Subiaco - Shenton Park

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

According to evaluations by AreaSearch, the resident count for Subiaco - Shenton Park reaches approximately 21,023 as of May 2026. Compared to the 2021 Census, which documented 17,527 people, this represents an expansion of 3,496 people (19.9%). The adjustment is calculated using the ABS estimated resident population of 20,645 from June 2025 alongside 1,019 validated new addresses identified since the Census. With this population level, the density stands at 2,695 persons per square kilometer, placing the suburb in the top quartile of all nationwide territories analyzed by AreaSearch. The area's 19.9% rate of expansion since the 2021 census outstripped both state figures and the national average (9.3%), positioning it as a local growth pacesetter. This upward trajectory was chiefly fueled by overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 88.4% of total population gains in recent times, though all contributing factors, including interstate relocation and natural increase, remained positive.

Projections established by the ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024, utilising 2022 as the baseline, are implemented by AreaSearch for each SA2 territory. For SA2 regions lacking this dataset, and to project development beyond 2032, AreaSearch applies age cohort growth trends from the latest Greater Capital Region projections published by the ABS in 2023, based on 2022 data. Future demographic trends indicate an expansion rate exceeding the national median, with the locality projected to grow by 3,468 persons by 2041 relative to the latest annual ERP statistics, representing a 14.7% rise over the 16 years.

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

Approvals for new dwellings in Subiaco - Shenton Park have averaged roughly 386 per year, resulting in 1,932 home approvals over the preceding 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 186 during the current FY-26. An average influx of 1.3 people per year for each built home over the preceding 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) indicates a balanced relationship between supply and demand that fosters stable local conditions, with new properties being built at an average construction value of $290,000. In addition, commercial development approvals have reached $173.0 million this financial year, highlighting strong local business investment.

Compared to Greater Perth, the rate of development activity (per person) in Subiaco - Shenton Park is 179.0% higher, offering purchasers more options despite a recent moderation in overall activity. This remains significantly above the national benchmark, showing high developer confidence in the local market. Newly approved projects consist of 17.0% detached houses and 83.0% attached dwellings. Focusing on high-density options provides more accessible entry prices while appealing to downsizers, investors, and first-time buyers. This represents a distinct shift from the current housing stock (where houses make up 46.0%), pointing to limited remaining development land and aligning with changing lifestyle choices and affordability pressures. The ratio of roughly 291 people per dwelling approval indicates potential for further expansion.

Long-term projections indicate Subiaco - Shenton Park will gain 3,090 residents by 2041, based on the latest quarterly calculations from AreaSearch. Maintaining current building rates suggests housing supply will satisfy local demand, supporting favorable buyer conditions and potentially paving the way for growth that outpaces current predictions.

Subiaco - Shenton Park has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 16thth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure updates, large-scale developments, and town planning strategies are key drivers of property performance. AreaSearch has identified 45 projects in progress that are expected to influence the local area. Principal developments include the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital Emergency Department Redevelopment, the St John of God Subiaco Hospital Redevelopment, the St John of God Subiaco Hospital Redevelopment, and Regal Subiaco, with key details of the most significant projects listed below.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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AreaSearch assessment positions Subiaco - Shenton Park ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

The local workforce in Subiaco - Shenton Park is highly educated, featuring a strong contingent in professional services, an unemployment rate of just 3.5%, and an estimated job growth rate of 1.5% over the past year. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 11,731, with the local unemployment rate sitting 0.7% below the Greater Perth average of 4.2%, and labor force participation slightly trailing the metropolitan standard (68.2% versus 70.2% in Greater Perth). Census records indicate a moderate 13.6% of local workers operated from home, though this figure may have been influenced by COVID-19 restrictions.

Local employment is heavily weighted toward health care & social assistance, professional & technical roles, and education & training. The area exhibits a notable concentration in professional & technical services, with its share of employment reaching 2.2 times the metropolitan average. Conversely, construction has a minor footprint, accounting for 4.1% of employment compared to 9.3% across the region. With 1.2 jobs for every resident at the time of the Census, the suburb operates as an employment center, hosting more positions than working residents and drawing commuters from adjacent areas.

Analysis of SALM and ABS statistics by AreaSearch shows that over the 12-month period, local employment grew by 1.5% while the labor force expanded by 2.7%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.1 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Perth experienced a 2.0% increase in employment, a 2.5% expansion in the labor force, and a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia published in May-25 provide additional context for prospective demand patterns in Subiaco - Shenton Park. These five and ten-year projections have been applied to the local workforce structure to model future employment paths. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though rates vary significantly by sector. Applying these sector-specific forecasts to the local employment mix suggests Subiaco - Shenton Park's employment could increase by 7.5% over five years and 15.4% over ten years (this represents a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for local population projections).

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

AreaSearch's compilation of the latest postcode-level ATO statistics released for the financial year 2023 indicates the Subiaco - Shenton Park SA2 recorded a median taxpayer income of $72,376, with the average income at $114,413. These figures place the area in the top national percentile, comparing to Greater Perth averages of $60,748 and $80,248 respectively. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since the financial year 2023, current estimates correspond to approximately $80,287 (median) and $126,918 (average) as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, individual incomes are in the 91st percentile nationally ($1,203 weekly). Income distribution shows the $4000+ bracket is the most common, containing 27.0% of residents (5,676 people), which contrasts with the wider metropolitan region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket is most prevalent at 32.0%. Economic prosperity is also reflected in the 37.0% of households that earn high weekly incomes of more than $3,000, which supports local retail and services. High housing costs account for 15.1% of income, yet strong earnings keep disposable income levels in the 75th percentile, and the local SEIFA income score falls in the 8th decile.

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

According to the latest Census, residential properties in Subiaco - Shenton Park consisted of 46.0% detached houses and 54.0% other options (including semi-detached properties, apartments, and alternative dwellings), compared to the Perth metropolitan average of 77.8% houses and 22.1% other options. Meanwhile, outright home ownership in Subiaco - Shenton Park stood at 32.5%, higher than the Perth metro average, with the remaining residences either being purchased under a mortgage (25.8%) or rented (41.7%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $2,585 in the suburb was significantly above the Perth metro median of $1,907, while the median weekly rent was $405, compared to the metropolitan median of $350. Nationally, mortgage payments in Subiaco - Shenton Park are substantially higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while weekly rents also exceed the national benchmark of $375.

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

Families make up the majority of households at 58.3%, consisting of couples with children at 23.9%, couples without children at 26.4%, and single-parent households at 7.1%. Non-family households represent the remaining 41.7%, with single-person households making up 37.6% and group living situations at 4.0%. 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

Levels of educational attainment in Subiaco - Shenton Park are significantly higher than regional averages, with 61.4% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees, compared to 27.9% across WA and 30.1% in Greater Perth. This educational concentration positions the suburb well for knowledge-based industries. Bachelor degrees are the most common credential at 36.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (19.1%) and graduate diplomas (5.4%). Vocational education accounts for 18.0% of credentials among those aged 15+, consisting of advanced diplomas (9.1%) and certificate qualifications (8.9%).

Student representation is high in the area, with 29.7% of residents enrolled in an educational program. This includes 9.3% in higher education, 8.5% in primary schooling, and 7.3% in secondary institutions.

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

Public transport infrastructure includes 114 active transit stops within Subiaco - Shenton Park, providing a combination of rail and bus services. These locations are served by 36 unique routes, which facilitate 8,040 weekly passenger journeys. Access to transport is excellent, with residents living an average of 156 meters from their nearest stop. The suburb is predominantly residential, meaning most workers commute to external employment hubs; private vehicles are the most common transport method at 60%, followed by bus travel at 12% and train usage at 11%. Average vehicle ownership is 0.9 per household, which is below the metropolitan average. In addition, 13.6% of residents worked from home (2021 Census, potentially reflecting pandemic working arrangements).

Transit services average 1,148 trips per day across the network, which averages out to approximately 70 weekly trips for each transit stop. The local map highlights the 100 closest stops relative to the center of the suburb.

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

Health profiles show excellent outcomes in Subiaco - Shenton Park, based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality data and chronic illness rates, which reveals a very low prevalence of common conditions across all age cohorts. The percentage of residents with private health insurance is exceptionally high at approximately 78% of the population (16,397 people). This compares to 59.0% for Greater Perth and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common chronic medical conditions identified among residents are mental health conditions and arthritis, affecting 8.3% and 6.7% of the population respectively, while 72.0% of residents reported having no long-term medical conditions, compared to 71.9% in Greater Perth. The working-age population is particularly healthy, with low rates of chronic illness. Residents aged 65 and over make up 22.2% of the local population (4,658 people), which is higher than the Greater Perth average of 16.1%. The health status of these senior residents remains very strong, with national rankings aligning with those of the broader local 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

Cultural diversity in Subiaco - Shenton Park is higher than in most surrounding residential markets, with 18.3% of the population speaking a non-English language at home and 36.8% born outside Australia. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 40.9% of local residents. The most distinct religious overrepresentation is seen in Judaism, which accounts for 0.5% of the population compared to 0.3% across Greater Perth.

Regarding family ancestry (parents' country of birth), the three most common backgrounds in Subiaco - Shenton Park are English at 28.5% of the population, Australian at 19.9%, and Other at 10.2%. There are also distinct differences in the concentration of other backgrounds: French is overrepresented at 1.2% in Subiaco - Shenton Park (compared to 0.5% across the region), Polish stands at 1.0% (compared to 0.7%), and South Australian accounts for 0.7% (compared to 1.0%).

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

With a median age of 41 years, Subiaco - Shenton Park has an older population profile than Greater Perth (median age 37) and Australia as a whole (median age 38). Compared to the Greater Perth average, the 75 - 84 cohort is overrepresented at 8.4% of the population, while children aged 5 - 14 are underrepresented at 9.9%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has risen from 6.7% to 8.4%, and the 25 to 34 group has increased from 15.3% to 16.6%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 11.0% to 9.9% and the 55 to 64 group decreased from 11.6% to 10.6%. Demographic projections suggest the area's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 age bracket is expected to grow the fastest, increasing by 57% (an additional 1,002 residents) to reach 2,777. This demographic aging trend is highlighted by the fact that residents aged 65 and older represent 64% of all projected population growth. In contrast, the number of children in the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 brackets is projected to decline.