High Wycombe

High Wycombe 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 research by AreaSearch, the population of High Wycombe is estimated at 13,495 in May 2026. This represents a gain of 1,297 individuals (10.6%) relative to the 12,198 residents recorded in the 2021 Census. The estimate is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 13,368 combined with 101 validated new addresses registered after the Census. High Wycombe has a population density of 1,551 persons per square kilometer, a level higher than the average recorded across the country. The area's 10.6% expansion rate post-2021 outperformed the national benchmark of 9.3%, placing it among the faster-growing localities in the region. Overseas migration was the primary driver of this demographic growth, accounting for roughly 76.0% of the overall population increases in recent times.

Projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024 (using 2022 as a starting point) are used for each SA2. For localities without this specific coverage and to project trends beyond 2032, growth rates by age group from the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections (utilising 2022 data) are applied. Future expectations indicate that population growth will track slightly under the national median for statistical areas. Projections based on the latest annual ERP indicate the population will expand by 1,390 residents by 2041, representing a total increase of 9.4% over the 16-year timeframe.

Recent residential development output has been above average within High Wycombe when compared nationally

Residential development approvals in High Wycombe average approximately 31 per year, with 156 residential permits issued over the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, and an additional 38 recorded so far during FY-26. Given that population growth has added 5.4 new residents for each completed residence over the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, demand is running well ahead of construction, which tends to intensify market competition and elevate prices. The average estimated construction cost for these new dwellings is $253,000. Furthermore, commercial building approvals have reached $10.6 million during the current financial year, demonstrating ongoing investment in business infrastructure.

Per capita dwelling approvals in High Wycombe stand at roughly two-thirds of the rate observed across Greater Perth, placing the suburb in the 50th percentile of locations nationwide, despite a recent uptick in building activity. This volume is also lower than the national average, indicating a mature market and potential developmental bottlenecks. Current building patterns show that new approvals consist of 75.0% separate houses and 25.0% medium-density townhouses or apartments, which supports the suburban, family-oriented layout of the neighborhood. This represents a shift from the existing housing stock, which is 96.0% separate houses, reflecting a scarcity of vacant land and a response to changing buyer preferences and budget constraints. High Wycombe represents a mature housing market, with a ratio of 371 people per new residential approval.

Based on the most recent quarterly estimates from AreaSearch, the population of High Wycombe is projected to grow by 1,263 people by 2041. Should current construction rates persist, the supply of new housing may fall short of demographic growth, which could increase buyer competition and support upward pressure on prices.

High Wycombe has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 31stth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure projects, planning choices, and major works are primary drivers of local performance. AreaSearch has tracked 9 developments expected to influence the local area. Key projects include the Pipe Lily Drive Social Housing, the Great Eastern Highway Bypass Interchanges, the Great Eastern Highway Bypass and Kalamunda Road Interchange, and the Lot 912 Bushmead Residential Development, with the list below highlighting the most relevant ones.

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.

Employment performance in High Wycombe has been broadly consistent with national averages

The local workforce is evenly distributed between professional and industrial roles, with a notable presence in manufacturing. The local unemployment rate stands at 4.2%, and employment grew by an estimated 1.2% over the preceding year. As of March 2026, there are 7,501 employed residents, with the unemployment rate matching the Greater Perth average of 4.2%. Participation in the labor force is also aligned with the metropolitan average of 70.2%. Census data indicates that a modest 5.7% of the workforce operated from home, though these figures may reflect the influence of pandemic-related restrictions.

The primary employment sectors for local residents are healthcare & social assistance, transport, postal & warehousing, and retail trade. The suburb displays a strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, where the proportion of employed residents is 2.1 times the metropolitan average. Conversely, professional & technical services are underrepresented, accounting for 4.6% of workers compared to the wider metropolitan figure of 8.2%. The ratio of local jobs to the resident workforce suggests that this predominantly residential suburb offers limited local employment opportunities.

AreaSearch's analysis of SALM and ABS statistics shows that during the 12-month period, local employment grew by 1.2% while the total labor force expanded by 2.0%, leading to a 0.7 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate. Over the same timeframe, Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 2.0% and labor force expansion of 2.5%, resulting in a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. National employment projections published by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25 offer additional context for future labor demand. These five- and ten-year forecasts have been applied to the local workforce structure to model potential employment trends. Globally, national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with significant variation across different industries. Applying these sectoral growth rates to the local employment distribution suggests that employment among residents could rise by 5.8% over five years and 12.4% over ten years, assuming a direct industry weighting without adjusting for local population forecasts.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Taxpayer data from the ATO compiled by AreaSearch for the 2023 financial year indicates that incomes in the High Wycombe SA2 are significantly higher than the national average. Taxpayers in the SA2 recorded a median income of $62,781 and an average income of $75,920, compared to the Greater Perth averages of $60,748 and $80,248 respectively. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates for March 2026 stand at roughly $69,643 for median income and $84,218 for average income. In the 2021 Census, personal, family, and household incomes in High Wycombe placed around the 53rd percentile nationally. The most common income group contains 35.7% of residents (4,817 people) who earn between $1,500 and $2,999, which aligns closely with the broader region where 32.0% fall into this range. Although mortgage and rent expenses consume 15.6% of household income, strong earnings levels keep disposable income at the 51st percentile.

High Wycombe is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

According to the latest Census, the housing stock in High Wycombe consisted of 96.3% separate houses and 3.7% semi-detached dwellings, apartments, or other housing types. In comparison, the wider Perth metropolitan area recorded 77.8% houses and 22.1% alternative dwelling structures. The home ownership rate in High Wycombe was 30.2%, matching the metropolitan average, while the remaining properties were either mortgaged (47.3%) or rented (22.5%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,733 was lower than the Perth metropolitan average of $1,907, whereas the median weekly rent of $380 was higher than the metropolitan figure of $350. Nationally, High Wycombe's mortgage costs are below the Australian average of $1,863, while weekly rental rates exceed the national average of $375.

High Wycombe has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households represent the largest segment at 72.5% of the local total, consisting of couples with children at 30.2%, couples without children at 26.8%, and single parents at 14.1%. Single-person households make up 24.7% of the area and group households account for 2.8%, bringing the total non-family household share to 27.5%. The average household occupancy stands at 2.5 people, which is slightly below the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Educational outcomes in High Wycombe fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The region shows lower rates of higher education, with university qualification levels at 14.0% compared to the national average of 30.4%. This highlights an area where focused educational programs could make an impact. Within these qualifications, bachelor degrees represent 10.7%, postgraduate degrees account for 1.7%, and graduate diplomas make up 1.6%. Vocational and technical qualifications are highly prevalent, with 41.3% of residents aged 15 and over holding a credential, consisting of advanced diplomas at 9.6% and certificates at 31.7%.

Enrollment rates are high, with 27.4% of the population participating in some form of structured education. This proportion is comprised of 9.7% in primary school, 8.2% in secondary school, and 3.2% in tertiary studies.

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

Analysis of the local transit network shows 62 bus stops operating within High Wycombe. These stops host 10 different bus routes, which combined support 1,646 passenger trips each week. Transport connection is rated as good, with dwellings situated an average of 277 meters from the closest stop. Because High Wycombe is mostly residential, most workers commute out of the suburb, with private cars remaining the primary travel mode at 88%. Dwellings average 1.6 vehicles each. A lower proportion of residents (5.7%) worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 patterns.

Across all transit routes, services run at an average frequency of 235 trips per day, which translates to roughly 26 weekly trips for each bus stop.

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

Health assessments by AreaSearch based on mortality rates and the prevalence of chronic illnesses point to notable health issues, with common ailments distributed across both younger and older demographics. The proportion of residents with private health insurance is high at approximately 57% of the population (~7,638 people), compared to the Greater Perth average of 59.0%.

Asthma and mental health issues are the most prevalent diagnosed conditions, affecting 7.7% and 9.2% of the population respectively. Meanwhile, 67.7% of residents reported having no chronic health conditions, compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. General health outcomes for working-age residents are typical. Residents aged 65 and over make up 18.1% of the population (2,441 people), which is higher than the Greater Perth proportion of 16.1%. Seniors face some health difficulties, with local outcomes and rankings generally aligned with national averages.

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

High Wycombe displays higher cultural diversity than average, with 25.2% of residents born overseas and 9.5% using a non-English language at home. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 43.1% of the local population. Islam shows the most distinct difference in representation, accounting for 1.3% of residents compared to 3.2% across Greater Perth.

English ancestry is the most common at 32.0%, followed by Australian ancestry at 26.9% (which is higher than the regional average of 21.2%) and Scottish ancestry at 7.1%. There are also notable differences in other ethnic backgrounds: Maori ancestry is recorded at 1.2% (compared to 0.9% regionally), New Zealand ancestry is at 1.1% (compared to 0.8%), and Welsh ancestry stands at 0.7% (compared to 0.7%).

High Wycombe's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age of 38 in High Wycombe is comparable to the Greater Perth average of 37 and matches the national median of 38. High Wycombe has a larger share of residents in the 55 - 64 age bracket (12.2%) than Greater Perth, but a lower proportion of 25 - 34 year-olds (13.6%). Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has increased from 5.6% to 6.9%, while the 45 to 54 cohort decreased from 12.7% to 11.5%. By 2041, the demographic profile is projected to change significantly, led by a 51% increase (472 people) in the 75 to 84 age group, growing from 931 to 1,404. This aging trend is highlighted by the fact that residents aged 65 and over are projected to account for 73% of the total population growth, while declines are anticipated in the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 cohorts.