Huntingdale - Southern River

Huntingdale - Southern River lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Huntingdale - Southern River's population is around 26,312 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 4,443 people (20.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 21,869 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 25,308 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 953 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,461 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Huntingdale - Southern River's 20.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 40.0% 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). As we examine future population trends, an above-median population growth of statistical areas across the nation is projected, with the area expected to expand by 5,417 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 16.8% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Huntingdale - Southern River was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Huntingdale - Southern River has averaged around 240 new dwelling approvals per year, with 1,204 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 160 so far in FY-26. With an average of 3 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is significantly outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers, while new homes are being built at an average value of $253,000. Additionally, $14.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity.

When measured against Greater Perth, Huntingdale - Southern River has 128.0% more construction activity (per person), creating greater choice for buyers. Meanwhile, new construction has been completely comprised of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 100 people per dwelling approval, Huntingdale - Southern River shows characteristics of a growth area.

Population forecasts indicate Huntingdale - Southern River will gain 4,413 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Huntingdale - Southern River has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 28thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 32 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Sutherlands Park Leisure, Aquatic and Sports Hub (SPLASH), Sutherlands Park Master Plan, Florian Huntingdale, and Parkside Estate, 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.

The employment environment in Huntingdale - Southern River shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Huntingdale - Southern River possesses a skilled workforce, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of only 3.8%, and 1.6% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 14,328 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.3% below Greater Perth's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (75.3% compared to Greater Perth's 71.9%). Based on Census responses, a low 6.5% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in transport, postal & warehousing, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. In contrast, professional & technical services employ just 6.1% of local workers, below Greater Perth's 8.2%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.6% and the labour force increased by 2.0%, resulting in unemployment rising by 0.4 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 Huntingdale - Southern River. 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 Huntingdale - Southern River's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.1% 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 Huntingdale - Southern River SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $63,332 and an average of $74,791 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is well above average nationally, contrasting with Greater Perth's median income of $60,748 and average income of $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $69,425 (median) and $81,986 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household income ranks at the 73rd percentile ($2,115 weekly), while personal income sits at the 57th percentile. The data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 38.9% of residents (10,235 people), mirroring regional levels where 32.0% occupy this bracket. High housing costs consume 16.0% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 73rd percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Huntingdale - Southern River is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure within Huntingdale - Southern River, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 98.2% houses and 1.9% 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 Huntingdale - Southern River was lagging that of Perth metro, at 22.0%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (59.7%) or rented (18.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Perth metro average at $1,950, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $380, compared to Perth metro's $1,907 and $350. Nationally, Huntingdale - Southern River's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are exceeding the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 84.1% of all households, comprising 49.7% couples with children, 21.2% couples without children, and 12.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 15.9%, with lone person households at 14.1% and group households comprising 1.8% of the total. The median household size of 3.1 people is larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

The educational profile of Huntingdale - Southern River exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

At 26.1%, university qualification levels in Huntingdale - Southern River sit marginally below the Australian average of 30.4%, though the modest gap indicates reasonable educational competitiveness. Bachelor degrees lead at 18.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 34.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (23.9%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 33.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.7% in primary education, 9.5% in secondary education, and 5.1% 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 97 active transport stops operating within Huntingdale - Southern River, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 6 individual routes, collectively providing 1,400 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 222 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 85%, with 8% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A relatively low 6.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 200 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 14 weekly trips per individual stop.

Huntingdale - Southern River's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Huntingdale - Southern River, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Younger cohorts in particular see very low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 56% of the total population (~14,761 people), compared to 59.0% across Greater Perth.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be asthma and mental health issues, impacting 6.7 and 6.4% of residents, respectively, while 76.9% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 10.8% of residents aged 65 and over (2,833 people), which is lower than the 16.3% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, though ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

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

Huntingdale - Southern River scores highly on cultural diversity, with 35.1% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 43.7% born overseas. The main religion in Huntingdale - Southern River is Christianity, which makes up 39.5% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Islam, which comprises 13.3% of the population, substantially higher than the Greater Perth average of 3.2%.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Huntingdale - Southern River are English, comprising 23.2% of the population, Australian, comprising 19.5% of the population, and Other, comprising 19.3% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 11.2%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: South Australian is notably overrepresented at 1.4% of Huntingdale - Southern River (vs 1.0% regionally), Indian at 6.5% (vs 2.6%), and Chinese at 7.4% (vs 4.0%).

Huntingdale - Southern River hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

At 34 years, Huntingdale - Southern River'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, Huntingdale - Southern River has a higher concentration of 5 - 14 residents (15.8%) but fewer 75 - 84 year-olds (3.1%). Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 13.9% to 15.1% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 2.1% to 3.1%. Conversely, the 0 to 4 cohort has declined from 7.5% to 6.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Huntingdale - Southern River. The 45 to 54 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 27%, adding 933 residents to reach 4,438. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 35 to 44 cohorts.