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 25,649 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,970 people (8.3%) 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 69 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,557 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Butler-Merriwa-Ridgewood's 8.3% growth since census positions it within 0.6 percentage points of the national average (8.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that 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, with the area 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 recent years. Between FY-21 and FY-25128 homes were approved, with an additional 11 approved in FY-26 to date. On average, 9.7 people moved to the area per year for each dwelling built during these five financial years.

This high demand outpaces supply, typically exerting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers. The average construction cost of new homes was $323,000, which is below regional levels, indicating more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totaled $15.3 million, suggesting balanced commercial development activity in the area. Compared to Greater Perth, Butler-Merriwa-Ridgewood has significantly reduced construction levels, with 91.0% fewer approvals per person than the regional average. This constrained new construction often reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes.

However, building activity has accelerated in recent years. Nationally, this area's construction activity is also below average, reflecting its maturity and potentially indicating planning constraints. New development in Butler-Merriwa-Ridgewood consists predominantly of detached houses (95.0%) with a smaller proportion of townhouses or apartments (5.0%), preserving the area's suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With approximately 788 people per dwelling approval, it reflects a highly mature market. Looking ahead, Butler-Merriwa-Ridgewood is projected to grow by 3,467 residents by 2041, according to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag behind population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

Butler - Merriwa - Ridgewood has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 30thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of 32 projects expected to impact the area. Notable ones 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 those likely 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 strongly represented.

Unemployment rate is 6.9%. Employment growth over the past year is estimated at 4.8%. As of June 2025, 13,310 residents are employed while unemployment rate is 3.1% above Greater Perth's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Perth's 65.2%.

Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction has higher representation at 1.3 times the regional level. Professional & technical services show lower representation at 4.5% compared to the regional average of 8.2%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data comparison. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 4.8% while labour force increased by 4.0%, reducing unemployment rate by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth had employment growth of 3.7% and labour force growth of 3.8%, with a slight rise in unemployment rate. State-level data to Nov-25 shows WA employment contracted by 0.27%, losing 5,520 jobs, with state unemployment rate at 4.6%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Butler Merriwa Ridgewood's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.0% over ten years.

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 was $56,191 and the average was $70,557 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is higher than Greater Perth's median income of $58,380 and average income of $78,020. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, estimated median income would be approximately $64,170 and average income would be around $80,576 by September 2025. According to the Census conducted in 2021, household incomes ranked at the 34th percentile, family incomes at the 36th percentile, and personal incomes at the 37th percentile for Butler - Merriwa - Ridgewood. The largest income segment comprises 34.4% of residents earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (8,823 residents), aligning with regional figures where this cohort also represents 32.0%. 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

The dwelling structure in Butler - Merriwa - Ridgewood, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.0% houses and 9.1% other dwellings. In comparison, Perth metro had 92.2% houses and 7.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Butler - Merriwa - Ridgewood was at 14.6%, with the rest either mortgaged (52.6%) or rented (32.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, lower than Perth metro's $1,898. The median weekly rent figure was $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 lower-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, which is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.8.

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 the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.0% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas comprise 11.5% and certificates make up 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

The analysis of public transport in the Butler-Merriwa-Ridgewood area shows that there are currently 104 active transport stops operating. These stops offer a mix of train and bus services. There are 11 individual routes serving these stops, which collectively facilitate 3,387 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 197 meters from the nearest transport stop. On average, there are 483 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 32 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Butler - Merriwa - Ridgewood are marginally below the national average with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Health indicators for Butler - Merriwa - Ridgewood suggest below-average health outcomes compared to national averages.

Common health conditions are somewhat typical but higher among older cohorts. Approximately 55% of the total population (~14,106 people) has private health cover, which is very high. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 9.4 and 8.1% of residents respectively. About 68.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 73.0% across Greater Perth. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 15.4%, with 3,957 people falling into this age group, compared to 13.6% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges that require more attention 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 cultural diversity than most local markets, with 14.6% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 42.3% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Butler-Merriwa-Ridgewood, accounting for 44.2% of the population. Islam, however, is overrepresented at 1.5%, compared to 3.2% across Greater Perth.

The top three ancestry groups are English (34.4%), Australian (21.2%), and Other (9.9%). Notable differences exist in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Maori is overrepresented at 2.4% versus 1.3% regionally, South African remains the same at 1.8%, and Welsh also stays consistent at 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, which is lower than Greater Perth's average of 37 years and Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, Butler-Merriwa-Ridgewood has a higher percentage of residents aged 15-24 (14.8%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (13.0%). Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the population of those aged 55 to 64 has grown from 8.6% to 10.2%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 5 to 14 has declined from 15.4% to 14.0%, and the percentage of those aged 45 to 54 has decreased from 13.7% to 12.6%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Butler-Merriwa-Ridgewood, with the strongest projected growth in the 75 to 84 age group (76%), adding 1,082 residents to reach a total of 2,511. Residents aged 65 and above will contribute significantly to population growth (63%), reflecting demographic aging trends. Conversely, population declines are projected for those aged 0 to 4 and 5 to 14.