions Balga - Mirrabooka among the top 11% of areas assessed nationwide.
Balga - Mirrabooka has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 29th percentile nationally.
No headline figures are reported for this area.
Median rent in Balga - Mirrabooka is $686 a week, +9.0% over 12 months to Sep 2026.
Population growth drivers in Balga - Mirrabooka are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends.
Balga - Mirrabooka's young demographic places it in the bottom 12% of areas nationwide.
Income metrics place the area in the bottom 9% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis.
The labour market performance in Balga - Mirrabooka lags significantly behind most other regions nationally.
Education in Balga - Mirrabooka: university qualifications 20.1%, school advantage index (ICSEA) 948.
Balga - Mirrabooka features high concentrations of single parent families and group households but relatively few couples without children, with an average household size in line with Greater Perth.
Balga - Mirrabooka is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics.
Balga - Mirrabooka is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than Greater Perth.
Health in Balga - Mirrabooka: private health cover 46.2%, no long-term health condition 74.8%.
Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
Amenity provision was found to be below the typical area assessed nationally by AreaSearch, based on counts and proximity analysis.
Balga - Mirrabooka has an estimated 23,824 residents, up 13.3% since the 2021 Census, with 8 projects tracked in Balga - Mirrabooka.
Latest estimate as at Aug 2026; other figures from the 2021 Census, ATO FY-24 and AreaSearch estimates where labelled. Updated 14 Oct 2026.
Sources: ABS Census 2021, ABS estimated resident population, ATO taxation statistics, state rental bonds and property sales records where published, and AreaSearch analysis for Balga - Mirrabooka.
Data currency
Refreshed . Rents to Sep 2026, population and age estimated to Aug 2026, taxable income FY 2024 and projects to Aug 2026. Housing, households and cultural diversity are from the 2021 Census (next update with the 2026 Census results).
Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, and are labelled as such. Other sections were compiled 14 Oct 2026 from sources that update on their own cycles; "See the evidence" lists each source and its cycle.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (for example census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb or locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For a complete picture, consider both boundary types where available.
Main sources: ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (505021085). QuickStats reports 2021 only; the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.
This page uses ABS Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2) boundaries for statistical reporting (for example census and ERP). SA2 areas can differ materially from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, even when they share similar names, because they are defined for different purposes and often use different geographic boundaries.
AreaSearch compiles this page from official and industry sources, including ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia, then calculates statistics for the boundary shown, and ranks, growth rates and benchmarks itself. Property sales come from the state valuation authority, rents from state rental bond lodgements, development applications from council and state planning portals, school data from ACARA, and public transport from state transport departments. Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, labelled as such.
No. Most of this page is built beyond the Census. Dated for this area: population (Aug 2026), age profile (Aug 2026), infrastructure projects (Aug 2026) and income (FY 2024). Compiled with this profile from sources that publish on their own cycles: development and approvals, property sales and rents, employment, education, transport, health and services and amenities. Only housing, households and cultural diversity remain wholly Census-based, because no more current small-area dataset exists for those measures.
Key demographics and figures for Balga - Mirrabooka from the 2021 Census, ATO taxpayer data and AreaSearch estimates and analysis. Each topic has its own table of key figures beside the section it belongs to, and each row names its source and date. The percentile compares Balga - Mirrabooka with every neighbourhood-sized area across Australia (ABS SA2 areas): a higher percentile means more of that measure than most, not necessarily better.
Source: AreaSearch (areasearch.com.au) compiled from ABS Census 2021, ATO and other public sources.
