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 20,873 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 3,346 people (19.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,527 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 20,025 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 919 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,676 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Subiaco - Shenton Park's 19.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (8.9%), along with the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that 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 13.3% 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 averaged approximately 386 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, with a total of 1932 homes approved during this period. In FY26, up until now, 170 dwellings have been approved. The average population growth per year for each dwelling built in these five years was around 1.1 people.

This suggests balanced supply and demand conditions, leading to stable market conditions. The average construction cost value of new homes was $290,000. In the current financial year, commercial development approvals have reached $173.0 million, indicating strong commercial development momentum in the area. Compared to Greater Perth, Subiaco-Shenton Park has 177.0% more construction activity per person. This high level of activity reflects strong developer confidence and provides greater choice for buyers. Recent construction trends show a shift towards higher-density living, with 83.0% of approvals being townhouses or apartments, compared to the current housing pattern of 46.0% houses. This change is likely due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences, as well as addressing housing affordability needs.

With approximately 283 people per dwelling approval, Subiaco-Shenton Park displays a developing market dynamic. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is expected to grow by 2784 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Subiaco - Shenton Park has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 10thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 46 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include St John of God Subiaco Hospital Redevelopment, Arco Subiaco, Incontro Apartments, and Salvado Road Medical Precinct. The following list details those 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.

The employment environment in Subiaco - Shenton Park shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Subiaco - Shenton Park has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. As of September 2025, its unemployment rate is 2.7%.

The area's unemployment rate is 1.3% lower than Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%, and its workforce participation matches Greater Perth's 65.2%. Dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. The area specializes in professional & technical jobs, with an employment share 2.2 times the regional level. Conversely, construction has lower representation at 4.1% compared to the regional average of 9.3%.

There are 1.2 workers per resident, indicating it functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. In the 12 months prior to September 2025, labour force decreased by 2.9% and employment declined by 3.7%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth experienced employment growth of 2.9% and labour force growth of 3.0%. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 shows WA employment contracted by 0.27%, with the state unemployment rate at 4.6%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these 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, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

The latest postcode level ATO data from AreaSearch for financial year 2022 shows that Subiaco - Shenton Park SA2 had exceptionally high incomes nationally. The median income was $71,040 and the average income stood at $114,286. In comparison, Greater Perth had a median income of $58,380 and an average income of $78,020. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, current estimates as of September 2025 would be approximately $81,128 (median) and $130,515 (average). According to the 2021 Census figures, individual earnings in Subiaco - Shenton Park SA2 stood out at the 91st percentile nationally ($1,203 weekly). Income brackets indicate that the predominant cohort spans 27.0% of locals (5,635 people) in the $4,000+ 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. High housing costs consume 15.1% of income, but strong earnings still place disposable income at the 75th percentile. 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

In Subiaco-Shenton Park, as per the latest Census, 46.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 54.0% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types. This contrasts with Perth metropolitan area's 37.1% houses and 62.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Subiaco-Shenton Park stood at 32.5%, with mortgaged properties at 25.8% and rented ones at 41.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,585, higher than Perth metro's average of $2,167. Weekly rent in Subiaco-Shenton Park was $405, compared to Perth metro's $390. Nationally, mortgage repayments averaged $1,863 and rents were $375.

Subiaco - Shenton Park features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 58.3% of all households, including 23.9% couples with children, 26.4% couples without children, and 7.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 41.7%, with lone person households at 37.6% and group households comprising 4.0%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which aligns with the Greater Perth average.

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 shows a significant advantage with 61.4% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to the broader Western Australian figure of 27.9%. This is also higher than the Greater Perth average of 30.1%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 36.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (19.1%) and graduate diplomas (5.4%). Vocational pathways account for 18.0% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 9.1% and certificates at 8.9%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes tertiary education (9.3%), primary education (8.5%), and secondary education (7.3%).

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

The analysis of public transport in the Subiaco-Shenton Park area shows that there are currently 106 active transport stops operating. These stops offer a mix of train and bus services. In total, these stops are serviced by 45 individual routes which collectively provide 9,611 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport in the area is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 155 meters away from the nearest transport stop. On average, there are 1,373 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 90 weekly trips per individual stop.

Subiaco - Shenton Park's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis shows Subiaco - Shenton Park performed strongly on health metrics. Both young and old age groups had low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover rate was high at 78%, compared to Greater Perth's 69.8% and national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues affected 8.3% and arthritis impacted 6.7% of residents, with 72.0% reporting no medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Perth's 74.5%. The area had 22.4% seniors (4,671 people), higher than Greater Perth's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors were particularly strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

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 most local markets, with 18.3% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 36.8% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Subiaco-Shenton Park, comprising 40.9%. Judaism is overrepresented compared to Greater Perth, making up 0.5% vs 0.6%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (28.5%), Australian (19.9%), and Other (10.2%). Notably, French (1.2%) and South African (0.7%) are overrepresented compared to regional averages.

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

Subiaco-Shenton Park's median age is 41 years, significantly higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 and Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Perth, Subiaco-Shenton Park has a notably higher proportion of the 75-84 age group (8.3% locally), while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented (10.3%). According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group grew from 6.7% to 8.3%, and the 0 to 4 cohort declined from 4.7% to 3.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Subiaco-Shenton Park's age profile. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 62%, adding 1,079 residents to reach 2,810. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 71% of the population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 age groups.