Bull Creek

Bull Creek has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Bull Creek's population was approximately 8,828 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 798 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,030. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,650 in June 2024 and an additional 88 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 2,122 persons per square kilometer, higher than the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Bull Creek's growth rate of 9.9% since the census is close to that of its SA3 area (11.3%), indicating strong growth fundamentals. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth in recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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 post-2032 estimates, AreaSearch uses ABS' latest Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. Based on projected demographic shifts, Bull Creek is expected to grow by 1,350 persons to 2041, reflecting a total gain of 13.3% over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Bull Creek when compared nationally

Bull Creek has recorded approximately 35 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25178 homes were approved, with a further 5 approved so far in FY26. On average, each dwelling accommodated 2.4 new residents per year during this period, reflecting strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost of new homes was $378,000, which is higher than regional norms, indicating quality-focused development. In the current financial year, there have been $1.9 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Perth, Bull Creek has around 67% of the construction activity per person and ranks at the 72nd percentile nationally when considering building activity, though this has increased in recent years. Recent construction consists of 57.0% standalone homes and 43.0% attached dwellings, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments offering options across different price points.

This represents a significant shift from the current housing mix, which is predominantly houses (79.0%). The location has approximately 323 people per dwelling approval, suggesting potential for further growth. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Bull Creek is projected to gain 1,172 residents by 2041. Development activity is keeping pace with this projected growth, but increased competition among buyers can be expected as the population expands.

Bull Creek has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 28thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch identified nine projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are: Bull Creek Station Precinct Structure Plan (City of Melville), Bull Creek Central Redevelopment, New Women and Babes Hospital, The Crest Bull Creek. Below is a list of most relevant projects.

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

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Employment performance in Bull Creek ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

Bull Creek has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 1.7%, lower than Greater Perth's 4.0%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.1%.

As of September 2025, 4,303 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.2% below Greater Perth's rate. Workforce participation in Bull Creek lags behind Greater Perth at 61.5%. According to Census responses, only 11.7% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services.

Notably, employment levels in professional & technical services are 1.5 times the regional average, while construction shows lower representation at 6.7%. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 4.1% and labour force increased by 4.3%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bull Creek's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.2% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023, Bull Creek SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $52,240 and an average level of $72,098. This is above the national average and compares to levels of $60,748 and $80,248 across Greater Perth respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $57,265 (median) and $79,034 (average) as of September 2025. From the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census of Population and Housing conducted on 10 August 2021, household income ranks at the 57th percentile ($1,880 weekly), while personal income sits at the 39th percentile. Income analysis reveals that 26.5% of individuals earn between $1,500 - $2,999 per week, mirroring the region where 32.0% occupy this bracket. The district demonstrates considerable affluence with 30.8% earning over $3,000 per week. After housing costs, 86.4% of income remains for other expenses and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

Bull Creek's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 78.6% houses and 21.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Perth metro's 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bull Creek was 45.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.2% and rented ones at 20.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, higher than Perth metro's $1,907. The median weekly rent figure was $420 compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Bull Creek's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Bull Creek has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 75.7% of all households, including 39.2% couples with children, 27.2% couples without children, and 8.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 24.3%, with lone person households at 22.4% and group households making up 1.8%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Bull Creek demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Bull Creek's educational attainment is notably higher than broader averages. Among residents aged 15+, 45.3% have university qualifications, compared to 27.9% in Western Australia (WA) and 28.6% in the SA4 region. University graduates make up 29.2%, postgraduate qualifications account for 12.2%, and graduate diplomas are held by 3.9%. Vocational pathways comprise 24.3% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 11.1% and certificates at 13.2%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.9% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.0% in primary education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 6.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Bull Creek has 36 active public transport stops, served by 20 routes offering 4,103 weekly passenger trips. The average distance to the nearest stop is 262 meters. Most residents commute outward, with cars being the dominant mode at 71%. Train use is 18%, and bus use is 7%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. In 2021 Census data, 11.7% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Daily service frequency averages 586 trips across all routes, equating to approximately 113 weekly trips per stop.

Bull Creek's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics indicates robust performance across Bull Creek. AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence shows both young and elderly cohorts have low prevalence of common health conditions.

Private health cover is found to be relatively high at approximately 55% of the total population (around 4,846 people), compared to 59.0% across Greater Perth. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.1 and 5.7% of residents respectively. About 72.3% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 71.9% in Greater Perth. Bull Creek has 26.6% of residents aged 65 and over (2,343 people), higher than the 16.3% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, with national rankings generally aligned with those of the overall population.

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

Bull Creek has a high level of cultural diversity, with 35.2% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 46.8% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Bull Creek, accounting for 46.3% of the population. Buddhism, however, is more prevalent in Bull Creek compared to Greater Perth, making up 5.7% versus 2.7%.

The top three ancestry groups based on parents' country of birth are English (23.4%), Chinese (19.4%), and Australian (18.1%). Notably, Korean (1.3%) and Sri Lankan (0.7%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Bull Creek compared to the regional averages of 0.3% and 0.2%, respectively. Additionally, Indian ethnicity is also more prevalent at 4.5%.

Bull Creek hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Bull Creek's median age is 44, surpassing Greater Perth's figure of 37 and the national norm of 38. The 75-84 age group constitutes 11.4% of Bull Creek's population, exceeding Greater Perth's percentage and the national average of 6.1%. Post-2021 Census, this age group has grown from 8.5% to 11.4%, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 10.7% to 12.8%. Conversely, the 65-74 and 55-64 cohorts have declined to 10.7% and 9.6% respectively from their 2021 Census figures of 13.5% and 10.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Bull Creek's age profile. The 85+ group is expected to grow by 142%, reaching 947 people from the current 391. Those aged 65 and above will comprise 67% of this projected growth. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups are anticipated to experience population declines.