Butler - Merriwa - Ridgewood

Butler - Merriwa - Ridgewood has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Butler-Merriwa-Ridgewood's population is around 25,660 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,981 people (8.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 23,679 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 25,639 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 70 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,558 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Butler-Merriwa-Ridgewood's 8.4% growth since census positions it within 1.5 percentage points of the national average (9.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 66.8% of overall 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). As we examine future population trends, an above median population growth of statistical areas across the nation is projected. The area is expected to expand by 3,477 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 13.5% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Butler - Merriwa - Ridgewood recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Butler-Merriwa-Ridgewood averaged approximately 25 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with a total of 128 homes approved during this period. In FY-26 up to now, 15 dwellings have been approved. On average, 9.7 people moved to the area per dwelling built over these five years.

This significant demand outpaces supply, typically exerting upward pressure on prices and intensifying competition among buyers. The average construction value of new homes is $259,000. In FY-26, $15.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Perth, Butler-Merriwa-Ridgewood has significantly less development activity, 91.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties, although building activity has accelerated in recent years.

This activity is also below national averages, reflecting the area's maturity and suggesting possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 95.0% detached houses and 5.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character focused on family homes. The location has approximately 788 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. Butler-Merriwa-Ridgewood is projected to grow by 3,456 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Butler - Merriwa - Ridgewood has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 12thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 32 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Brighton Estate Master Planned Community, Butler District Planning Scheme Amendment No. 212, Butler Boulevard Medical Centre, and Butler Village Medical Centre. The following list details projects expected to be most relevant.

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

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Butler - Merriwa - Ridgewood shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Butler Merriwa Ridgewood has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent. Unemployment rate is 7.1%.

Estimated employment growth over the past year is 4.7%. As of September 2025, 13,313 residents are employed while unemployment rate is 3.1% higher than Greater Perth's 4.0%. Workforce participation is lower at 69.5%. Only 6.5% of residents work from home.

Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction has notable concentration with levels at 1.3 times the regional average. Professional & technical employs just 4.5%, below Greater Perth's 8.2%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities. Over a year, employment increased by 4.7% alongside labour force increasing by 3.6%, reducing unemployment rate by 0.9 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Butler Merriwa Ridgewood's mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

The median taxpayer income in Butler - Merriwa - Ridgewood SA2 is $59,306 and the average is $73,611 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is higher than the national average of $60,748 median income and $80,248 average income in Greater Perth. As of September 2025, estimates suggest a median taxpayer income of approximately $65,011 and an average of $80,692 based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Butler - Merriwa - Ridgewood rank modestly at between the 34th and 37th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 is dominant with 34.4% of residents (8,827 people), similar to regional levels where 32.0% fall into this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in the area, with only 79.1% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 32nd percentile.

Butler - Merriwa - Ridgewood is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Butler - Merriwa - Ridgewood's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.0% houses and 9.1% other dwellings. This contrasts with Perth metro's figures of 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Butler - Merriwa - Ridgewood stood at 14.6%, with mortgaged dwellings making up 52.6% and rented dwellings accounting for 32.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, lower than Perth metro's average of $1,907. Weekly rent median was recorded at $340, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Butler - Merriwa - Ridgewood's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Butler - Merriwa - Ridgewood has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 74.4% of all households, including 33.5% couples with children, 22.7% couples without children, and 16.9% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 25.6%, with lone person households at 23.2% and group households making up 2.4%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Butler - Merriwa - Ridgewood shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate is 14.8%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 42.0% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 11.5% and certificates at 30.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 32.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.9% in primary education, 9.8% in secondary education, and 4.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis indicates 107 active transport stops operating within Butler-Merriwa-Ridgewood area. These comprise a mix of train and bus services, with 10 individual routes collectively providing 3412 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 196 meters from the nearest stop. As primarily residential, most commute outward; car remains dominant at 78%, with 13% using train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, below regional average. Relatively low 6.5% work from home (2021 Census).

Service frequency averages 487 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 31 weekly trips per stop. Map accompanies, showing 100 nearest stops to location centrepoint.

Butler - Merriwa - Ridgewood's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Health data shows Butler-Marriwa-Ridgewood residents have positive health outcomes, largely aligning with national benchmarks. Common health conditions are low among the general population but higher in older at-risk groups.

Private health cover is high at 55% (~14,215 people), compared to Greater Perth's 59%. Mental health issues and asthma are most common, affecting 9.4 and 8.1% respectively. 68.8% report no medical ailments, compared to Greater Perth's 71.9%. Working-age population health outcomes are typical. 16.2% of residents are aged 65 and over (4,156 people). Senior health outcomes present challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Butler - Merriwa - Ridgewood was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Butler-Merriwa-Ridgewood has a higher linguistic diversity than most local areas, with 14.6% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. Born overseas, 42.3% of Butler-Merriwa-Ridgewood's population is from outside Australia. Christianity is the dominant religion, accounting for 44.2%.

Islam, however, is more prevalent in Butler-Merriwa-Ridgewood compared to Greater Perth, with 1.5% versus 3.2%. In terms of ancestry, English (34.4%) and Australian (21.2%) are the top groups, both higher than regional averages of 28.0% and 17.6%, respectively. Other groups notably overrepresented include Maori (2.4%), South African (1.8%), and Welsh (0.9%).

Butler - Merriwa - Ridgewood hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Butler-Merriwa-Ridgewood's median age is 34 years, lower than Greater Perth's average of 37 and Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, Butler-Merriwa-Ridgewood has a higher proportion of residents aged 15-24 (14.9%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (12.8%). Between the 2021 Census and 2026, the population aged 55 to 64 grew from 8.6% to 10.5%, while those aged 65 to 74 increased from 6.5% to 7.7%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 5 to 14 decreased from 15.4% to 13.8%, and those aged 45 to 54 dropped from 13.7% to 12.4%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Butler-Merriwa-Ridgewood. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 69%, adding 1,022 residents to reach a total of 2,511. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 60% of population growth, reflecting demographic aging trends. Conversely, populations aged 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 are projected to decline.