Glen Forrest - Darlington

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

According to the analysis by AreaSearch, the population of Glen Forrest - Darlington is approximately 7,828 as of May 2026. This indicates an expansion of 605 people (8.4%) from the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 7,223 people. This population shift is calculated from the estimated resident population of 7,828 provided by the ABS as of June 2025 alongside 15 validated new addresses registered since the Census. Such a population count translates to a density ratio of 138 persons per square kilometer, offering substantial space per resident and potential capacity for future growth. The 8.4% growth rate in Glen Forrest - Darlington since the census is within 0.9 percentage points of the national average (9.3%), indicating competitive growth dynamics. Population expansion in the locality was chiefly fueled by overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 75.3% of the total population gains in recent times.

AreaSearch adopts the projections from the ABS/Geoscience Australia for each SA2 region, which were published in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 regions missing from this dataset, and to project growth across all locations after 2032, AreaSearch applies the age cohort growth rates from the latest Greater Capital Region projections released by the ABS in 2023, based on 2022 data. Looking at future demographic trends, population growth is anticipated to be slightly below the national median for statistical areas, with the region projected to add 336 residents by 2041 based on the most recent annual ERP data, representing a total increase of 4.3% over the 16 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Glen Forrest - Darlington according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Glen Forrest - Darlington has recorded an average of approximately 8 new residential approvals annually, with 40 dwellings approved during the last 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25) and 7 approved so far in FY-26. With an average of 10.6 people relocating to the district each year for every dwelling constructed over the last 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25), demand is outstripping supply by a wide margin, which generally drives up prices and intensifies buyer competition, while new residences carry an average building cost of $410,000, indicating that developers are focusing on the higher-end market with premium properties. Furthermore, commercial approvals have reached $3.0 million this financial year, pointing to the dominant residential nature of the locality.

Compared to Greater Perth, building activity in Glen Forrest - Darlington is significantly lower, tracking 76.0% below the regional average per person. This restricted building volume generally supports demand and prices for established properties. This rate is also lower than the national figure, suggesting a mature market and highlighting potential planning limits. Meanwhile, recent construction is composed entirely of single houses, preserving the traditional low-density character of the neighborhood with an emphasis on family residences that appeal to those wanting space. The estimated ratio of 1772 people in the locality for each dwelling approval highlights a quiet, low-intensity development climate.

Projections for the future indicate that Glen Forrest - Darlington will add 336 residents by 2041, based on the latest quarterly estimate from AreaSearch. If the current pace of development persists, the housing supply is unlikely to match population growth, which may heighten buyer competition and foster stronger price appreciation.

Glen Forrest - Darlington has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 3rdth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure projects, major works, and planning changes can have a significant impact on local performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of 3 projects that are expected to influence the area. The key developments include The Vines Swan View, Swan View Rise, Altrove Swan View, and City of Swan Water and Wastewater Upgrades, with the details of the most relevant projects listed below.

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.

The exceptional employment performance in Glen Forrest - Darlington places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Glen Forrest - Darlington is characterized by an educated labor force, strong representation in essential services, an unemployment rate of only 1.5%, and an estimated job growth rate of 4.1% over the past year. In March 2026, 4,590 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 2.7% lower than the Greater Perth rate of 4.2%, while participation in the workforce is near the norm (72.8% compared to 70.2% in Greater Perth). Census responses show that a moderate 14.5% of residents worked from home, though this may reflect the influence of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.

Resident employment is concentrated in the fields of education & training, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services. The locality displays a high level of specialization in education & training, with a share of employment that is 1.5 times the regional level. Conversely, the accommodation & food sector has a small footprint, employing 4.5% of the workforce compared to 6.8% across the region. The comparison between the Census working population and the resident population suggests that local job opportunities are limited.

Based on the analysis of SALM and ABS statistics by AreaSearch, employment expanded by 4.1% and the labor force grew by 4.0% over the 12 months ending March 2026, while the level of unemployment remained virtually constant. In contrast, Greater Perth experienced employment growth of 2.0%, labor force growth of 2.5%, and a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia dated May-25 offer additional perspective on potential future demand in Glen Forrest - Darlington. These five and ten-year projections have been applied to the local employment mix to estimate growth trends. Although national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, the rates of growth vary considerably by industry. Adjusting for these industry-specific projections indicates that local employment in Glen Forrest - Darlington is projected to rise by 6.3% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, which is a basic weighted extrapolation for demonstration purposes and does not account for local population projections.

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

Income levels in the Glen Forrest - Darlington SA2 rank among the highest nationally, according to the latest ATO statistics compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income for taxpayers in Glen Forrest - Darlington SA2 is $63,411, while the average income is $89,586, compared to $60,748 and $80,248 respectively for Greater Perth. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be roughly $70,342 for the median and $99,378 for the average as of March 2026. Census findings show that household, family, and individual incomes are all positioned high nationally, falling between the 69th and 82nd percentiles. The largest income group comprises 29.8% of local residents (2,332 people) earning in the $1,500 - 2,999 range, which is similar to the regional proportion of 32.0%. High-income earners are prominent, with 36.0% earning more than $3,000 per week, showing significant purchasing capacity. Residents retain 88.5% of their income after housing expenses, indicating strong financial capacity, and the area is positioned in the 8th decile on the SEIFA income scale.

Glen Forrest - Darlington is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

According to the latest Census, the housing mix in Glen Forrest - Darlington consists of 98.7% houses and 1.3% other dwelling types like semi-detached homes, apartments, and alternative structures, compared to the Perth metro profile of 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. The rate of home ownership in Glen Forrest - Darlington is considerably higher than the Perth metro average, standing at 42.4%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (51.3%) or rented (6.2%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was higher than the Perth metro average at $2,015, and the median weekly rent was $400, compared to regional averages of $1,907 and $350. Nationally, the mortgage payments in Glen Forrest - Darlington exceed the Australian median of $1,863, and rents are also higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households represent the vast majority of households at 81.6%, consisting of couples with children at 39.4%, couples without children at 32.6%, and single parent households at 8.6%. The remaining 18.4% is made up of non-family households, with single person households accounting for 17.0% and group households representing 1.6%. The median household size of 2.7 people is slightly larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Educational achievement in Glen Forrest - Darlington places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

The level of education in Glen Forrest - Darlington is significantly higher than regional averages, with 37.3% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 21.3% in the SA3 area and 24.3% in the SA4 region. This educational profile positions the locality well for knowledge-intensive industries. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 24.3%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 8.3% and graduate diplomas at 4.7%. Vocational and technical skills are also common, with 34.0% of the population aged 15+ holding vocational qualifications, including advanced diplomas (13.0%) and certificates (21.0%).

Participation in education is high, with 29.5% of the local population currently undertaking formal studies. This group is composed of 10.1% in primary school, 9.1% in high school, and 4.9% in tertiary studies.

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

Public transport analysis identifies 84 active transit stops within Glen Forrest - Darlington, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 4 individual routes, which support 388 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is classified as moderate, with residents living an average of 450 meters from the nearest stop. Because the area is primarily residential, the majority of residents commute to other districts, with the private vehicle remaining the primary transport mode at 85%, and train travel accounting for 8%. Vehicle ownership stands at an average of 2.1 cars per household, which is higher than the metropolitan average. Around 14.5% of the workforce operates from home, based on the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 55 daily trips across all routes, which corresponds to approximately 4 weekly trips for each individual transit stop.

Glen Forrest - Darlington's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes in Glen Forrest - Darlington are excellent, as shown by AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality data and the prevalence of chronic illnesses, with low rates of common health conditions across all age cohorts. Additionally, the rate of private health insurance is exceptionally high, covering approximately 65% of the population (5,103 people). This compares to a rate of 59.0% for Greater Perth and a national average of 55.7%.

The most frequent health diagnoses in the area are arthritis and mental health conditions, affecting 8.6% and 8.4% of residents, respectively, while 70.1% of the population reported no chronic health conditions, compared to 71.9% in Greater Perth. The working-age population exhibits strong health with a low incidence of chronic illness. Residents aged 65 and older make up 22.9% of the population (1,791 people), which is higher than the Greater Perth proportion of 16.1%. The health status of older residents is high, with national rankings aligning closely with those of the broader community.

In terms of cultural diversity, Glen Forrest - Darlington records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Glen Forrest - Darlington is generally comparable to the broader metropolitan region in terms of cultural diversity, with 71.8% of residents born in Australia, 90.9% holding citizenship, and 94.4% speaking only English at home. The main religious affiliation is Christianity, representing 39.0% of the local population. The most visible statistical difference is in Judaism, which accounts for 0.4% of the population, compared to 0.3% across Greater Perth.

Regarding ancestry (referring to the birth country of parents), the three most common backgrounds in Glen Forrest - Darlington are English at 35.7%, which is higher than the regional average of 28.0%, Australian at 25.6%, and Scottish at 8.1%. There are also differences in other backgrounds: Welsh is represented at 1.1% in Glen Forrest - Darlington (compared to 0.7% regionally), Dutch at 2.5% (compared to 1.5%), and Polish at 1.1% (compared to 0.7%).

Glen Forrest - Darlington hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age of 45 years in Glen Forrest - Darlington is higher than the Greater Perth average of 37 and older than the national median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, the area has a larger proportion of residents aged 55 - 64 (14.8%) but a smaller share of people aged 25 - 34 (6.5%). Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has increased from 6.5% to 8.3%, whereas the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 15.6% to 13.9%. Looking forward to 2041, population projections indicate notable changes in the age structure of Glen Forrest - Darlington. The 75 to 84 cohort is projected to expand by 44% (285 people), growing from 653 to 939. Crucially, the combined cohorts aged 65 and over are projected to make up 86% of the total population growth, pointing to an aging local profile. Conversely, the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 age brackets are projected to experience declines in numbers.