Willetton
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Willetton's population is approximately 21,287 as of August 2025. This figure represents an increase of 2,025 people from the 2021 Census count of 19,262. The growth was inferred from ABS estimated resident population data of 21,179 in June 2024 and validated new addresses since then. Willetton's population density is 2,435 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. The area's 10.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeds the national average of 8.6%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 91.4% of Willetton's population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and post-2032 growth estimates, AreaSearch employs ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. Willetton is projected to have above median population growth, increasing by 3,261 persons to reach a total of 24,548 by 2041, marking a 14.8% increase over the 17-year period.

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

Willetton has received approximately 106 dwelling approvals annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics provides this data on a financial year basis, showing 531 approvals between FY21 and FY25, with 15 approved so far in FY26. Each year, an average of 3.6 new residents arrives per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years. This demand outpaces supply, potentially influencing prices and buyer competition.

New properties are constructed at an average cost of $446,000. Commercial approvals totaled $16.5 million in FY26, indicating moderate commercial development activity. Willetton's construction rates per person align with Greater Perth's, suggesting market stability.

However, building activity has slowed recently. Detached houses comprise 97.0% of new building activity, while townhouses or apartments make up 3.0%, reflecting the area's suburban character focused on family homes. With around 282 people per dwelling approval, Willetton indicates a growing market. Projections estimate Willetton will add 3,153 residents by 2041. If current development patterns continue, new housing supply should meet demand, benefiting buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth.

Willetton has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 19thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects that may impact the area. Key projects include Willetton Sports Precinct Transformation, Centuria Canning Vale Industrial Development, Willetton Senior High School Redevelopment, and Willetton Youth Centre Renovation. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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

Willetton has a highly educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 1.5%, lower than Greater Perth's 3.9%.

Over the year ending June 2025, employment grew by an estimated 3.0%. As of June 2025, 11,365 residents are employed, with a workforce participation rate matching Greater Perth's 65.2% and an unemployment rate of 2.3%, below the regional average. Key industries for Willetton residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services, with a notable specialisation in the latter (1.3 times the regional level). Conversely, construction employs only 6.8% of local workers, lower than Greater Perth's 9.3%.

Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 3.0%, while labour force grew by an equivalent amount, keeping unemployment stable at a low rate. In comparison, Greater Perth saw employment grow by 3.7%, labour force expand by 3.8%, and unemployment rise slightly to 4.0%. State-wide, WA experienced a 0.82% contraction in employment (14,590 jobs lost) as of Sep-25, with an unemployment rate of 4.3%, compared to the national rate of 4.5% and national employment growth of 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with variations across industries. Applying these projections to Willetton's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.7% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, although these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Willetton's median income is $51,157 and average income is $65,740. This contrasts with Greater Perth's median of $58,380 and average of $78,020. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022, current estimates for Willetton are approximately $57,096 (median) and $73,372 (average) as of March 2025. Census 2021 data shows Willetton's household income ranks at the 77th percentile ($2,178 weekly), with personal income at the 39th percentile. In Willetton, 32.2% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, consistent with metropolitan trends (32.0%). Notably, 32.7% of Willetton residents earn above $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 87.4% of income, indicating strong purchasing power. Willetton'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

Willetton's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 90.0% houses and 10.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Perth metro's 78.4% houses and 21.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Willetton was at 39.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.0% and rented dwellings at 20.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,100, higher than Perth metro's average of $1,820. Willetton's median weekly rent figure was $400, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Willetton's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 84.1% of all households, including 51.5% couples with children, 21.4% couples without children, and 10.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for 15.9%, with lone person households at 14.3% and group households comprising 1.5%. The median household size is 3.1 people, which exceeds the Greater Perth average of 2.7 people.

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

Willetton's educational attainment is notably higher than broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15 and above, 42.9% hold university qualifications, compared to 27.9% in Western Australia (WA) and 29.9% in the Small Area 4 (SA4) region. The most common qualification is a bachelor degree, held by 27.9%. Postgraduate qualifications account for 11.7%, and graduate diplomas make up 3.3%.

Vocational pathways are also prevalent, with 24.6% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications. Advanced diplomas constitute 10.3%, while certificates account for 14.3%. Educational participation in Willetton is 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. Willetton has a robust network of seven schools educating approximately 5,643 students as of the latest data. The area demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions, with an Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage (ICSEA) score of 1097. The educational mix includes four primary schools, one secondary school, and two K-12 schools. Willetton functions as an education hub, with 26.5 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 14.8. This attracts students from surrounding communities.

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

Willetton has 89 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 22 different routes that together facilitate 3735 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents on average being located 218 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 533 trips per day, equating to approximately 41 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

Willetton's health outcomes data shows excellent results, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 52% of the total population (~11,154 people), which is slightly higher than the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 5.6% and 5.1% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 77.6%, report no medical ailments, compared to 76.0% in Greater Perth. Willetton has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 16.7% (3,554 people). Health outcomes among seniors are strong and largely align with the general population's health profile.

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's cultural diversity is notable, with 45.9% speaking a language other than English at home and 53.2% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Willetton, comprising 41.2%. However, Buddhism's presence is notably higher at 6.7%, compared to Greater Perth's average of 6.7%.

The top three ancestry groups in Willetton are Chinese (21.2%), English (19.2%), and Australian (14.8%). Other ethnic groups with notable divergences include Indian (8.8% vs regional 6.5%), Korean (1.6% vs 1.2%), and Sri Lankan (0.9% vs 0.7%).

Willetton's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Willetton's median age is 40, slightly higher than Greater Perth's figure of 37 and Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Greater Perth average, Willetton has a notably higher proportion of 5-14 year-olds (17.6%) but fewer 25-34 year-olds (7.4%). The national average for 5-14 year-olds is 12.2%. Between 2021 and the present, the population aged 15 to 24 has increased from 14.1% to 15.9%, while those aged 75 to 84 have grown from 4.4% to 5.5%. Conversely, the 35 to 44 age group has decreased from 15.3% to 13.6%. By 2041, Willetton's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 75 to 84 age cohort is expected to grow by 1,014 people (an 87% increase), from 1,164 to 2,179. Conversely, both the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.