Willetton

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Willetton's population is around 21,724 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,462 people (12.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 19,262 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 21,179 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 47 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,485 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Willetton's 12.8% growth 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.

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 relative to national areas is projected, with the area expected to increase by 3,261 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 12.5% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Willetton among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Willetton has averaged around 106 new dwelling approvals each year, totalling 531 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 39 approvals have been recorded. At an average of 3.6 new residents per year for every home built 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 properties are constructed at an average value of $271,000. There have also been $16.5 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

Compared to Greater Perth, Willetton maintains similar construction rates (per person), maintaining market balance consistent with the broader area, though development activity has moderated in recent periods. Recent construction comprises 97.0% detached houses and 3.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 282 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth.

Looking ahead, Willetton is expected to grow by 2,716 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Willetton has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 35thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 7 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Willetton Sports Precinct Transformation, Centuria Canning Vale Industrial Development, Willetton Senior High School Redevelopment, and Murdoch Health and Knowledge 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.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Willetton performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Willetton features a highly educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 1.7%, and 1.6% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 11,316 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.4% below Greater Perth's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (68.4% compared to Greater Perth's 71.9%). Based on Census responses, a low 8.8% 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, education & training, and professional & technical services. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in professional & technical services, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 6.8% versus the regional average of 9.3%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 1.6% while the labour force increased by 1.9%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points. This compares to Greater Perth, where employment grew by 2.3%, the labour force expanded by 2.6%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Willetton. 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 Willetton'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).

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Willetton SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $53,071 with the average level standing at $68,465. This is just above the national average and compares to levels of $60,748 and $80,248 across Greater Perth respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $58,176 (median) and $75,051 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household income ranks at the 76th percentile ($2,178 weekly), while personal income sits at the 39th percentile. Income analysis reveals the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 32.2% of the community (6,995 individuals), mirroring the region where 32.0% occupy this bracket. The district demonstrates considerable affluence with 32.7% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. After housing costs, residents retain 87.4% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Willetton is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Willetton, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 90.0% houses and 10.0% 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 Willetton was well beyond that of Perth metro, at 39.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (40.0%) or rented (20.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Perth metro average at $2,100, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $400, compared to Perth metro's $1,907 and $350. Nationally, Willetton's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are exceeding the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 84.1% of all households, comprising 51.5% couples with children, 21.4% couples without children, and 10.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 15.9%, with lone person households at 14.3% and group households comprising 1.5% of the total. The median household size of 3.1 people is larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Willetton shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Willetton significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 42.9% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 27.9% in WA and 29.9% in the SA4 region. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 27.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.7%) and graduate diplomas (3.3%). Vocational pathways account for 24.6% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (10.3%) and certificates (14.3%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 35.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.4% in primary education, 12.1% in secondary education, and 7.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 93 active transport stops operating within Willetton, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 23 individual routes, collectively providing 4,574 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 216 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 74%, with 15% by train and 8% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A relatively low 8.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 653 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 49 weekly trips per individual stop.

Willetton'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 Willetton, 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 just leads that of the average SA2 area at approximately 53% of the total population (~11,578 people). This compares to 59.0% across Greater Perth.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be arthritis and asthma, impacting 5.6 and 5.1% of residents, respectively, while 77.6% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. The area has 17.2% of residents aged 65 and over (3,740 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Willetton is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Willetton scores highly on cultural diversity, with 45.9% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 53.2% born overseas. The main religion in Willetton is Christianity, which makes up 41.2% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Buddhism, which comprises 6.7% 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 Willetton are Chinese, comprising 21.2% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 4.0%, English, comprising 19.2% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 28.0%, and Australian, comprising 14.8% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 21.2%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Indian is notably overrepresented at 8.8% of Willetton (vs 2.6% regionally), Korean at 1.6% (vs 0.3%) and Sri Lankan at 0.9% (vs 0.2%).

Willetton's population is slightly older than the national pattern

With a median age of 40, Willetton is somewhat higher than the Greater Perth figure of 37 and similarly marginally higher than Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Greater Perth average, the 5 - 14 cohort is notably over-represented (17.3% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (7.3%). This 5 - 14 concentration is well above the national 12.1%. In the period since 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 14.1% to 16.4% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 4.4% to 6.0%. Conversely, the 35 to 44 cohort has declined from 15.3% to 13.1%. Demographic modeling suggests Willetton's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to grow significantly, expanding by 886 people (69%) from 1,292 to 2,179. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 50% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.