North Perth

Population growth drivers in North Perth are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, North Perth's population is around 10,933 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,226 people (12.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,707 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,780 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 76 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 3,538 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. North Perth's 12.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 62.8% 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 1,829 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 15.3% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees North Perth among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

North Perth has averaged around 32 new dwelling approvals per year, with 162 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 125 so far in FY-26. With an average of 7.5 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. New homes are being built at an average construction value of $487,000, showing that developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. Additionally, $3.0 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, complementing the area's residential character.

Compared to Greater Perth, North Perth shows substantially reduced construction (57.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. This activity is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 73.0% detached houses and 27.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 326 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth.

Looking ahead, North Perth is expected to grow by 1,676 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

North Perth has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 5thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 21 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Alma Square, Targeted Underground Power Program - Joondanna, Osborne Park, Tuart Hill, North Perth Town Centre Planning Framework, and North Perth / Mount Lawley Underground Power Project, 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 North Perth shows above-average strength when compared nationally

North Perth possesses a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation and an unemployment rate of only 3.6%. As of December 2025, 6,738 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 0.5% below Greater Perth's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (74.9% compared to Greater Perth's 71.9%). Based on Census responses, a low 12.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include professional and technical, health care and social assistance, and education and training. The area has a particular employment specialization in professional and technical services, with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level. Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 6.5% versus the regional average of 9.3%. 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, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 0.8% combined with employment decreasing by 1.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth experienced employment growth of 2.3% and labour force growth of 2.6%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within North Perth. 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 North Perth's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.3% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the North Perth SA2 is exceptionally high nationally, with the median assessed at $71,508 while the average income stands at $96,666. This contrasts with Greater Perth's figures of a median income of $60,748 and an average income of $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $78,387 (median) and $105,965 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in North Perth, between the 84th and 88th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate the predominant cohort spans 28.5% of locals (3,115 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, aligning with the region where this cohort likewise represents 32.0%. A significant 38.9% earn above $3,000 weekly, reflecting pockets of prosperity that drive robust local economic activity. Housing accounts for 14.8% of income while strong earnings rank residents within the 85th percentile for disposable income and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within North Perth, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 65.6% houses and 34.4% 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 North Perth was in line with that of Perth metro, at 29.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (36.7%) or rented (33.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Perth metro average at $2,492, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $400, compared to Perth metro's $1,907 and $350. Nationally, North Perth's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are exceeding the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 61.8% of all households, comprising 27.3% couples with children, 26.2% couples without children, and 7.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 38.2%, with lone person households at 30.5% and group households comprising 7.8% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

North Perth shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in North Perth significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 50.1% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 27.9% in WA and 30.1% in Greater Perth. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 33.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.1%) and graduate diplomas (5.2%). Vocational pathways account for 22.8% of qualifications among those aged 15+; advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (13.2%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 7.9% in tertiary education, 7.6% in primary education, and 6.1% pursuing secondary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 51 active transport stops operating within North Perth comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 19 individual routes, collectively providing 4,220 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 155 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - the car remains the dominant mode at 70%, with 17% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, below the regional average. A relatively low 12.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 602 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 82 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in North Perth is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

North Perth demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts see low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 70% of the total population (7,620 people). This compares to 59.0% across Greater Perth and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 10.0% and 6.6% of residents, respectively, while 72.5% 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 16.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,773 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in North Perth was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

North Perth was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 19.3% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 30.6% born overseas. The main religion in North Perth is Christianity, which makes up 42.2% of the people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 1.0% 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 North Perth are English, comprising 24.4% of the population, Australian, comprising 19.7% of the population, and Italian, comprising 9.1% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Macedonian is notably overrepresented at 1.4% of North Perth (vs 0.4% regionally), Croatian at 1.3% (vs 0.8%) and French at 0.8% (vs 0.5%).

North Perth's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The 38-year median age in North Perth is close to Greater Perth's average of 37 and similarly equivalent to the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Perth, North Perth has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (17.6%) but fewer 5 - 14 year-olds (9.1%). Since the 2021 Census, the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 7.8% to 9.1% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 10.3% to 9.1% and the 0 to 4 group dropped from 5.3% to 4.3%. By 2041, North Perth is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 82% (437 people), reaching 969 from 531. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 58% of projected growth. On the other hand, population declines are projected for the 35 to 44 and 5 to 14 cohorts.