Subiaco - Shenton Park

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Subiaco - Shenton Park's population is around 23,608 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 6,081 people (34.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,527 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 19,947 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 1,018 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 3,026 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Subiaco - Shenton Park's 34.7% 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 83.2% 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 3,713 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 0.2% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Subiaco - Shenton Park among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Subiaco - Shenton Park has averaged around 386 new dwelling approvals per year, with 1,932 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 177 so far in FY-26. With an average of 1.1 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, while new homes are being built at an average value of $290,000. Additionally, $173.0 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating strong commercial development momentum.

When measured against Greater Perth, Subiaco - Shenton Park has 177.0% more construction activity (per person), creating greater choice for buyers, though building activity has slowed in recent years. This activity is well above average nationally, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. Recent construction comprises 17.0% detached houses and 83.0% townhouses or apartments. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 46.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. With around 283 people per dwelling approval, Subiaco - Shenton Park shows a developing market.

Looking ahead, Subiaco - Shenton Park is expected to grow by 49 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Subiaco - Shenton Park 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, 46 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the St John of God Subiaco Hospital Redevelopment, Arco Subiaco, Incontro Apartments, and the Salvado Road Medical Precinct, 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 Subiaco - Shenton Park shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Subiaco - Shenton Park features a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation and an unemployment rate of only 3.2%. As of December 2025, 11,524 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 0.9% below Greater Perth's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (69.3% compared to Greater Perth's 71.9%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 13.6% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. The area has a particular employment specialization in professional & technical, with an employment share of 2.2 times the regional level. Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 4.1% versus the regional average of 9.3%. With 1.2 workers for every resident, as at the Census, the area functions as an employment hub, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decreasing by 0.8% while employment declined by 1.6%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.8 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 Subiaco - Shenton Park. 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 Subiaco - Shenton Park's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.5% over five years and 15.4% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Subiaco - Shenton Park SA2 is exceptionally high nationally, with the median assessed at $72,376 while the average income stands at $114,413. 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 $79,339 (median) and $125,420 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, individual earnings stand out at the 91st percentile nationally ($1,203 weekly). Income brackets indicate the predominant cohort spans 27.0% of locals (6,374 people) in the $4000+ category, unlike trends in the region where 32.0% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. A significant 37.0% earn above $3,000 weekly, reflecting pockets of prosperity that drive robust local economic activity. High housing costs consume 15.1% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 75th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Subiaco - Shenton Park displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Subiaco - Shenton Park, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 46.0% houses and 54.0% 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 Subiaco - Shenton Park was 32.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (25.8%) or rented (41.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Perth metro average at $2,585, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $405, compared to Perth metro's $1,907 and $350. Nationally, Subiaco - Shenton Park's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceed the national figure of $375.

Subiaco - Shenton Park features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 58.3% of all households, comprising 23.9% couples with children, 26.4% couples without children, and 7.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 41.7%, with lone person households at 37.6% and group households comprising 4.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.1 people is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Subiaco - Shenton Park shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Subiaco - Shenton Park significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 61.4% 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 36.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (19.1%) and graduate diplomas (5.4%). Vocational pathways account for 18.0% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (9.1%) and certificates (8.9%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.3% in tertiary education, 8.5% in primary education, and 7.3% 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 114 active transport stops operating within Subiaco - Shenton Park, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 36 individual routes, collectively providing 8,040 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 156 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 60%, with 12% by bus and 11% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 0.9 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. Some 13.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 1,148 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 70 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Subiaco - Shenton Park's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Subiaco - Shenton Park, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 78% of the total population (18,414 people), compared 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 arthritis, impacting 8.3% and 6.7% of residents, respectively, while 72.0% 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 23.2% of residents aged 65 and over (5,474 people), which is higher than the 16.3% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Subiaco - Shenton Park is more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 18.3% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 36.8% born overseas. The main religion in Subiaco - Shenton Park is Christianity, which makes up 40.9% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.5% 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 Subiaco - Shenton Park are English, comprising 28.5% of the population, Australian, comprising 19.9% of the population, and Other, comprising 10.2% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: French is notably overrepresented at 1.2% of the population (vs 0.5% regionally), Polish at 1.0% (vs 0.7%) and South Australian at 0.7% (vs 1.0%).

Subiaco - Shenton Park's population is slightly older than the national pattern

At 41 years, Subiaco - Shenton Park's median age is significantly above the Greater Perth average of 37 as well as somewhat older than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Greater Perth average, the 75 - 84 cohort is notably over-represented (8.7% locally), while 5 - 14 year-olds are under-represented (10.2%). Following the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 6.7% to 8.7% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 10.4% to 11.6%. Conversely, the 0 to 4 cohort has declined from 4.7% to 3.8%. Demographic modeling suggests Subiaco - Shenton Park's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 85+ cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 102%, adding 810 residents to reach 1,601. Demographic aging continues as residents 65 and older represent 99% of anticipated growth. On the other hand, population declines are projected for the 45 to 54 and 15 to 24 cohorts.