East Perth

East Perth lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

According to analysis by AreaSearch, East Perth has a population of approximately 14,495 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 2,697 people (22.9%) from the 11,798 residents recorded in the 2021 Census. This population shift is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 14,495 alongside 7 validated new addresses identified since the Census. Such a population size results in a density of 4,250 persons per square kilometer, placing the locality within the highest 10% of all national areas evaluated by AreaSearch and highlights the high demand for local land. The growth rate of 22.9% since the 2021 census outstripped the national benchmark (9.3%) as well as the state average, positioning the area as a regional growth leader. The primary driver of this demographic expansion was overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 96.1% of the total population increase in recent times.

AreaSearch utilizes projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia for SA2 regions, published in 2024 with a 2022 baseline. For SA2 regions lacking this dataset, and to project demographic changes beyond 2032, AreaSearch applies cohort-specific growth rates from the latest ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data. Future demographic patterns suggest substantial growth within the highest national quartile, with the area projected to add 3,574 residents by 2041 based on recent annual ERP statistics, representing a total increase of 24.7% over the 16 years.

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

Residential approvals in East Perth average approximately 123 new dwellings annually, totaling 617 homes over the 5 fiscal years from FY-21 to FY-25, with 12 approvals recorded so far in FY-26. With a ratio of 3.6 new residents per year for each home constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, demand is outpacing new supply, which commonly elevates purchase competition and pushes prices upward, while newly built properties average a value of $430,000, showing that developers are targeting the upscale market with high-end housing. Furthermore, commercial project approvals stand at $5.6 million for the current financial year, representing a minor commercial development footprint.

East Perth exhibits slightly elevated building activity relative to Greater Perth, tracking 27.0% above the regional per capita average over the 5 year timeframe, which helps preserve options for buyers while keeping demand for existing properties steady. The composition of new builds is 1.0% detached houses and 99.0% townhouses or apartments. This heavy concentration of high-density housing provides affordable entry points and appeals to buyers looking to downsize, investors, and first-time homeowners. The area maintains about 1471 people for each dwelling approval, showing a mature market structure.

Demographic forecasts indicate that East Perth will grow by 3,574 residents by 2041, according to the most recent quarterly estimates from AreaSearch. Current building volumes appear well-aligned with this projected growth, supporting balanced market conditions without triggering excessive price inflation.

East Perth has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 10thth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure projects, planning choices, and major works have a significant impact on local real estate dynamics. AreaSearch has tracked a total of 53 active projects expected to influence the local area. Key projects influencing the region include the East Perth Affordable and Social Housing Project, Kings Square 5 Tower, Garden Towers East Perth, and Riverside, with details on the most significant works provided below.

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

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East Perth has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

The local workforce is characterized by high levels of education, particularly in professional fields, with a jobless rate of 5.5% and a 0.9% rise in estimated employment over the previous year. As of March 2026, there are 9,996 working residents, and the unemployment rate sits 1.3% higher than the 4.2% recorded for Greater Perth, while labor force participation is exceptionally high at 77.2% compared to 70.2% across Greater Perth. Census records indicate that a modest 9.2% of the workforce worked from home, though this figure should be interpreted in light of COVID-19 restriction impacts.

Resident employment is primarily centered in professional & technical services, health care & social assistance, and accommodation & food services. The local area displays a notable concentration in professional & technical fields, with employment levels reaching 1.8 times the regional benchmark. Conversely, the construction sector has a small footprint, accounting for 5.8% of local employment compared to 9.3% across the wider region. Reflecting its role as a jobs hub, the area hosts 1.5 jobs for every resident as of the Census, drawing in commuting workers from neighboring districts.

AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS statistics shows that during the 12-month period ending March 2026, employment grew by 0.9% while the labor force expanded by 2.6%, resulting in a 1.6 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate. This trend diverges from Greater Perth, which saw employment rise by 2.0%, the labor force grow by 2.5%, and unemployment tick up by 0.4 percentage points. National employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia dated May-25 offer additional perspective on prospective demand trends in East Perth. These five and ten-year forecasts have been correlated with the local employment distribution to model future growth. Nationally, overall employment is expected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though individual sectors will experience vastly different growth trajectories. Applying these industry-specific trends to the local employment mix suggests East Perth's jobs could grow by 6.7% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, representing a basic weighted extrapolation for illustrative purposes that excludes local population forecasts.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

Aggregated ATO data from AreaSearch for the 2023 financial year indicates that the East Perth SA2 possesses an exceptionally high income profile relative to national benchmarks. Taxpayers in East Perth SA2 recorded a median income of $63,149 and an average income of $90,762, compared to the Greater Perth averages of $60,748 and $80,248. Adjusted for a Wage Price Index increase of 10.93% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates point to a median income of approximately $70,051 and an average income of $100,682 as of March 2026. According to Census data, individual weekly earnings are positioned at the 89th percentile nationally, at $1,175. Weekly income bands show that the largest bracket consists of 34.4% of residents earning between $1,500 - 2,999 (representing 4,986 people), which aligns with the broader regional figure of 32.0% in this range. High housing expenses account for 17.4% of resident earnings, yet strong wages ensure that disposable income remains at the 64th percentile, with the area placing in the 8th decile on the SEIFA index of income.

East Perth features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

According to the last Census, the housing mix in East Perth was composed of 4.6% houses and 95.4% other dwelling types like townhouses, apartments, and alternative structures, contrasting with the wider Perth metropolitan distribution of 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in East Perth was lower than the metropolitan rate at 16.7%, with remaining properties held under a mortgage (21.0%) or occupied by renters (62.4%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,950 stood above the metropolitan average of $1,907, while median weekly rent was $410 compared to the Perth metro average of $350. On a national scale, East Perth mortgage repayments exceed the Australian median of $1,863, and rent prices are higher than the national figure of $375.

East Perth features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family units account for 50.8% of all households, consisting of couples with children at 11.5%, couples without children at 33.5%, and single parent households at 4.5%. Non-family living arrangements make up the remaining 49.2%, with single person households representing 40.5% and group households accounting for 8.7% of the total. The median size of local households is 1.9 people, which is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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

Residents of East Perth display high levels of academic achievement, with 54.7% of those aged 15 and older holding a university degree, compared to 27.9% across WA and 30.1% in Greater Perth. This significant concentration of higher education positions the area well for knowledge-based industry opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 35.3%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 16.3% and graduate diplomas at 3.1%. Technical and vocational streams account for 24.7% of qualifications among residents aged 15 and over, which is split between advanced diplomas (11.9%) and certificates (12.8%).

A high proportion of the population participates in education, with 27.1% of residents enrolled in some form of study. This cohort is comprised of 11.9% in tertiary institutions, 3.3% in primary schools, and 2.7% in secondary schools.

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

Analysis of the local transit network indicates there are 61 active public transport stops in East Perth, featuring a combination of train services and bus routes. These stops accommodate 64 distinct transit routes, which deliver a combined total of 18,992 passenger trips each week. Transit access is classified as excellent, with residents living an average of 128 meters from their nearest stop. Because East Perth is mostly residential, the majority of residents commute outside the area, with private vehicles remaining the most common choice at 46%, followed by 30% utilizing buses, and 11% commuting on foot. The average number of motor vehicles per household is 0.5, which is lower than the metropolitan average. A relatively low 9.2% of residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic conditions.

Transit service frequency averages 2,713 daily trips across all active routes, which translates to approximately 311 weekly departures for each individual stop.

East Perth's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Based on AreaSearch assessments of mortality and chronic illness rates, East Perth exhibits excellent health outcomes, characterized by a very low incidence of common medical conditions across all age categories, while the proportion of residents with private health insurance is exceptionally high at roughly 66% of the population (representing 9,552 people). This compares to a private coverage rate of 59.0% across Greater Perth and a national benchmark of 55.7%.

The most common medical diagnoses in the locality were mental health conditions and asthma, affecting 7.3% and 5.3% of the population respectively, while 78.4% of residents reported having no long-term health conditions, compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. The working-age population displays strong health profiles with low rates of chronic illness. Seniors aged 65 and over make up 13.1% of the population (amounting to 1,904 people), which is lower than the Greater Perth average of 16.1%. The health status of these older residents is particularly high, with national rankings aligning closely with the broader population trends.

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

East Perth ranks highly for multicultural representation, with 41.4% of the population using a non-English language at home and 60.5% of residents born outside Australia. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 36.6% of the population. The most prominent demographic divergence is in Buddhism, which is practiced by 5.5% of the local population, compared to 2.7% across Greater Perth.

In terms of ancestral backgrounds, the three most common ancestries in East Perth are English at 20.8% of the population (below the regional average of 28.0%), Other at 18.7% (well above the regional average of 11.2%), and Australian at 11.8% (below the regional average of 21.2%). Other notable differences in ethnic representation include Spanish ancestry at 1.0% of East Perth residents (compared to 0.4% regionally), Korean at 1.4% (compared to 0.3% regionally), and Russian at 0.6% (compared to 0.2% regionally).

East Perth's population is younger than the national pattern

The median age in East Perth is 34 years, which is lower than the Greater Perth average of 37 and younger than the national average of 38 years. Compared to the metropolitan area, East Perth features a high concentration of residents aged 25 - 34 (31.8%) and a lower proportion of children aged 5 - 14 (2.7%). The proportion of 25 - 34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.6%. The local population has grown younger since the 2021 Census, with the median age falling 1.1 years from 35 to 34. The 25 to 34 age bracket expanded from 29.4% to 31.8% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort rose from 3.0% to 4.3%. In contrast, the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 11.3% to 10.1%, and the 55 to 64 group decreased from 11.1% to 10.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 point to significant demographic shifts, with the 25 to 34 cohort projected to grow the most at 18% (adding 824 residents to reach 5,432), while the 5 to 14 cohort is expected to increase by a modest 4% (representing 16 people).