Morley
Statistical Area - sa2

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

As of November 2025, Morley's population is approximately 25,038. This figure reflects a growth of 10.2% since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 22,714 people. The increase can be inferred from ABS estimates; as of June 2024, Morley's estimated resident population was 24,986, with an additional 97 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,373 persons per square kilometer, placing Morley in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. Morley's growth rate exceeded both the national average (8.9%) and its SA3 area, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 77.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 uses 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 population projections, Morley is expected to experience above median growth across statistical areas nationally. By 2041, the area's population is projected to increase by 3,872 persons, representing a total gain of 15.2% over the 17-year period.

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

Morley averaged approximately 126 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with a total of 633 homes approved during this period and an additional 38 approved in FY-26. Each year, around three new residents arrived per dwelling constructed on average between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating that demand significantly outstrips supply. This typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition.

The average construction value of new dwellings was $223,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers in Morley. In terms of commercial development, there have been $62.7 million in approvals during this financial year, reflecting high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Perth, Morley has slightly more development, with 32.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period, maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values.

Recent construction comprises 75.0% detached dwellings and 25.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. Morley reflects a transitioning market, with around 216 people per approval. Looking ahead, Morley is projected to grow by 3,815 residents through to 2041. Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Morley has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 11thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 23 projects that are likely to impact the area. Key projects include Morley Galleria Shopping Centre Redevelopment, Beechboro Road South Mixed Use Development, Mangini Street SDA Apartments, and Les Hansman Community Centre Redevelopment. The following list details those projects most likely to be relevant.

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

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AreaSearch assessment positions Morley ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Morley has a skilled workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.5%, below Greater Perth's 3.9%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.9%. As of June 2025, 14,271 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.6% compared to Greater Perth's 3.9%. Workforce participation is lower than Greater Perth's average (62.7% vs 65.2%). Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

The area shows high specialization in accommodation & food services with an employment share of 1.2 times the regional level. Conversely, mining has lower representation at 5.1% compared to the regional average of 7.0%. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 3.9%, while labour force grew by 4.1%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 3.7% and unemployment rose by 0.1 percentage points during the same period. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Morley's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.2% 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

Morley has a median taxpayer income of $52,887 and an average of $63,500 according to latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is slightly lower than the national average, contrasting with Greater Perth's median income of $58,380 and average income of $78,020. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $60,397 (median) and $72,517 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows household, family and personal incomes rank modestly in Morley, between the 36th and 40th percentiles. The $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 33.2% of the community (8,312 individuals), consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 32.0% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 41st percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

In Morley, as per the latest Census evaluation, 83.6% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 16.3% consisting of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types of dwellings. In comparison, Perth metropolitan area had 72.7% houses and 27.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Morley stood at 35.3%, with mortgaged properties accounting for 36.0% and rented dwellings making up 28.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Morley was $1,733, lower than the Perth metropolitan average of $1,855. The median weekly rent in Morley was $360, slightly higher than the Perth metro's $340. Nationally, Morley's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were lower than the national figure of $375.

Morley features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 70.0% of all households, including 29.5% couples with children, 27.0% couples without children, and 11.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 30.0%, with lone person households at 25.5% and group households comprising 4.4%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.3.

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

Morley's educational qualifications trail regional benchmarks; 25.5% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees compared to the SA3 area's 33.0%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 18.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 33.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them; advanced diplomas account for 10.9% and certificates for 22.7%. Educational participation is high at 26.5%, including primary education (8.0%), secondary education (6.6%), and tertiary education (5.4%).

Morley operates six schools educating approximately 3,313 students with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1028). Four primary and two secondary schools serve distinct age groups.

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

Morley has 162 active public transport stops. These include train and bus services. There are 28 different routes operating in total.

Each week, these routes facilitate 6,197 passenger trips. Residents have excellent accessibility to transport, with an average distance of 194 meters to the nearest stop. On average, there are 885 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 38 weekly trips per individual stop.

Morley's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Morley residents show relatively positive health outcomes, with low prevalence of common conditions across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 51% of Morley's total population (~12,819 people), slightly lower than Greater Perth's 55.2%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (7.1%) and mental health issues (7.0%). A higher proportion of residents, 71.6%, report being free from medical ailments compared to 70.2% in Greater Perth. Morley has a larger senior population at 19.6% (4,919 people), compared to Greater Perth's 18.1%. Senior health outcomes are above average and align with the general population's health profile.

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

Morley has high cultural diversity, with 37.3% speaking a language other than English at home and 44.4% born overseas. The predominant religion is Christianity at 49.4%. Judaism is overrepresented at 0.6%, compared to Greater Perth's 0.7%.

Top ancestry groups are English (19.8%), Australian (16.7%), and Other (14.6%). Serbian, Vietnamese, and Italian ethnicities are notably higher than regional averages: Serbian at 1.0% vs 0.7%, Vietnamese at 4.0% vs 2.4%, and Italian at 8.4% vs 6.6%.

Morley's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Morley is 39 years, which is higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 years and close to the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, Morley has a notably higher percentage of the 75-84 age cohort (7.2% locally) and a lower percentage of the 5-14 age group (10.4%). According to post-2021 Census data, the 35-44 age group increased from 14.2% to 15.2%, while the 0-4 cohort decreased from 5.9% to 5.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Morley. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 135% (from 806 to 1,893 people), with residents aged 65 and older representing 60% of the anticipated population growth. Conversely, the 0-4 and 5-14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.