Bull Creek

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Bull Creek's population is around 8,828 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 798 people (9.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,030 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,650 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 88 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,122 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Bull Creek's 9.9% growth since the census positions it within 1.4 percentage points of the SA3 area (11.3%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is utilising the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above-median population growth of statistical areas across the nation is projected, with the area expected to grow by 1,350 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 13.3% in total over the 17 years.

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

Bull Creek has recorded around 35 residential properties granted approval annually, with 178 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 9 so far in FY-26. At an average of 2.4 new residents per year for each dwelling over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), reflecting robust demand that underpins property values, new homes are being built at an average construction cost of $378,000—somewhat higher than regional norms—reflecting quality-focused development. There have also been $1.9 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating minimal commercial development activity.

When measured against Greater Perth, Bull Creek shows approximately 67% of the construction activity per person while it places among the 72nd percentile of areas assessed nationally, though building activity has accelerated in recent years. Recent construction comprises 57.0% standalone homes and 43.0% attached dwellings, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points, from family homes to more affordable compact living. This shows a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 79.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. The location has approximately 323 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth.

Looking ahead, Bull Creek is expected to grow by 1,172 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Development is keeping a reasonable pace with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 9 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Bull Creek Station Precinct Structure Plan (City of Melville), Bull Creek Central Redevelopment, New Women and Babies Hospital, and The Crest Bull Creek, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

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

Bull Creek features a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of just 1.6%, and 1.0% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 4,243 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.5% below Greater Perth's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation lags significantly (60.6% compared to Greater Perth's 71.9%). Based on Census responses, a low 11.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in professional & technical services, with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average. Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 6.7% versus the regional average of 9.3%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 1.0% while the labour force increased by 0.8%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.1 percentage points. This compares to Greater Perth, where employment grew by 2.3%, the labour force expanded by 2.6%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Bull Creek. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Bull Creek's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.2% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Bull Creek SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $52,240 with the average level standing at $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 FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $57,265 (median) and $79,034 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household income ranks at the 57th percentile ($1,880 weekly), while personal income sits at the 39th percentile. Income analysis reveals the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 26.5% of the community (2,339 individuals), mirroring the region where 32.0% occupy this bracket. The district demonstrates considerable affluence with 30.8% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. After housing, 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

Dwelling structure within Bull Creek, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 78.6% houses and 21.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Perth metro's 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Bull Creek was well beyond that of Perth metro, at 45.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (34.2%) or rented (20.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Perth metro average at $2,167, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $420, compared to Perth metro's $1,907 and $350. Nationally, Bull Creek's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 75.7% of all households, comprising 39.2% couples with children, 27.2% couples without children, and 8.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 24.3%, with lone person households at 22.4% and group households comprising 1.8% of the total. The median household size of 2.7 people is 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

Educational attainment in Bull Creek significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 45.3% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 27.9% in WA and 28.6% in the SA4 region. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 29.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.9%). Vocational pathways account for 24.3% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificates (13.2%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.9% of residents 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

Public transport analysis reveals 36 active transport stops operating within Bull Creek, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 20 individual routes, collectively providing 4,103 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 262 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 71%, with 18% by train and 7% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. A relatively low 11.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 586 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 113 weekly trips per individual 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 shows strong performance throughout Bull Creek, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts see low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is fairly high at approximately 55% of the total population (~4,846 people), compared to 59.0% across Greater Perth.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.1% and 5.7% of residents, respectively, while 72.3% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. The area has 26.6% of residents aged 65 and over (2,343 people), which is higher than the 16.3% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general 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 scores highly on cultural diversity, with 35.2% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 46.8% born overseas. The main religion in Bull Creek is Christianity, which makes up 46.3% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Buddhism, which comprises 5.7% of the population, compared to 2.7% across Greater Perth.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Bull Creek are English, comprising 23.4% of the population, Chinese, comprising 19.4% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 4.0%, and Australian, comprising 18.1% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Korean is notably overrepresented at 1.3% of the population (vs 0.3% regionally), Sri Lankan at 0.7% (vs 0.2%) and Indian at 4.5% (vs 2.6%).

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

With a median age of 44, Bull Creek notably exceeds the Greater Perth figure of 37 and substantially exceeds the national norm of 38. The 75 - 84 age group shows strong representation at 11.4% compared to Greater Perth, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is less prevalent at 7.7%. This 75 - 84 concentration is well above the national 6.1%. Following the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 8.5% to 11.4% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 10.7% to 12.8%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 13.5% to 10.7% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 10.7% to 9.6%. Demographic modeling suggests Bull Creek's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. Leading the demographic shift, the 85+ group will grow by 142% (555 people), reaching 947 from 391. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 67% of projected growth. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.