Harrisdale

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

According to the analysis by AreaSearch, the population of Harrisdale is approximately 14,422 in May 2026. This represents a growth of 2,755 people (23.6%) from the 2021 Census, which counted 11,667 residents. The estimate is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 14,125 along with 347 validated new addresses identified after the Census. The resulting population density stands at 2,499 persons per square kilometer, placing the locality in the top quartile of all Australian areas assessed by AreaSearch. The expansion rate of 23.6% since the 2021 census was higher than both the national average (9.3%) and the state average, establishing the area as a regional growth leader. The increase was mostly driven by overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 68.4% of the population gains, though all components including natural increase and interstate migration registered positive contributions.

AreaSearch incorporates ABS and Geoscience Australia projections published in 2024 using a 2022 baseline for each SA2. In instances where specific SA2 projections are unavailable, and to calculate growth beyond 2032, growth rates by age cohort from the 2023 Greater Capital Region projections (using 2022 data) are applied. Looking ahead, the locality is projected to experience population expansion within the top national quartile, growing by 3,639 persons to 2041 based on the most recent annual ERP statistics, representing a 23.2% increase over the 16 year period.

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

Development approvals in Harrisdale run at approximately 88 dwellings per year, with 441 residential approvals recorded over the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, and 105 registered during FY-26. Because the area added an average of 5.5 new residents per year for each home constructed over the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, demand remains well ahead of new additions, a trend that typically encourages price rises and heightened competition among buyers. The average estimated value of new builds is $189,000, which is below the regional norm and provides relatively affordable purchasing options. Furthermore, commercial approvals totaling $4.3 million have been recorded during the current financial year, highlighting the primary residential focus of the area.

Per capita building approvals in Harrisdale sit at roughly 66% of the rate observed in Greater Perth, ranking in the 46th percentile nationally, which limits choice for buyers and supports demand for existing homes. Recent construction has consisted entirely of detached houses, preserving the suburban character of the neighborhood and offering family-friendly options for residents wanting more space. A ratio of approximately 360 people per dwelling approval indicates a mature residential market.

Long-term projections indicate that Harrisdale will add 3,342 residents by 2041 based on the most recent quarterly estimates from AreaSearch. Current building volumes appear aligned with projected population growth, supporting a stable property market free from extreme pricing pressures.

Harrisdale has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 26thth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure updates, planning initiatives, and major developments have a significant impact on local performance. AreaSearch has identified 23 projects expected to influence the local area. Key developments include the Harrisdale North Residential Estate, the Harrisdale North Skeet Balannup Precinct, the Harrisdale Green Estate, and The Village Harrisdale, with details provided on the projects most relevant to the suburb.

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

The local workforce is highly educated, featuring a strong representation of essential services workers, an unemployment rate of only 1.4%, and an estimated annual employment growth rate of 1.7%. By March 2026, the employed resident population reached 8,420, with the unemployment rate tracking 2.8% below the Greater Perth average of 4.2%. Participation in the labor force is exceptionally high at 81.2%, compared to 70.2% across Greater Perth. Census records indicate that only 7.8% of the working population worked from home, though this figure was likely influenced by COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

The primary employment industries for local residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. By contrast, the construction industry accounts for only 7.9% of employment, which is below the Greater Perth benchmark of 9.3%. The comparative counts of the local working population versus the resident workforce suggest that this predominantly residential suburb offers limited employment options within its boundaries.

An analysis of SALM and ABS data by AreaSearch indicates that for the 12 months ending March 2026, employment grew by 1.7% and the labor force expanded by 2.0%, leading to a 0.2 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate. Over the same timeframe, Greater Perth experienced employment growth of 2.0% and labor force growth of 2.5%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. The May-25 national employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia help illustrate prospective demand trends for Harrisdale. These five and ten-year projections have been applied to the local industry mix to estimate growth trajectories. While national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, trends vary widely by sector. Applying these trends to the local industry profile indicates that employment in Harrisdale would rise by 6.5% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, representing a basic weighted projection that does not factor in localized population changes.

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

According to tax data from the ATO compiled by AreaSearch for the 2023 financial year, local income levels are positioned very high relative to national benchmarks. Taxpayers in the Harrisdale SA2 recorded a median income of $66,105 and an average income of $77,602, compared to $60,748 and $80,248 respectively for Greater Perth. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since the 2023 financial year, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be roughly $73,330 for the median and $86,084 for the average. Census data places household, family, and individual incomes between the 84th and 88th percentiles nationally. Income distribution figures show that the largest bracket contains 42.7% of residents (6,158 people) earning between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, which is higher than the Greater Perth share of 32.0% in this bracket. High-income earners are also well represented, with 34.3% earning more than $3,000 per week, pointing to solid purchasing capacity. Although households allocate 16.6% of income to housing costs, strong earnings keep disposable income in the 86th percentile nationally, with the SEIFA index for income placing the area in the 7th decile.

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

The housing stock in Harrisdale at the time of the latest Census consisted of 98.6% detached houses and 1.4% other dwelling types like semi-detached homes or apartments, compared to 77.8% houses and 22.1% alternative dwellings across Greater Perth. The proportion of outright home ownership was lower than the metropolitan average at 11.5%, with mortgaged properties accounting for 68.2% and rental properties making up 20.3%. The median monthly mortgage payment of $2,000 was higher than the Perth metropolitan median of $1,907, while the median weekly rent of $420 was also above the metropolitan figure of $350. By comparison, local mortgage costs exceed the national average of $1,863, and rents are notably higher than the Australian median of $375.

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

Family households represent 87.7% of all local households, consisting of couples with children at 57.7%, couples without children at 19.0%, and single parent households at 9.9%. Non-family households account for the remaining 12.3%, which includes lone person households at 10.9% and group households at 1.4%. The median household size of 3.2 people is larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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

Residents in Harrisdale exhibit high levels of educational attainment, with 38.6% of the population aged 15+ holding university degrees, compared to 22.7% in the broader SA3 region and 27.9% across Western Australia. This profile positions the community well for professional and technical jobs. Bachelor degrees represent the most common tertiary qualification at 25.3%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 10.5% and graduate diplomas at 2.8%. Vocational education is also common, with 32.0% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas at 12.5% and certificates at 19.5%.

A high level of educational enrollment is observed locally, with 35.5% of residents participating in study. Of those studying, 14.8% are in primary school, 9.2% are in secondary school, and 4.7% are attending tertiary institutions.

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

Analysis of the local transit network shows 38 active bus stops operating in Harrisdale. These stops are served by 3 routes, which together handle 669 passenger trips per week. Transport access is rated as good, with residents living an average of 200 meters from the nearest stop. The suburb is primarily residential, and most workers commute to other areas, with private vehicles remaining the main mode of travel at 81%, followed by trains at 11%. Dwellings average 1.7 vehicles, which is above the metropolitan average. A relatively low 7.8% of residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic conditions.

Service frequency averages 95 trips per day across all routes, which corresponds to approximately 17 weekly trips for each transport stop.

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

Health data indicates strong outcomes for Harrisdale residents, with AreaSearch assessments of mortality rates and chronic illnesses showing a very low prevalence of common medical conditions across all ages, alongside a high level of private health insurance coverage at approximately 58% of the population, or about 8,364 people.

The most common medical diagnoses in the area are asthma and mental health conditions, affecting 5.0% and 4.8% of the population respectively. Meanwhile, 83.5% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. Residents aged 65 and older make up 6.6% of the local population (950 people), which is lower than the Greater Perth average of 16.1%. The health status of local seniors is strong, with national rankings aligning with those of the broader community.

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

The local area displays significant cultural diversity, with 45.9% of residents speaking a non-English language at home and 51.9% born outside Australia. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation at 38.6% of the population. Hinduism shows a notable overrepresentation, accounting for 12.9% of local residents compared to the Greater Perth average of 2.5%.

Ancestry details show that the top three parent country-of-birth groups are Other at 19.7% of the population (higher than the regional average of 11.2%), English at 18.8% (lower than the regional average of 28.0%), and Australian at 15.5% (lower than the regional average of 21.2%). Other groups showing differences from regional benchmarks include Indian at 13.4% of the population (compared to 2.6% regionally), South Australian at 1.8% (compared to 1.0%), and Sri Lankan at 1.2% (compared to 0.2%).

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

The median age in Harrisdale is 34 years, which is younger than the Greater Perth median of 37 years and the national median of 38 years. The suburb features a high concentration of residents aged 35 - 44 (22.9%) compared to Greater Perth, but a lower proportion of residents aged 65 - 74 (4.1%). The share of residents in the 35 - 44 bracket is higher than the national figure of 14.3%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 15 to 24 grew from 9.9% to 13.5%, and the 45 to 54 cohort increased from 10.7% to 13.3%. In contrast, the 25 to 34 age group fell from 15.2% to 11.7%, and the 0 to 4 age group decreased from 9.5% to 6.7%. Projections for 2041 suggest changes in local age groups, with the 45 to 54 cohort expected to grow by 57% (adding 1,089 residents to reach 3,012), while the 35 to 44 cohort is projected to decrease by 245 residents.