Harrisdale
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Harrisdale's population is 13,929 as of Aug 2025. From the 2021 Census, it had a population of 11,667 people. Between these periods, there was an increase of 2,262 people (19.4%). This growth is inferred from ABS estimates; Harrisdale's population reached 13,792 by Jun 2024 and gained 255 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 2,414 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. Harrisdale's growth exceeded national (8.6%) and state averages between 2021 and Aug 2025.

Overseas migration contributed approximately 41.9% of overall population gains during recent periods. All drivers, including interstate migration and natural growth, were positive factors. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and post-2032 estimates, AreaSearch utilises ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. By 2041, Harrisdale's population is forecast to increase by 4,133 persons, recording a gain of 28.7% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Harrisdale among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Harrisdale has received approximately 88 dwelling approvals annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports that between financial years 2021 (FY-21) and 2025 (FY-25), there were a total of 441 dwelling approvals in Harrisdale, with an additional 28 approved so far in FY-26. On average, each new home built over the past five financial years has accommodated approximately 5.7 new residents. This has led to high demand outstripping supply, resulting in price growth and increased buyer competition.

The average construction cost of new dwellings is $412,000. In FY-26, there have been commercial approvals totalling $4.3 million, indicating Harrisdale's primarily residential character. Compared to Greater Perth, Harrisdale has around 67% of the building activity per person, placing it in the 48th percentile nationally for areas assessed.

This has led to relatively constrained buyer choice and interest in existing properties. Recent development has been exclusively detached houses, preserving Harrisdale's traditional suburban character focused on family homes. With approximately 348 people per dwelling approval, Harrisdale exhibits a developed market. By 2041, Harrisdale is projected to grow by 3,996 residents. Current development levels appear consistent with future requirements, suggesting stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Harrisdale has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 37thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 26 projects likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives include Harrisdale North Residential Estate, Harrisdale North Skeet Balannup Precinct, Harrisdale Green Estate, and The Village Harrisdale. Below is a list of projects expected to be most relevant.

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

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Harrisdale performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Harrisdale has an educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 1.3% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 3.2%.

As of June 2025, 8,201 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.6%, compared to Greater Perth's 3.9%. Workforce participation was 78.3%, higher than Greater Perth's 65.2%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training, while construction employed only 7.9% of local workers, below Greater Perth's 9.3%.

Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 3.2%, labour force grew by 3.1%, leading to a fall in unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 3.7% and an increase in unemployment by 0.1 percentage points. State-level data to Sep-25 shows WA employment contracted by 0.82%, with the state unemployment rate at 4.3%. National forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections suggest Harrisdale's growth could be approximately 6.5% over five years and 13.7% over ten years.

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

Harrisdale's median income among taxpayers was $63,528 according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year ending June 2022. The average income stood at $74,542 during this period. These figures compare with Greater Perth's median and average incomes of $58,380 and $78,020 respectively. By March 2025, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth suggest Harrisdale's median income would be approximately $70,904 and the average $83,196. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Harrisdale rank between the 84th and 88th percentiles nationally. The predominant income cohort spans 42.7% of locals (5,947 people) earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, aligning with the metropolitan region's 32.0%. Notably, 34.3% of Harrisdale residents exceed $3,000 weekly income, indicating strong purchasing power. High housing costs consume 16.6% of income, yet disposable income remains at the 86th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Harrisdale's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 98.6% houses and 1.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Perth metro had 90.0% houses and 10.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Harrisdale was at 11.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 68.2% and rented ones at 20.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, exceeding the Perth metro average of $1,750. Median weekly rent in Harrisdale was $420, higher than Perth's $305 but lower than the national figure of $375 for rents. Nationally, Harrisdale's mortgage repayments were above the Australian average of $1,863.

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

Family households represent 87.7% of all households, including 57.7% couples with children, 19.0% couples without children, and 9.9% single parent families. The remaining 12.3% are non-family households, consisting of 10.9% lone person households and 1.4% group households. The median household size is 3.2 people, larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.8.

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

Harrisdale's educational attainment is notably high, with 38.6% of residents aged 15 years and over holding university qualifications, compared to the broader SA3 area at 22.7% and Western Australia state average at 27.9%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 25.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 32.0% of residents holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 12.5% and certificates at 19.5%. Educational participation is high, with 35.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: primary (14.8%), secondary (9.2%), and tertiary (4.7%).

Harrisdale's four schools have a combined enrollment of 5,418 students, reflecting its socio-educational conditions (ICSEA score: 1086). The educational mix includes two primary, one secondary, and one K-12 school. As an education hub, Harrisdale offers 38.9 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 20.2, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Harrisdale has 37 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by three different routes combined, offering a total of 678 weekly passenger trips. The transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents usually located within 200 meters of the nearest stop.

On average, there are 96 daily trips across all routes, equating to roughly 18 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Harrisdale's health outcomes data shows excellent results with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 56% (~7,869 people) have private health cover, compared to 53.3% in Greater Perth.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (affecting 5.0% of residents) and mental health issues (4.8%), while 83.5% report being completely free of medical ailments, higher than Greater Perth's 72.1%. The area has 6.4% (890 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Perth's 12.8%. However, health outcomes among seniors in Harrisdale warrant more attention than the broader population.

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

Harrisdale's population shows high cultural diversity, with 45.9% speaking a language other than English at home and 51.9% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 38.6%. The most significant overrepresentation is in the 'Other' category, which makes up 7.2%, compared to Greater Perth's 3.0%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Other (19.7%), English (18.8%), and Australian (15.5%). Notably, South African ancestry is overrepresented at 1.8% versus the regional average of 1.0%, Indian at 13.4% versus 5.2%, and Sri Lankan at 1.2% versus 0.4%.

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

Harrisdale's median age is 34 years, which is lower than Greater Perth's average of 37 and Australia's average of 38. Compared to Greater Perth, Harrisdale has a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 (23.4%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (4.1%). This concentration of 35-44 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.2%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, Harrisdale's population has seen growth in the 15 to 24 age group, from 9.9% to 12.6%, and the 45 to 54 age group, from 10.7% to 12.6%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 age group has declined from 15.2% to 11.8%, and the 0 to 4 age group has dropped from 9.5% to 7.1%. By 2041, significant demographic changes are forecast for Harrisdale. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to grow by 70%, adding 1,223 residents to reach a total of 2,981. In contrast, the number of residents aged 35 to 44 is expected to decrease by 186.