Ellenbrook

Population growth drivers in Ellenbrook are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Ellenbrook's population is around 21,884 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,873 people (15.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 19,011 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 21,882 from the ABS as of June 2025 and an additional 452 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,565 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Ellenbrook's 15.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.3%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 46.2% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

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). Looking at population projections moving forward, an above median population growth of national statistical areas is projected, with the area expected to grow by 3,417 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting reflecting an increase of 15.6% in total over the 16 years.

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

Ellenbrook has experienced around 134 dwellings receiving development approval each year, totalling 671 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 56 approvals have been recorded. Given an average of 3.4 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand significantly exceeds new supply, which usually results in price growth and increased buyer competition, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $258,000. There have also been $10.1 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

When measured against Greater Perth, Ellenbrook records roughly half the building activity per person while it places among the 83rd percentile of areas assessed nationally, though building activity has accelerated in recent years. New development consists of 97.0% detached houses and 3.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. At around 124 people per approval, Ellenbrook reflects a developing area.

Population forecasts indicate Ellenbrook will gain 3,415 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Ellenbrook has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 15thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects and planning initiatives. In total 19 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Swan Active Ellenbrook Recreation & Aquatic Centre, Housing Diversity Pipeline Ellenbrook, Ellenbrook Station Precinct Improvement Scheme No. 1, and Gnangara Road Duplication, with the below list 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 conditions in Ellenbrook remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Ellenbrook has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of 5.4%, and 3.7% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of March 2026, 12,102 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.2% above Greater Perth's rate of 4.2%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (74.4% compared to Greater Perth's 70.2%). Based on Census responses, a low 5.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area shows particularly strong specialization in retail trade, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. In contrast, professional & technical employs just 4.0% of local workers, below Greater Perth's 8.2%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to March 2026, employment increased by 3.7% while labour force increased by 4.0%, resulting in unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth experienced employment growth of 2.0% and labour force growth of 2.5%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Ellenbrook. 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 Ellenbrook's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.6% 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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, the Ellenbrook SA2's median income among taxpayers is $55,513, with an average of $67,180. This is in line with the national averages, and compares to Greater Perth's median of $60,748 and average of $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $61,581 (median) and $74,523 (average) as of March 2026. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Ellenbrook cluster around the 53rd percentile nationally. Looking at income distribution, the predominant cohort spans 38.5% of locals (8,425 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting patterns seen the region where 32.0% similarly occupy this range. High housing costs consume 17.7% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 54th percentile.

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

Dwelling structure within Ellenbrook, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 89.1% houses and 10.9% 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 Ellenbrook was lagging that of Perth metro, at 17.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (57.1%) or rented (25.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Perth metro average at $1,800, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $350, compared to Perth metro's $1,907 and $350. Nationally, Ellenbrook's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 78.1% of all households, comprising 40.5% couples with children, 21.5% couples without children, and 15.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 21.9%, with lone person households at 19.7% and group households comprising 2.2% of the total. The median household size of 2.9 people is larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (15.4%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 11.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 42.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificates (30.9%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 34.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.1% in primary education, 10.1% in secondary education, and 3.7% 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 reveals 119 active transport stops operating within Ellenbrook comprising a mix of train and buses. These stops are serviced by 13 individual routes, collectively providing 3,136 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 216 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 87%, with 5% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling. A relatively low 5.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 448 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 26 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Health performance in Ellenbrook is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Ellenbrook faces significant health challenges, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts , and the rate of private health cover just leading that of the average SA2 area at approximately 53% of the total population (~11,510 people). This compares to 59.0% across Greater Perth.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be mental health issues and asthma, impacting 8.9 and 8.3% of residents, respectively, while 70.5% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 12.2% of residents aged 65 and over (2,680 people), which is lower than the 16.1% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

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

Ellenbrook was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 19.2% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 33.0% born overseas. The main religion in Ellenbrook was found to be Christianity, which makes up 42.5% of people in Ellenbrook. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 2.5% of the population, compared to 1.4% across Greater Perth.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Ellenbrook are English, comprising 28.4% of the population, Australian, comprising 23.7% of the population, and Other, comprising 12.4% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maori is notably overrepresented at 2.0% of Ellenbrook (vs 0.9% regionally), South Australian at 1.3% (vs 1.0%) and New Zealand at 1.2% (vs 0.8%).

Ellenbrook's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

At 34 years, Ellenbrook's median age is somewhat lower than the Greater Perth average of 37 similarly considerably younger than Australia's 38 years. Relative to Greater Perth, Ellenbrook has a higher concentration of 5 - 14 residents (15.3%) but fewer 65 - 74 year-olds (5.8%). Since the 2021 Census, the 55 to 64 age group has grown from 8.5% to 10.2% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 13.6% to 15.0%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 17.7% to 15.3% and the 0 to 4 group dropped from 7.4% to 6.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Ellenbrook. The 45 to 54 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 24%, adding 673 residents to reach 3,501. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 35 to 44 and 5 to 14 cohorts.