Midland - Guildford
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Midland - Guildford are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Midland-Guildford's population, according to AreaSearch's analysis, is approximately 12,253 as of August 2025. This figure represents a growth of 1,166 people, an increase of 10.5% since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 11,087. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 12,185 in June 2024 and an additional 90 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,046 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Midland-Guildford's growth rate of 10.5% since the 2021 census exceeds the national average of 8.6%, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch utilises the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Based on demographic trends, an above median population growth is projected for the area, with an expected increase of 2,660 persons to 2041, resulting in a total gain of 20.3% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Midland - Guildford among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Midland-Guildford has seen approximately 73 new homes approved annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 368 homes were approved, with an additional 29 approved so far in FY26. Each dwelling built has gained an average of 2.3 new residents per year over these five years, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value for new homes is $374,000, aligning with regional trends. This financial year has seen $149.5 million in commercial approvals, suggesting robust local business investment. Comparatively, Midland-Guildford has significantly less development activity than Greater Perth, with 52.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings, although building activity has increased recently. The current new building activity shows a mix of 28.0% detached houses and 72.0% medium to high-density housing. This shift towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers, marking a notable change from the area's existing housing composition (currently 51.0% houses).

With around 186 people per dwelling approval, Midland-Guildford exhibits characteristics of a growth area. Population forecasts indicate that Midland-Guildford will gain approximately 2,488 residents by 2041. Building activity is keeping pace with these growth projections, although buyers may face increased competition as the population grows.

Midland - Guildford has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 34thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure and major projects. AreaSearch has identified 16 such projects that could impact this particular region. Notable among these are METRONET East Midland Redevelopment Project, New Junction Precinct, METRONET Midland Station Redevelopment, and Providence Lifestyle Vertical Village. The following list details those considered most relevant.

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

AreaSearch assessment indicates Midland - Guildford faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Midland-Guildford has a skilled workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 8.4% as of June 2021, with an estimated employment growth of 4.0% over the past year.

As of June 2025, 6,486 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 4.6%, higher than Greater Perth's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Midland-Guildford lags at 57.7%, compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. The leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Professional & technical services have lower representation, at 5.7% versus the regional average of 8.2%. There are 1.5 workers for every resident in Midland-Guildford, indicating it functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 4.0%, while labour force grew by 4.1%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. In comparison, Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 3.7% and a slight rise in unemployment. State-level data for WA as of Sep-25 shows employment contracted by 0.82%, with the state unemployment rate at 4.3%. Nationally, employment grew by 0.26% while the unemployment rate was 4.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest potential future demand within Midland-Guildford. These projections estimate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with industry-specific growth rates varying significantly. Applying these projections to Midland-Guildford's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.1% over five years and 13.1% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2022 shows Midland-Guildford had median income of $56,983 and average income of $68,991. This is higher than national averages. Greater Perth's median income was $58,380 with average at $78,020. By March 2025, adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 11.61%, estimated incomes are approximately $63,599 (median) and $77,001 (average). Census figures from 2021 indicate personal income ranks at the 39th percentile ($749 weekly), while household income is at the 20th percentile. Most residents (28.8%) earn between $1,500-$2,999 weekly. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 17th percentile.

Midland - Guildford displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Midland-Guildford's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 50.8% houses and 49.1% other dwellings (including semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Perth metro had 89.1% houses and 10.9% other dwellings. The home ownership rate in Midland-Guildford was 22.5%, similar to Perth metro's level. Mortgaged dwellings made up 27.8% and rented ones accounted for 49.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,600, lower than Perth metro's average of $1,842. The median weekly rent figure stood at $300, compared to Perth metro's $340. Nationally, Midland-Guildford's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

Midland - Guildford features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 53.3% of all households, including 17.1% couples with children, 20.7% couples without children, and 13.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 46.7%, with lone person households at 41.5% and group households comprising 5.3%. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.8.

Educational attainment in Midland - Guildford aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

Midland-Guildford has 22.4% of residents aged 15+ with university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common (15.4%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are held by 38.5%, including advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificates (27.3%). Educational participation is high, with 27.3% currently enrolled: primary (8.2%), secondary (7.5%), tertiary (5.1%).

Eight schools educate approximately 3,100 students in Midland-Guildford, which has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1016). These include three primary, four secondary, and one K-12 school. The area offers 25.3 school places per 100 residents, attracting students from surrounding communities. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

The analysis of public transport in Midland-Guildford shows that there are currently 126 operational transport stops. These include both train stations and bus stops. A total of 58 distinct routes service these stops, collectively facilitating approximately 5,834 weekly passenger trips.

The report rates the area's transport accessibility as excellent, with an average distance of just 186 meters between residents and their nearest transport stop. On average, there are around 833 trips per day across all routes, which equates to about 46 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Midland - Guildford is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Midland-Guildford faces significant health challenges, as indicated by its health data.

Both younger and older age groups have a notable prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 54% (~6,579 people) of the total population has private health cover, which is relatively high. Mental health issues are the most prevalent condition, affecting 12.0% of residents, followed by arthritis at 8.1%. However, 63.5% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Perth. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, with 19.6% (2,401 people), compared to 12.6% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly aligning with the general population's health profile.

Midland - Guildford was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Midland-Guildford has a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 18.2% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 33.1% born overseas. Christianity is the dominant religion in Midland-Guildford, comprising 44.6% of the population. However, there's an overrepresentation in the 'Other' category, which makes up 1.2% compared to Greater Perth's average of 2.4%.

The top three ancestral groups are English (29.1%), Australian (22.1%), and Other (8.1%), lower than the regional average of 13.3%. Notably, Maori (1.6%) and Filipino (3.0%) populations are higher than regional averages.

Midland - Guildford's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Midland-Guildford has a median age of 40, which is higher than Greater Perth's figure of 37 and Australia's median age of 38. The 55-64 cohort is notably over-represented in Midland-Guildford at 12.4%, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 8.5%. Since 2021, the population aged 35 to 44 has grown from 13.4% to 14.5%, whereas the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.6% to 12.3%. By 2041, demographic modelling suggests significant changes in Midland-Guildford's age profile. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 664 people (an 82% increase), from 808 to 1,473. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 62% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, the 5-14 and 35-44 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.