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

Perth (North) - Highgate's population is approximately 13,741 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 2,327 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 11,414. The growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 13,732 in June 2025 and an additional 130 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 4,642 persons per square kilometer, placing Highgate among the top 10% of locations nationally assessed by AreaSearch. The area's 20.4% growth rate since the 2021 census exceeds both national (9.3%) and state averages. This growth is primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 97.3% of overall population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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 employs 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 projected demographic shifts, Highgate is forecasted to experience significant population increase, with an expected growth of 3,182 persons to 2041. This reflects a total gain of 23.1% over the 16-year period.

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 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 259 homes. In FY26 so far, there have been 71 approvals. The average annual increase in residents per dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25 was 5.9. This indicates significant demand outstripping supply, likely leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

The average construction value of new homes is $547,000, suggesting a focus on premium properties by developers. In FY26, $60.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating high local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Perth, Highgate has about half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person but ranks among the 77th percentile nationally for construction activity. Recent construction consists of 10% detached houses and 90% attached dwellings, favouring higher-density living which can be more affordable and suit downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

With around 628 people per dwelling approval, Highgate reflects a mature market. AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects that Highgate will gain 3,173 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Perth (North) - Highgate has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 13thth percentile nationally

The performance of a local area is significantly influenced by changes to its infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 55 such projects that are likely to impact the area. Notable among these are Sydney Charles Quarter, Little Italy, Smith Street Build-to-Rent Project, and 533-545 Newcastle Street Commercial Project. The following list details those projects considered most relevant.

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 has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation and an unemployment rate of 6.6% as of December 2025. There are 9,187 residents employed, with a 2.5% higher unemployment rate compared to Greater Perth's 4.1%. The participation rate is high at 78.2%, above Greater Perth's 69.7%.

Census data shows that 9.7% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors are professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and accommodation & food. Notably, professional & technical jobs are concentrated, with levels 1.9 times the regional average. However, construction is under-represented at 5.2%, compared to Greater Perth's 9.3%.

The worker-to-resident ratio is substantial at 0.9. Between December 2024 and December 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.7% while employment declined by 2.9%, leading to a 2.1 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Perth saw employment growth of 2.3% and labour force growth of 2.6%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Highgate's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates that Perth (North) - Highgate SA2 has one of the highest incomes in Australia. The median assessed income is $57,045 and the average income stands at $79,637. In comparison, Greater Perth's figures show a median income of $60,748 and an average income of $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current estimates for March 2026 would be approximately $63,280 (median) and $88,341 (average). According to the 2021 Census figures, individual earnings rank at the 88th percentile nationally ($1,156 weekly), while household income ranks at the 58th percentile. In terms of income ranges, 34.3% of the population (4,713 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 32.0% similarly occupy this range. High housing costs consume 17.7% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 57th percentile. 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

The dwelling structure in Perth (North) - Highgate, as per the latest Census, consisted of 19.1% houses and 81.0% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In comparison, Perth metro had 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Perth (North) - Highgate was at 15.4%, with the rest being mortgaged at 24.4% or rented at 60.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,900, lower than Perth metro's average of $1,907. The median weekly rent figure was $380, higher than Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Perth (North) - Highgate's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,900 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were also higher at $380 compared to 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 account for 46.8% of all households, including 11.7% that are couples with children, 29.2% composed of couples without children, and 4.9% headed by single parents. Non-family households make up the remaining 53.2%, with lone person households at 41.9% and group households comprising 11.3%. The median household size is 1.9 people, 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 shows significantly higher levels than broader benchmarks. As of the latest data, 52.1% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 27.9% in Western Australia and 30.1% in Greater Perth. This educational advantage is reflected in various qualifications: Bachelor degrees are held by 33.9%, postgraduate qualifications by 13.8%, and graduate diplomas by 4.4%. Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 25.8% of residents holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 11.5% and certificates at 14.3%.

Educational participation is notably high in the area, 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

Perth (North) - Highgate has 48 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by 39 different routes that together facilitate 6,575 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is excellent, with residents typically living just 148 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Highgate's residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 54%, followed by buses at 17% and walking at 14%. On average, there are 0.7 vehicles per dwelling, lower than the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, only 9.7% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 939 trips daily, equating to around 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

Perth (North) - Highgate shows below-average health indicators based on AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 58% (~8,024 people) of the total population has private health cover, which is very high compared to other areas. Mental health issues impact 10.5% of residents, while asthma affects 6.8%. Around 75.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, higher than Greater Perth's 71.9%. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. Only 9.3% (1,284 people) of residents are aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Perth's 16.1%. Health outcomes among seniors in the area rank nationally 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 has a high level of cultural diversity, with 29.0% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 44.6% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Perth (North) - Highgate, comprising 31.0% of the population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented in Perth (North) - Highgate compared to Greater Perth, with 0.7% versus 0.3%.

The top three ancestry groups are English at 23.3%, Australian at 15.9%, and Other at 13.3%. Some ethnic groups show notable divergences: French is overrepresented at 0.9% compared to the regional average of 0.5%, Spanish at 0.8% versus 0.4%, and Korean at 1.0% versus 0.3%.

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

Perth (North) - Highgate's median age is 32 years, which is younger than the Greater Perth average of 37 and lower than the national average of 38. Compared to Greater Perth, Highgate has a higher percentage of 25-34 year-olds at 34.7%, but fewer 5-14 year-olds at 5.2%. This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is above the national average of 14.6%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 33.3% to 34.7%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 10.3% to 9.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Highgate's age profile. The 25 to 34 cohort is projected to grow by 21%, adding 1,017 residents to reach 5,786. The 5 to 14 group is projected to grow by 6%, adding 41 residents.