Wembley Downs - Churchlands - Woodlands

Population growth drivers in Wembley Downs - Churchlands - Woodlands are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, the population of Wembley Downs - Churchlands - Woodlands is around 16,793 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,749 people (11.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,044 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 16,459 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 67 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,093 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The 11.6% growth of Wembley Downs - Churchlands - Woodlands since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 91.4% 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). Looking at population projections moving forward, an above-median population growth of statistical areas across the nation is projected, with the area expected to increase by 2,325 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 11.9% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Wembley Downs - Churchlands - Woodlands among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Wembley Downs - Churchlands - Woodlands has averaged around 57 new dwelling approvals each year, with 289 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 22 so far in FY-26. Given an average of 4.4 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand significantly exceeds new supply, which usually results in price growth and increased buyer competition, while new dwellings are developed at an average construction cost of $567,000, revealing that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. There have also been $12.9 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

Relative to Greater Perth, Wembley Downs - Churchlands - Woodlands has 16.0% less new development (per person) while it places among the 57th percentile of areas assessed nationally. Recent construction comprises 88.0% detached dwellings and 12.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. New construction favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest (70.0% at Census), demonstrating ongoing robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. With around 267 people per dwelling approval, Wembley Downs - Churchlands - Woodlands shows a developing market.

Looking ahead, Wembley Downs - Churchlands - Woodlands is expected to grow by 1,991 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Development is keeping a reasonable pace with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

Wembley Downs - Churchlands - Woodlands has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 15thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 24 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Glendalough Green, Bold Park Aquatic Centre Redevelopment, Floreat Beach Masterplan, and Wembley Downs Local Centre Precinct Structure Plan, 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.

Employment conditions in Wembley Downs - Churchlands - Woodlands rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Wembley Downs - Churchlands - Woodlands has a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of just 1.3%, and 4.3% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 9,220 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.8% below Greater Perth's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (68.3% compared to Greater Perth's 71.9%). Based on Census responses, a low 13.2% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. The area shows particularly strong specialization in professional & technical, with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level. Conversely, manufacturing shows lower representation at 2.9% versus the regional average of 5.5%. 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 4.3% while labour force increased by 4.2%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. By comparison, Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 2.3%, labour force growth of 2.6%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Wembley Downs - Churchlands - Woodlands. 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 Wembley Downs - Churchlands - Woodlands's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.4% 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

The Wembley Downs - Churchlands - Woodlands SA2's income level is extremely high nationally according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Wembley Downs - Churchlands - Woodlands SA2's median income among taxpayers is $69,566 and the average income stands at $94,136, compared to figures for Greater Perth of $60,748 and $80,248 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $76,258 (median) and $103,192 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Wembley Downs - Churchlands - Woodlands, between the 77th and 86th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate the largest segment comprises 30.4% earning $4000+ weekly (5,105 residents), differing from patterns across regional levels where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 32.0%. The district demonstrates considerable affluence with 42.0% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. After housing costs, residents retain 86.9% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Wembley Downs - Churchlands - Woodlands displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Wembley Downs - Churchlands - Woodlands, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 69.6% houses and 30.3% 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 Wembley Downs - Churchlands - Woodlands was well beyond that of Perth metro, at 43.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (37.3%) or rented (19.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Perth metro average at $2,669, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $420, compared to Perth metro's $1,907 and $350. Nationally, Wembley Downs - Churchlands - Woodlands's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Wembley Downs - Churchlands - Woodlands has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 75.1% of all households, comprising 40.0% couples with children, 24.9% couples without children, and 9.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 24.9%, with lone person households at 22.5% and group households comprising 2.4% of the total. The median household size of 2.7 people is larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Wembley Downs - Churchlands - Woodlands demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Educational attainment in Wembley Downs - Churchlands - Woodlands significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 50.4% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 27.9% in WA and 29.0% in the SA4 region. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 32.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.6%) and graduate diplomas (5.2%). Vocational pathways account for 22.3% of qualifications among those aged 15+ - advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (11.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.1% in secondary education, 10.3% in primary education, and 6.8% 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 79 active transport stops operating within Wembley Downs - Churchlands - Woodlands comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 13 individual routes, collectively providing 2,530 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 184 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - the car remains the dominant mode at 82%, with 7% by bus and 6% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. A relatively low 13.2% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 361 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 32 weekly trips per individual stop.

Wembley Downs - Churchlands - Woodlands'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 Wembley Downs - Churchlands - Woodlands, 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 68% of the total population (11,335 people). This compares to 59.0% across Greater Perth and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 6.6% and 6.0% of residents, respectively, while 74.0% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. The area has 21.0% of residents aged 65 and over (3,529 people), which is higher than the 16.3% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, though they rank lower nationally than the broader population.

Wembley Downs - Churchlands - Woodlands was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Wembley Downs - Churchlands - Woodlands is more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 20.9% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 35.3% born overseas. The main religion in Wembley Downs - Churchlands - Woodlands is Christianity, which makes up 49.5% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.2% 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 Wembley Downs - Churchlands - Woodlands are English, comprising 26.6% of the population, Australian, comprising 21.9% of the population, and Other, comprising 8.8% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: South Australian is notably overrepresented at 1.6% of Wembley Downs - Churchlands - Woodlands (vs 1.0% regionally), Croatian at 0.9% (vs 0.8%) and French at 0.7% (vs 0.5%).

Wembley Downs - Churchlands - Woodlands's median age exceeds the national pattern

The 42-year median age in Wembley Downs - Churchlands - Woodlands is significantly above Greater Perth's average of 37 and similarly considerably older than Australia's 38 years. The 45 - 54 age group shows strong representation at 14.5% compared to Greater Perth, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is less prevalent at 8.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 13.1% to 14.9% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 15.2% to 13.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Wembley Downs - Churchlands - Woodlands. Leading the demographic shift, the 85+ group will grow by 107% (760 people), reaching 1,473 from 712. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 63% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.