Riverton - Shelley - Rossmoyne

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Riverton - Shelley - Rossmoyne's population is around 16,909 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,391 people (16.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,518 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 15,751 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 116 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,633 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Riverton - Shelley - Rossmoyne's 16.5% 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 was essentially the sole driver of 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, an above-median population growth of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is projected, with the area expected to grow by 2,664 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 8.9% in total over the 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 around 104 residential properties granted approval per year, totalling 520 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 61 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 2.6 new residents per year gained for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), indicating healthy demand that should support property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $367,000—slightly above the regional average—suggesting a focus on quality developments. Additionally, $4.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

When measured against Greater Perth, Riverton - Shelley - Rossmoyne records somewhat elevated construction (34.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), balancing buyer choice with support for current property values, though development activity has moderated in recent periods. New building activity shows 96.0% standalone homes and 4.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. At around 190 people per approval, Riverton - Shelley - Rossmoyne reflects a developing area.

Looking ahead, Riverton - Shelley - Rossmoyne is expected to grow by 1,506 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Riverton - Shelley - Rossmoyne has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 26thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 10 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Westfield Booragoon Shopping Centre Expansion, City of Melville New Library Cultural Centre, Willetton Youth Centre Renovation, and Southlands Boulevarde Shopping Centre Redevelopment, 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 analysis of employment trends sees Riverton - Shelley - Rossmoyne performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Riverton - Shelley - Rossmoyne features a highly educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 1.4%, and 2.0% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 8,252 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.7% below Greater Perth's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation lags significantly (64.5% compared to Greater Perth's 71.9%). Based on Census responses, a low 10.8% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in education & training, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. On the other hand, construction is under-represented, with only 6.8% of Riverton - Shelley - Rossmoyne's workforce compared to 9.3% in Greater Perth. 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 2.0% while the labour force increased by 1.9%, resulting in unemployment falling by 0.1 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 Riverton - Shelley - Rossmoyne. 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 Riverton - Shelley - Rossmoyne's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% 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).

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Riverton - Shelley - Rossmoyne SA2's median income among taxpayers is $55,284, with an average of $78,560. This is well above average nationally, and compares to Greater Perth's median of $60,748 and average of $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $60,602 (median) and $86,117 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household income ranks at the 68th percentile ($2,051 weekly), while personal income sits at the 47th percentile. The earnings profile shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 27.2% of the community (4,599 individuals), reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 32.0% similarly occupy 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, and 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

Dwelling structure within Riverton - Shelley - Rossmoyne, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 82.8% houses and 17.2% 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 Riverton - Shelley - Rossmoyne was well beyond that of Perth metro, at 42.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (34.2%) or rented (23.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Perth metro average at $2,167, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $400, compared to Perth metro's $1,907 and $350. Nationally, Riverton - Shelley - Rossmoyne's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are exceeding the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 78.0% of all households, comprising 43.1% couples with children, 24.6% couples without children, and 9.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 22.0%, with lone person households at 20.3% and group households comprising 1.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.8 people is larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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

Educational attainment in Riverton - Shelley - Rossmoyne significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 45.0% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 27.9% in WA and 29.9% in SA4 region. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 28.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.7%) and graduate diplomas (3.4%). Vocational pathways account for 24.0% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (10.4%) and certificates (13.6%).

Educational participation is notably 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.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 66 active transport stops operating within Riverton - Shelley - Rossmoyne, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 14 individual routes, collectively providing 2,083 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 190 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 78%, with 12% by train and 7% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling. A relatively low 10.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 297 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 31 weekly trips per individual stop.

Riverton - Shelley - Rossmoyne's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Riverton - Shelley - Rossmoyne, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts see a low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 58% of the total population (~9,874 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 6.8 and 5.4% of residents, respectively, while 74.5% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. The area has 22.0% of residents aged 65 and over (3,716 people), which is higher than the 16.3% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, though ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

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 scores highly on cultural diversity, with 39.3% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 50.2% born overseas. The main religion in Riverton - Shelley - Rossmoyne is Christianity, which makes up 44.3% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Buddhism, which comprises 7.4% of the population, compared to 2.7% across Greater Perth.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Riverton - Shelley - Rossmoyne are English, comprising 22.5% of the population (lower than the regional average of 28.0%), Chinese, comprising 16.1% of the population (substantially higher than the regional average of 4.0%), and Australian, comprising 15.3% of the population (lower than the regional average of 21.2%). Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of other ethnic groups: Sri Lankan is overrepresented at 1.2% in Riverton - Shelley - Rossmoyne (vs 0.2% regionally), Korean at 1.5% (vs 0.3%), and Indian at 6.6% (vs 2.6%).

Riverton - Shelley - Rossmoyne's median age exceeds the national pattern

The 42-year median age in Riverton - Shelley - Rossmoyne is significantly above Greater Perth's average of 37 and similarly considerably older than Australia's 38 years. The 75 - 84 age group shows strong representation at 8.4% compared to Greater Perth, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is less prevalent at 7.3%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 13.6% to 14.9% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 7.3% to 8.4%. Conversely, the 0 to 4 cohort has declined from 4.2% to 3.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Riverton - Shelley - Rossmoyne. Leading the demographic shift, the 85+ group will grow by 111% (641 people), reaching 1,220 from 578. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 66% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.