Morley

Population growth drivers in Morley are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

AreaSearch indicates that Morley has a population of approximately 25,507 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 2,793 people (12.3%) from the 22,714 people recorded in the 2021 Census. This population shift is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 25,432 combined with 103 validated new addresses registered since the Census. The resulting population density stands at 2,417 persons per square kilometer, placing the suburb in the highest quarter of all Australian locations analyzed by AreaSearch. The 12.3% population expansion since the 2021 census is higher than the national average (9.3%) and the surrounding SA3 region, positioning the suburb as a leader in regional population growth. This growth was driven mostly by arrivals from overseas, which accounted for roughly 81.5% of the total population increase in recent times.

For each SA2 area, AreaSearch incorporates ABS/Geoscience Australia projections published in 2024 using 2022 as a base year. Where these projections are unavailable, and to calculate trends past 2032, AreaSearch uses cohort-specific growth rates from the latest ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 with 2022 data. Future demographic forecasts point to population expansion that exceeds the national median, with the locality projected to gain 3,558 residents by 2041 relative to the most recent annual ERP statistics, representing a total increase of 13.7% over the 16 years.

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

Over the last 5 financial years, Morley has averaged approximately 126 building approvals annually, resulting in 633 residential properties. In the current financial year of FY-26, there have been 93 approvals documented. Because the area has added an average of 3.1 new residents for each completed dwelling between FY-21 and FY-25, demand remains much stronger than incoming supply, which typically drives up local prices and intensifies competition among buyers. The average construction cost of new homes is $223,000, which is under the regional average and offers more budget-friendly choices for buyers. Furthermore, commercial approvals valued at $62.7 million have been registered during this financial year, showing active commercial expansion.

Compared to the wider Greater Perth region, Morley shows a marginally higher level of development, tracking 31.0% above the regional per capita average over the 5 year period, which provides options for home buyers while helping sustain existing property values. Houses make up 75.0% of recent builds, while apartments or townhouses account for 25.0%, preserving the suburban feel and offering spacious layouts that attract families. With a ratio of about 221 people for each council approval, Morley shows signs of a market in transition.

Based on the most recent quarterly estimates from AreaSearch, Morley is projected to add 3,483 residents by 2041. The current volume of construction matches these expected requirements, which helps maintain balanced market conditions and prevents rapid price appreciation.

Morley has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 8thth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure projects, planning initiatives, and major developments have a significant influence on area performance. A total of 22 projects have been identified by AreaSearch as likely to affect the suburb. Key developments include the Morley Galleria Shopping Centre Redevelopment, the Les Hansman Community Centre Redevelopment, the 55 Vera Street Morley Apartments project, and the Morley Station Precinct Structure Plan, with the primary projects of relevance listed below.

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

The local workforce is characterized by strong representation in industrial and manufacturing fields, an unemployment rate of just 3.6%, and job growth estimated at 3.9% over the past year. In March 2026, the employed resident population stood at 14,528, with an unemployment rate 0.6% below the Greater Perth figure of 4.2%, and a participation rate matching the Greater Perth level of 70.2%. Census figures show that only 6.4% of local workers operated from home, though this data may be affected by pandemic-related lockdowns.

The largest sectors for local employment are retail trade, health care & social assistance, and construction. The community displays a distinct concentration in accommodation & food, employing workers at 1.2 times the wider metropolitan proportion. Conversely, the mining sector is less represented, accounting for 5.1% of the workforce compared to the metropolitan average of 7.0%. Comparing the resident worker population to the number of local jobs recorded in the Census suggests this suburb is primarily residential with a limited number of local employment options.

According to AreaSearch analysis of ABS and SALM statistics, the 12 months ending March 2026 saw employment rise by 3.9% and the labor force expand by 4.0%, leading to a minor 0.1 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate. Over the same timeframe, Greater Perth saw jobs grow by 2.0% and the labor force expand by 2.5%, while its unemployment rate rose by 0.4 percentage points. National employment projections from May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia provide further context on future demand trends. These five and ten-year forecasts have been applied to the local workforce structure to model potential changes. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though individual industries vary. Applying these trends to the local industry mix suggests employment among residents could rise by 6.2% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, which represents a basic weighted extrapolation rather than a local population projection.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

Morley SA2 has a median taxpayer income of $55,072 and an average of $66,371, based on postcode-level ATO data compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. These figures are below the national averages, and compare to a median of $60,748 and an average of $80,248 in Greater Perth. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current estimated figures would be near $61,091 for the median and $73,625 for the average as of March 2026. In the Census, local personal, family, and household incomes sit in a moderate range between the 35th and 40th percentiles. The data shows that 33.2% of residents (8,468 individuals) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly income bracket, which is close to the regional proportion of 32.0% in the same category. Financial pressures from housing are notable, with residents retaining 84.4% of their income, which ranks in the 41st percentile, while the SEIFA score for income places the suburb in the 4th decile.

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

Census data shows that detached houses make up 83.6% of local residences, while apartments, semi-detached properties, and other dwellings account for 16.3%, compared to 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings across the Perth metro area. Outright home ownership in the suburb is high at 35.3%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (36.0%) or rented (28.7%). The median mortgage payment of $1,733 per month is lower than the Perth metropolitan average of $1,907, while the median weekly rent of $360 compares to $350 across the metro area. On a national scale, local mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are below the national median of $375.

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

Families make up the majority of households at 70.0%, consisting of couples with children (29.5%), couples without children (27.0%), and single parent families (11.8%). Non-family households represent the remaining 30.0%, with single person households accounting for 25.5% and group share houses making up 4.4%. The average household size is 2.5 people, which is slightly lower than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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

Local levels of educational attainment are lower than regional averages, with 25.5% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree compared to 33.0% in the surrounding SA3. This gap suggests opportunities for future academic and professional training. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 18.0%, followed by postgraduate degrees (5.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational qualifications are common, with 33.6% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (10.9%) and certificate-level qualifications (22.7%).

Enrollment rates in education are high, with 26.5% of the population participating in study. This includes 8.0% in primary school, 6.6% in high school, and 5.4% attending tertiary institutions.

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

Public transport services in the suburb include 163 active stops, consisting of both bus and train infrastructure. These locations are connected to 30 distinct routes that provide 7,376 passenger trips weekly. Accessibility is high, with residents living an average of 187 meters from their nearest transport connection. Because the suburb is mostly residential, many workers commute out of the area; private cars remain the primary transport mode at 83%, followed by buses at 8%. Motor vehicle ownership stands at 1.4 cars per household. A small proportion of 6.4% of residents worked from home, based on 2021 Census data collected during the pandemic.

The transit network average is 1,053 daily services across all routes, which translates to roughly 45 weekly services for each individual stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 closest stops relative to the center of the suburb.

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

Health metrics show positive outcomes throughout the suburb based on AreaSearch assessments of mortality rates and chronic illnesses, with particularly low rates of common health conditions among younger residents. The level of private health insurance coverage is slightly below the SA2 average at approximately 52% of the population (~13,289 people), compared to 59.0% across the Greater Perth region.

Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent health issues locally, affecting 7.1% and 7.0% of the population, respectively. Meanwhile, 71.6% of residents reported having no long-term health conditions, compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. Residents under the age of 65 experience better than average health outcomes. The suburb has 19.4% of its population aged 65 and over (4,961 people), which exceeds the Greater Perth proportion of 16.1%. While seniors in the area have above-average health, their metrics rank lower nationally than the younger cohorts in the suburb.

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

The suburb displays high cultural diversity, with 37.3% of residents using a language other than English at home and 44.4% born outside of Australia. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 49.4% of the population. There is a notable statistical overrepresentation of Jewish residents, who make up 0.6% of the population compared to 0.3% across Greater Perth.

In terms of ancestral backgrounds, the largest groups are English at 19.8% (which is lower than the metropolitan average of 28.0%), Australian at 16.7%, and Other at 14.6%. The data also shows differences in the concentration of certain backgrounds compared to the metropolitan average: Vietnamese heritage represents 4.0% of the population (compared to 0.8% regionally), Serbian stands at 1.0% (compared to 0.3%), and Italian heritage represents 8.4% of residents (compared to 4.2% regionally).

Morley's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age of 39 in the suburb is slightly higher than the Greater Perth average of 37 and close to the national median of 38. The 75 - 84 cohort is more represented locally at 7.2% compared to the metropolitan average, while children aged 5 - 14 are less represented at 10.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 35 to 44 age cohort has grown from 14.2% to 15.3% of the population, whereas the 65 to 74 demographic has decreased from 10.0% to 8.9%. Future population forecasts for 2041 show significant changes ahead. The 85+ cohort is expected to increase by 118% (986 people), growing from 834 to 1,821 residents. This aging trend is reflected in the fact that residents aged 65 and older will represent 59% of the projected population growth. Conversely, the 5 to 14 and 35 to 44 age brackets are projected to experience declines.