Morley

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Morley's population is around 25,898 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 3,184 people (14.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 22,714 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 24,981 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 107 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,454 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Morley's 14.0% 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 77.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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). Looking at population projections moving forward, an above-median population growth of statistical areas across the nation is projected, with the area expected to increase by 3,872 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 11.4% in total over the 17 years.

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

Morley has averaged around 126 new dwelling approvals each year, with 633 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 67 so far in FY-26. Given an average of 3 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand significantly exceeds new supply, which usually results in price growth and increased buyer competition, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $223,000—below the regional average—suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. There have also been $62.7 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity.

Relative to Greater Perth, Morley has slightly more development (32.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. Recent construction comprises 75.0% detached dwellings and 25.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. At around 216 people per approval, Morley reflects a transitioning market.

Looking ahead, Morley is expected to grow by 2,955 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 23 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Bayswater Bridge Medical and Wellness Centre, Morley Galleria Shopping Centre Redevelopment, Les Hansman Community Centre Redevelopment, and 55 Vera Street Morley Apartments, 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.

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

Morley possesses a skilled workforce, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of only 3.6%, and 3.0% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 14,327 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.5% below Greater Perth's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Greater Perth's 71.9%. Based on Census responses, a low 6.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area shows particularly strong specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share of 1.2 times the regional level. Conversely, mining shows lower representation at 5.1% versus the regional average of 7.0%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 3.0% while labour force increased by 3.0%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. 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 Morley. 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 Morley'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).

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

The Morley SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $55,072 and an average of $66,371 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is slightly lower than average on a national basis, 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 $60,370 (median) and $72,756 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Morley, between the 35th and 40th percentiles. The data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 33.2% of the community (8,598 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 and 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

Dwelling structure within Morley, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 83.6% houses and 16.3% 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 Morley was higher than that of Perth metro, at 35.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (36.0%) or rented (28.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Perth metro average at $1,733, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $360, compared to Perth metro's $1,907 and $350. Nationally, Morley's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 70.0% of all households, comprising 29.5% couples with children, 27.0% couples without children, and 11.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 30.0%, with lone person households at 25.5% and group households comprising 4.4% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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

Educational qualifications in Morley trail regional benchmarks, with 25.5% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 33.0% in the SA3 area. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 18.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 33.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.9%) and certificates (22.7%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.0% in primary education, 6.6% in secondary education, and 5.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 163 active transport stops operating within Morley, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 30 individual routes, collectively providing 7,376 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 187 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 83%, with 8% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. A relatively low 6.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 1,053 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 45 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Morley'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 Morley, 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 slightly lags that of the average SA2 area at approximately 52% of the total population (~13,492 people). This compares to 59.0% across Greater Perth.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 7.1 and 7.0% of residents, respectively, while 71.6% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 20.2% of residents aged 65 and over (5,221 people), which is higher than the 16.3% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, though ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

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 scores highly on cultural diversity, with 37.3% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 44.4% born overseas. The main religion in Morley is Christianity, which makes up 49.4% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.6% of the population, compared to 0.3% across Greater Perth.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Morley are English, comprising 19.8% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 28.0%, Australian, comprising 16.7% of the population, and Other, comprising 14.6% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Vietnamese is notably overrepresented at 4.0% of Morley (vs 0.8% regionally), Serbian at 1.0% (vs 0.3%) and Italian at 8.4% (vs 4.2%).

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

The 39-year median age in Morley is somewhat higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 and similarly very close to the 38-year national average. Compared to the Greater Perth average, the 75 - 84 cohort is notably over-represented (7.4% locally), while 5 - 14 year-olds are under-represented (10.4%). Post-2021 Census data shows the 85+ age group has grown from 2.3% to 3.4% of the population. Conversely, the 0 to 4 cohort has declined from 5.9% to 5.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Morley. Leading the demographic shift, the 85+ group will grow by 114% (1,007 people), reaching 1,893 from 885. Demographic aging continues as residents 65 and older represent 63% of anticipated growth. On the other hand, the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.