Byford

Byford lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

According to the analysis conducted by AreaSearch, the population of Byford reaches approximately 27,421 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 6,950 individuals (34.0%) compared to the 20,471 residents documented during the 2021 Census. This population shift is calculated utilizing the ABS estimated resident population of 27,064 from June 2025 alongside 1,209 validated new addresses registered since the Census. The current population translates to a density of 932 persons per square kilometer, which aligns closely with typical figures recorded in other locations evaluated by AreaSearch. With its 34.0% expansion rate relative to 2021 Census data, Byford outpaced the national growth average (9.3%) as well as state-level trends, establishing itself as a regional growth leader. The primary driver of this demographic expansion was interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 55.9% of the total population growth in recent times, though other contributors such as natural increase and overseas migration also registered positive results.

For each SA2 locality, AreaSearch applies the projections published by the ABS and Geoscience Australia in 2024, which utilize 2022 as their baseline year. In instances where SA2 regions lack this coverage, and to calculate expansion in the years following 2032, AreaSearch implements age cohort growth rates from the latest Greater Capital Region projections published by the ABS in 2023 using 2022 data. Looking at upcoming demographic shifts, the area is projected to experience a major population surge that ranks in the highest national quartile, with projections indicating an increase of 11,159 residents by 2041 compared to recent annual ERP data, which represents a total growth of 39.4% over the 16 years.

The level of residential development activity in Byford was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Byford records approximately 364 residential building approvals on an annual basis, with a total of 1,823 dwellings authorized over the last 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and an additional 322 approved during the current FY-26 period. Given that there has been an average of 3.6 new inhabitants per year for each home constructed over the last 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), the volume of new supply is lagging behind demand, a trend that typically intensifies buyer rivalry and creates upward pressure on pricing, while the average construction cost of new dwellings stands at $245,000, consistent with wider regional trends. Furthermore, the local sector registered $23.5 million in commercial development approvals during this financial year, pointing to moderate commercial construction activity.

In comparison to Greater Perth, the rate of new residential approvals in Byford is moderately elevated, tracking 22.0% above the regional average per capita over the 5 year period, which maintains options for prospective buyers while reinforcing demand for existing real estate, even though local building trends have slowed down recently. This approval rate remains substantially higher than national averages, showing that developers maintain strong confidence in the area. At the same time, recent building activity consists entirely of standalone homes, maintaining the low-density character of the neighborhood by focusing on detached dwellings that appeal to buyers seeking extra space. The area recorded approximately 86 people for each dwelling approval, pointing to an expanding property market.

Future demographic projections indicate that Byford will gain an additional 10,802 inhabitants by 2041, based on the latest quarterly calculations from AreaSearch. Looking at established real estate trends, the volume of new housing supply is expected to satisfy demand, creating favorable buying conditions and potentially supporting population expansion beyond current forecasts.

Byford has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 20thth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure projects, planning choices, and major developments have a significant impact on local market performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects in the region that are expected to influence the area. Important projects include the Byford Health Hub, Byford Central - Large Format Retail & Commercial Precinct, Grange Meadows Estate, the expansion of the SJ Recreation Centre, and the Briggs Park Master Plan, with the following list detailing those of primary 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 Byford exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

The local labor market shows a mix of white and blue collar jobs, with manufacturing and industry playing major roles. The unemployment rate stands at just 3.6%, and there has been an estimated employment growth of 1.2% over the last year. By March 2026, 14,306 people are employed, while the unemployment rate sits at 0.6% lower than Greater Perth's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation remains typical at 74.3%, compared to Greater Perth's 70.2%. Census data indicates that only 6.2% of residents work from home, but the effects of Covid-19 lockdowns should be taken into account.

The primary employment sectors for local residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The region exhibits a distinct employment concentration in transport, postal & warehousing, where the local jobs share is 1.5 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical services account for only 4.4% of the local workforce, which is below the 8.2% registered across Greater Perth. The area remains mostly residential and appears to provide a limited number of local employment opportunities, as demonstrated by the comparison between the Census working population and resident population counts.

An analysis of SALM and ABS statistics by AreaSearch shows that during the 12 months ending March 2026, the number of employed individuals grew by 1.2% while the total labor force grew by 2.0%, leading to an increase of 0.8 percentage points in the unemployment rate. This trend differed from Greater Perth, which saw employment grow by 2.0%, the labor force expand by 2.5%, and the unemployment rate rise by 0.4 percentage points. National employment projections released by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25 offer additional context on future demand trends in Byford. These five and ten-year projections have been analyzed alongside the local workforce structure to model potential growth. Nationwide employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though these rates vary significantly by sector. Applying these industry projections to the local employment distribution suggests that Byford's employment could grow by 5.9% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, though this is a basic weighted extrapolation for demonstration purposes and does not account for local population changes.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

Based on AreaSearch's analysis of the latest postcode-level ATO statistics released for the 2023 financial year, taxpayers in the Byford SA2 registered a median income of $64,709 and an average income of $77,537. These figures are very high on a national scale and compare to median and average incomes of $60,748 and $80,248 across Greater Perth. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates point to a median income of approximately $71,782 and an average of $86,012 as of March 2026. Census findings place household, family, and individual incomes in Byford near the 72nd percentile nationally. Income distribution statistics show that 44.5% of the local population (12,202 individuals) falls within the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly earnings bracket, matching wider regional trends where 32.0% of the population falls into the same category. Local households allocate 17.4% of their income to housing costs, but strong overall earnings keep disposable income at the 68th percentile, and the area's SEIFA ranking for income places it in the 5th decile.

Byford is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

An analysis of residential structures in Byford at the time of the latest Census showed that 98.6% of dwellings were detached houses and 1.3% were other options such as semi-detached properties, apartments, or alternative structures, whereas the Perth metro area recorded 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. The level of home ownership in Byford lagged behind the Perth metropolitan average at 15.6%, with the remaining properties either occupied under a mortgage (69.5%) or rented (14.9%). The median monthly mortgage payment in Byford was higher than the Perth metro average at $1,914, and the median weekly rent stood at $380, compared to regional averages of $1,907 and $350. Nationally, mortgage costs in Byford are higher than the Australian median of $1,863, and rent prices also exceed the national average of $375.

Byford features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Families make up the vast majority of local households at 82.9%, consisting of couples with children at 46.3%, couples without children at 23.3%, and single-parent households at 12.3%. Non-family households account for the remaining 17.1% of the local total, with single-person households representing 15.0% and group households representing 2.1%. The median household size in Byford is 3.0 individuals, which is larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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

Educational data highlights challenges in the area, with the university qualification rate of 15.3% sitting significantly below the Australian average of 30.4%. This gap presents an opportunity for targeted educational programs. Bachelor degrees represent the most common higher education qualification at 10.8%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 2.6% and graduate diplomas at 1.9%. Technical and trade qualifications are highly prevalent, with 46.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas at 11.6% and certificates at 34.4%.

Enrolment rates in the local area are notably high, with 32.6% of residents actively participating in formal education. Within this cohort, 14.3% are in primary school, 8.4% are in secondary school, and 2.9% are enrolled in tertiary programs.

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

Analysis of the local public transport network shows 112 active transit stops in Byford, consisting of both rail and bus connections. These stops are served by 15 separate routes, which combine to support 1,980 passenger journeys weekly. Transit access is rated as good, with residents living an average of 317 meters from the nearest stop. Because Byford is primarily a residential area, most workers commute outside the suburb, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode of travel for 88% of commuters. Average vehicle ownership is 1.8 cars per household, which is higher than the regional average. A low 6.2% of residents work from home, based on the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 patterns.

Service frequency averages 282 journeys per day across the network, which averages out to about 17 weekly trips at each transit stop. The corresponding map displays the 100 closest transit stops relative to the center of the suburb.

Health outcomes in Byford are marginally below the national average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Indicators for health point to below-average outcomes in Byford, based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality statistics and the prevalence of chronic illnesses, with common conditions observed across both younger and older cohorts, while the rate of private health insurance is very high, covering approximately 58% of the local population (~15,904 people).

Mental health conditions and asthma are the most common medical diagnoses in the region, affecting 8.3% and 7.9% of residents, while 74.0% of the population reported no chronic health issues, compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. The segment of the population under 65 demonstrates health outcomes that are better than average. Residents aged 65 and over make up 8.8% of the local population (2,413 people), which is lower than the 16.1% average in Greater Perth. Health outcomes for older residents present some challenges, with national rankings matching those of the general population.

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

Byford displays higher levels of cultural diversity than most comparable property markets, with 14.9% of the population speaking a non-English language at home and 28.4% of residents born overseas. Christianity represents the most common religious affiliation in Byford, accounting for 38.6% of the population. The most distinct variance is in the Other category, which represents 3.0% of the population locally compared to 1.4% across Greater Perth.

In terms of parental country of birth, the three most common ancestries in Byford are English at 31.4%, Australian at 27.0% (which is substantially higher than the regional average of 21.2%), and Other at 9.8%. There are also distinct variations in the representation of other nationalities, with Dutch heritage notably higher at 2.8% of the population (vs 1.5% regionally), South Australian at 1.3% (vs 1.0%), and New Zealand at 1.3% (vs 0.8%).

Byford hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

With a median age of 31 years, Byford is notably younger than the Greater Perth average of 37 and the national average of 38. Compared to the Greater Perth region, Byford has a larger proportion of residents aged 5 - 14 (18.0%) and a smaller proportion of people aged 65 - 74 (5.5%). The concentration of residents aged 5 - 14 sits well above the national average of 12.0%. Since 2021, the proportion of residents aged 15 to 24 grew from 11.0% to 13.2%. Over the same period, the 0 to 4 group decreased from 10.3% to 8.1%, and the 25 to 34 age bracket declined from 17.8% to 15.7%. Demographic modeling indicates that Byford's age distribution will shift by 2041, with the 45 to 54 cohort projected to experience significant growth, increasing by 1,988 individuals (67%) from 2,977 to 4,966.