Perth (North) - Highgate

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Perth (North) - Highgate's population is around 13,628 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,214 people (19.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,414 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,406 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 129 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 4,604 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, making land in the area a highly sought resource. Perth (North) - Highgate's 19.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%) and the state average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 91.7% 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). Regarding demographic trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of national areas is forecast, with the area expected to expand by 3,658 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 25.2% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Perth (North) - Highgate was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Perth (North) - Highgate has seen around 51 new homes approved annually, totalling 259 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 71 approvals have been recorded. Given an average of 5.9 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply is substantially lagging demand, which generally means heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $547,000, revealing that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. Additionally, $60.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating strong commercial development momentum.

When measured against Greater Perth, Perth (North) - Highgate records roughly half the building activity per person while it places among the 77th percentile of areas assessed nationally, though building activity has accelerated in recent years. New building activity shows 10.0% standalone homes and 90.0% townhouses or apartments. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. With around 628 people per dwelling approval, Perth (North) - Highgate reflects a highly mature market.

Looking ahead, Perth (North) - Highgate is expected to grow by 3,436 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Perth (North) - Highgate has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 14thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 54 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Perth Girls School Redevelopment, Swan River Causeway Bridge, Perth City Link Redevelopment, and the City of Vincent Local Planning Scheme No. 2 (LPS2) and Mount Lawley/Highgate Precinct Guidelines, 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.

Employment performance in Perth (North) - Highgate has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Perth (North) - Highgate possesses a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation and an unemployment rate of 6.6%. As of December 2025, 9,187 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 2.5% above Greater Perth's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (80.3% compared to Greater Perth's 71.9%). Based on Census responses, a low 9.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and accommodation & food. The area shows particularly strong specialization in professional & technical, with an employment share of 1.9 times the regional level. Meanwhile, construction has a limited presence with 5.2% employment compared to 9.3% regionally. The ratio of 0.9 workers for each resident, as at the Census, indicates substantial local employment opportunities.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.7% while employment declined by 2.9%, resulting in the unemployment rate rising by 2.1 percentage points. 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 Perth (North) - Highgate. 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 Perth (North) - Highgate's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.0% 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 above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Perth (North) - Highgate SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $57,045 with the average level standing at $79,637. This is extremely high nationally and compares to levels of $60,748 and $80,248 across Greater Perth respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $62,533 (median) and $87,298 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals individual earnings stand out at the 88th percentile nationally ($1,156 weekly), though household income ranks lower at the 58th percentile. Distribution data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 34.3% of the community (4,674 individuals), reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 32.0% similarly occupy this range. High housing costs consume 17.7% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 57th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Perth (North) - Highgate features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Perth (North) - Highgate, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 19.1% houses and 81.0% 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 Perth (North) - Highgate was lagging that of Perth metro, at 15.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (24.4%) or rented (60.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Perth metro average at $1,900, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $380, compared to Perth metro's $1,907 and $350. Nationally, Perth (North) - Highgate's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are exceeding the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 46.8% of all households, comprising 11.7% couples with children, 29.2% couples without children, and 4.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 53.2%, with lone person households at 41.9% and group households comprising 11.3% of the total. The median household size of 1.9 people is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Perth (North) - Highgate demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Educational attainment in Perth (North) - Highgate significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 52.1% 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 33.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.8%) and graduate diplomas (4.4%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 25.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.5%) and certificates (14.3%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.5% in tertiary education, 5.0% in primary education, and 2.3% 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 48 active transport stops operating within Perth (North) - Highgate, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 39 individual routes, collectively providing 6,575 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 148 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 54%, with 17% by bus and 14% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 0.7 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 9.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 939 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 136 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Perth (North) - Highgate are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in Perth (North) - Highgate, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 58% of the total population (~7,958 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 10.5 and 6.8% of residents, respectively, while 75.1% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 10.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,422 people), which is lower than the 16.3% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

Perth (North) - Highgate is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Perth (North) - Highgate scores highly on cultural diversity, with 29.0% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 44.6% born overseas. The main religion in Perth (North) - Highgate is Christianity, which makes up 31.0% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.7% 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 Perth (North) - Highgate are English, comprising 23.3% of the population, Australian, comprising 15.9% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 21.2%, and Other, comprising 13.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: French is notably overrepresented at 0.9% of Perth (North) - Highgate (vs 0.5% regionally), Spanish at 0.8% (vs 0.4%) and Korean at 1.0% (vs 0.3%).

Perth (North) - Highgate's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

With a median age of 33, Perth (North) - Highgate is materially younger than the Greater Perth figure of 37 and is substantially under Australia's 38 years. Relative to Greater Perth, Perth (North) - Highgate has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (33.0%) but fewer 5 - 14 year-olds (5.3%). This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 2.6% to 3.1% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 10.3% to 9.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Perth (North) - Highgate. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 23%, adding 1,019 residents to reach 5,511. Meanwhile, the 5 to 14 cohort grows by a modest 7% (49 people).