Girrawheen

Girrawheen is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Girrawheen's population is around 10,179 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,282 people (14.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,897 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,057 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 56 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,488 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Girrawheen's 14.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 55.7% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including natural growth and interstate migration, 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). Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of national statistical areas is expected, with the area expected to increase by 454 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 3.3% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Girrawheen among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Girrawheen has recorded around 51 residential properties granted approval annually, with 257 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 33 so far in FY-26. Given an average of 4.3 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply is substantially lagging demand, which generally means heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures, while new dwellings are developed at an average construction cost of $154,000—below the regional average—suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. Additionally, $6.9 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, reflecting the area's residential character.

Relative to Greater Perth, Girrawheen shows substantially reduced construction (50.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. New development consists of 76.0% detached houses and 24.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 363 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area.

Future projections show Girrawheen adding 332 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Girrawheen has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 33rdth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 5 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Girrawheen Hub Precinct Redevelopment, TAFE Balga Campus Skills Hub, The Amble Estate (Former Hainsworth Primary School Site Redevelopment), and the Perth Active Transport Network, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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

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The labour market performance in Girrawheen lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Girrawheen possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of 14.0%, and 4.0% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 4,509 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 9.9% above Greater Perth's rate of 4.1%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (63.4% compared to Greater Perth's 71.9%). Based on Census responses, a low 3.8% 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 manufacturing, with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level. Meanwhile, professional & technical services have a limited presence with 4.5% employment compared to 8.2% regionally. The predominantly residential 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 December 2025, employment increased by 4.0% while the labour force increased by 4.3%, resulting in unemployment rising by 0.2 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 2.3%, labour force growth of 2.6%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Girrawheen. 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 Girrawheen's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.9% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

The Girrawheen SA2's income level is lower than the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Girrawheen SA2's median income among taxpayers is $47,381 and the average income stands at $54,106, compared to Greater Perth's figures of $60,748 and $80,248 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $51,939 (median) and $59,311 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Girrawheen all fall between the 9th and 16th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 30.8% of the community (3,135 individuals), mirroring the region where 32.0% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 14th percentile.

Girrawheen is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Girrawheen, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 77.0% houses and 23.0% 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 Girrawheen lagged that of Perth metro at 25.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (39.3%) or rented (35.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Perth metro average at $1,400, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $293, compared to Perth metro's $1,907 and $350. Nationally, Girrawheen's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Girrawheen features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households dominate at 65.2% of all households, comprising 26.5% couples with children, 19.9% couples without children, and 17.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 34.8%, with lone person households at 29.7% and group households comprising 5.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people matches the Greater Perth average.

Girrawheen faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (14.9%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 11.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 35.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.9%) and certificates (26.4%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.2% in primary education, 8.3% in secondary education, and 4.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 59 active transport stops operating within Girrawheen, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 11 individual routes, collectively providing 2,506 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 176 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 85%, with 8% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 3.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 358 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 42 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Girrawheen is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Girrawheen faces significant health challenges, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 47% of the total population (~4,743 people). This compares to 59.0% across Greater Perth. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 9.1% and 7.8% of residents, respectively, while 69.0% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 15.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1,622 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Girrawheen scores highly on cultural diversity, with 40.0% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 43.3% born overseas. The main religion in Girrawheen is Christianity, which makes up 46.7% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Buddhism, which comprises 6.8% of the population, compared to 2.7% across Greater Perth.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Girrawheen are English, comprising 21.8% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 28.0%; Other, comprising 21.7% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 11.2%; and Australian, comprising 18.2% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Vietnamese is notably overrepresented at 5.7% of Girrawheen (vs 0.8% regionally), Macedonian at 1.6% (vs 0.4%), and Serbian at 0.6% (vs 0.3%).

Girrawheen's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

At 36 years, Girrawheen's median age is nearly matching the Greater Perth average of 37 and is similarly modestly under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Perth, Girrawheen has a higher concentration of 15 - 24 residents (13.9%) but fewer 35 - 44 year-olds (14.1%). Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 4.5% to 5.6% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 13.0% to 12.0%. Demographic modeling suggests Girrawheen's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 55%, adding 314 residents to reach 887. Senior residents (65+) will drive 71% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. On the other hand, the 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.