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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Harrisdale's population is around 14,179 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,512 people (21.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,667 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,792 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 333 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,457 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Harrisdale's 21.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%) and the state average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 41.9% 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). Anticipating future population dynamics, a significant population increase in the top quartile of statistical areas across the nation is forecast, with the area expected to increase by 4,133 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 26.4% in total over the 17 years.

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

Harrisdale has experienced around 88 dwellings receiving development approval each year, totalling 441 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 72 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 5.7 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built 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 dwellings are developed at an average value of $189,000—below regional norms—reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. There have also been $4.3 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

Compared to Greater Perth, Harrisdale records about 67% of the building activity per person while it places among the 47th percentile of areas assessed nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing properties. Further, recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 348 people per dwelling approval, Harrisdale shows a developed market.

Looking ahead, Harrisdale is expected to grow by 3,746 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Existing development levels seem aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Harrisdale has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 25thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 24 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Harrisdale North Residential Estate, Harrisdale North Skeet Balannup Precinct, Harrisdale Green Estate, and The Village Harrisdale, 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.

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.

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

Harrisdale possesses a highly educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 1.4%, and 1.8% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 8,349 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.7% below Greater Perth's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (83.0% compared to Greater Perth's 71.9%). Based on Census responses, a low 7.8% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. In contrast, construction employs just 7.9% of local workers, below Greater Perth's 9.3%. 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 1.8% while labour force increased by 2.0%, resulting in unemployment rise 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 Harrisdale. 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 Harrisdale's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.7% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Harrisdale SA2's income level is very high nationally according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Harrisdale SA2's median income among taxpayers is $66,105 and the average income stands at $77,602, which compares to figures for Greater Perth's of $60,748 and $80,248 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $72,464 (median) and $85,067 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Harrisdale, between the 84th and 88th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate the predominant cohort spans 42.7% of locals (6,054 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents 32.0%. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 34.3% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. High housing costs consume 16.6% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 86th percentile and 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

Dwelling structure within Harrisdale, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 98.6% houses and 1.4% 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 Harrisdale was lagging that of Perth metro, at 11.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (68.2%) or rented (20.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Perth metro average at $2,000, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $420, compared to Perth metro's $1,907 and $350. Nationally, Harrisdale's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 87.7% of all households, comprising 57.7% couples with children, 19.0% couples without children, and 9.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 12.3%, with lone person households at 10.9% and group households comprising 1.4% of the total. 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

Educational attainment in Harrisdale significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 38.6% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 22.7% in the SA3 area and 27.9% in WA. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 25.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 32.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.5%) and certificates (19.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 35.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.8% in primary education, 9.2% in secondary education, and 4.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 38 active transport stops operating within Harrisdale, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 3 individual routes, collectively providing 669 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 200 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 81%, with 11% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A relatively low 7.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 95 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 17 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

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Harrisdale, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 58% of the total population (~8,223 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be asthma and mental health issues, impacting 5.0% and 4.8% of residents, respectively, while 83.5% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. The area has 7.0% of residents aged 65 and over (995 people), which is lower than the 16.3% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general 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 scores highly on cultural diversity, with 45.9% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 51.9% born overseas. The main religion in Harrisdale is Christianity, which makes up 38.6% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Hinduism, which comprises 12.9% of the population, substantially higher than the Greater Perth average of 2.5%.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Harrisdale are Other, comprising 19.7% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 11.2%, English, comprising 18.8% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 28.0%, and Australian, comprising 15.5% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 21.2%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Indian is notably overrepresented at 13.4% of Harrisdale (vs 2.6% regionally), South Australian at 1.8% (vs 1.0%) and Sri Lankan at 1.2% (vs 0.2%).

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

At 34 years, Harrisdale's median age is somewhat lower than the Greater Perth average of 37 and similarly considerably younger than Australia's 38 years. Relative to Greater Perth, Harrisdale has a higher concentration of 35 - 44 residents (22.8%) but fewer 65 - 74 year-olds (4.3%). This 35 - 44 concentration is well above the national 14.3%. Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 9.9% to 13.2% of the population, while the 45 to 54 cohort increased from 10.7% to 13.1%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 15.2% to 11.1% and the 0 to 4 group dropped from 9.5% to 7.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Harrisdale. The 45 to 54 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 60%, adding 1,123 residents to reach 2,981. In contrast, numbers in the 35 to 44 age range are expected to fall by 166.