Riverton - Shelley - Rossmoyne
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Riverton - Shelley - Rossmoyne are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Riverton - Shelley - Rossmoyne's population was around 16,031 as of November 2025. This reflected an increase of 1,513 people from the 2021 Census figure of 14,518, indicating a growth rate of 10.4%. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 15,751 in June 2024 and an additional 107 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a population density ratio of 2,497 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate exceeded the national average of 8.9%, making it a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration was primarily responsible for this growth during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024, using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate post-2032 growth, AreaSearch utilized ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Future demographic trends project above median population growth for the area, with an expected increase of 2,664 persons to 2041, representing a total increase of 14.9% over 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Riverton - Shelley - Rossmoyne among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Riverton-Shelley-Rossmoyne has recorded approximately 104 residential property approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 520 homes. As of FY-26, 31 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25 attracted 2.6 new residents annually, indicating strong demand that supports property values. The average construction cost for new homes is $367,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting a focus on quality developments.

This financial year has seen $4.0 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Perth, Riverton-Shelley-Rossmoyne shows elevated construction activity, with 34.0% more approvals per person over the five-year period. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods.

The majority of new building activity consists of standalone homes (96.0%), with townhouses or apartments making up the remaining 4.0%, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character focused on family homes. With around 190 people per approval, Riverton-Shelley-Rossmoyne is a developing area. Future projections indicate an expected growth of 2,384 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, providing favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

Riverton - Shelley - Rossmoyne has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 48thth percentile nationally

Eleven infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Key projects include Willetton Youth Centre Renovation, Westfield Booragoon Shopping Centre Expansion, City of Melville New Library Cultural Centre, and Southlands Boulevarde Shopping Centre Redevelopment. The following list details those likely to be 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.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Riverton - Shelley - Rossmoyne performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Riverton Shelley Rossmoyne has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 1.5% as of June 2025, with estimated employment growth of 3.3% over the past year.

The area's residents have a lower unemployment rate of 2.4% compared to Greater Perth's 3.9%, but workforce participation is slightly below standard at 60.9%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Notably, employment levels in education & training are 1.3 times the regional average. However, construction is under-represented with only 6.8% of Riverton Shelley Rossmoyne's workforce compared to Greater Perth's 9.3%.

Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 3.3%, while labour force grew by 3.1%, leading to a unemployment rate decrease of 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) project an overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Riverton Shelley Rossmoyne's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.7% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though these estimates are illustrative and do not account for localized population projections.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Riverton - Shelley - Rossmoyne had a median income among taxpayers of $53,829 and an average of $79,381. This places it among the highest in Australia, with Greater Perth's median being $58,380 and average at $78,020. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Riverton - Shelley - Rossmoyne would be approximately $61,473 (median) and $90,653 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household income ranks at the 69th percentile ($2,051 weekly), while personal income sits at the 47th percentile. The earnings profile shows that 27.2% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 per week (4,360 individuals). This is similar to surrounding regions where 32.0% fall within this range. The district demonstrates considerable affluence with 33.6% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. After housing costs, residents retain 87.1% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Riverton-Shelley-Rossmoyne, as per the latest Census, consisted of 82.8% houses and 17.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Perth metro's 78.4% houses and 21.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Riverton-Shelley-Rossmoyne stood at 42.3%, with mortgaged properties at 34.2% and rented ones at 23.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than Perth metro's average of $1,820. The median weekly rent in Riverton-Shelley-Rossmoyne was $400, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Riverton-Shelley-Rossmoyne's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

Riverton - Shelley - Rossmoyne features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 78.0% of all households, including 43.1% couples with children, 24.6% couples without children, and 9.5% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 22.0%, with lone person households at 20.3% and group households comprising 1.6%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.7.

Riverton - Shelley - Rossmoyne shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Riverton-Shelley-Rossmoyne's educational attainment significantly exceeds broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 45.0% hold university qualifications, compared to 27.9% in WA and 29.9% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most common at 28.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.7%) and graduate diplomas (3.4%). Vocational pathways account for 24.0% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 10.4% and certificates at 13.6%.

Educational participation is high, with 32.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.6% in secondary education, 10.3% in primary education, and 7.4% pursuing tertiary education. The area's five schools have a combined enrollment of 1,783 students. These schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. School places per 100 residents stand at 11.1, below the regional average of 14.8, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas. The area demonstrates significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement, with an ICSEA score of 1124.

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

Riverton, Shelley, Rossmoyne has 67 active public transport stops. These are mixed bus stops serviced by 12 routes offering 1,712 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is excellent with residents typically 190 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 244 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 25 weekly trips per individual stop.

Riverton - Shelley - Rossmoyne's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Riverton-Shelley-Rossmoyne, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 59% of the total population (9,522 people), compared to 52.2% across Greater Perth.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 6.8 and 5.4% of residents respectively. Seventy-four point five percent declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 76.0% across Greater Perth. The area has 21.5% of residents aged 65 and over (3,453 people), which is higher than the 15.9% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Riverton - Shelley - Rossmoyne is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Riverton-Shelley-Rossmoyne has a high cultural diversity, with 39.3% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 50.2% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Riverton-Shelley-Rossmoyne, comprising 44.3% of the population. Buddhism is notably overrepresented, making up 7.4% compared to 6.7% across Greater Perth.

The top three ancestry groups are English (22.5%), Chinese (16.1%), and Australian (15.3%). Sri Lankan, Korean, and Indian ethnicities are also notable for being more represented in Riverton-Shelley-Rossmoyne compared to the regional averages of 0.7%, 1.2%, and 6.5% respectively.

Riverton - Shelley - Rossmoyne hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Riverton-Shelley-Rossmoyne is 42 years, significantly higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 years and Australia's average of 38 years. The 75-84 age group comprises 8.1% of the population, higher than Greater Perth's percentage. Conversely, the 25-34 age group makes up 7.5%, lower than Greater Perth's figure. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15-24 age group has increased from 13.6% to 14.6%. Meanwhile, the 0-4 age group has decreased from 4.2% to 3.2%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic shifts in Riverton-Shelley-Rossmoyne. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 125%, reaching 1,220 people from 541. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 59% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, the 0-4 and 5-14 cohorts are forecasted to experience population declines.