Bentley (WA)

Detail

Analysis of ABS demographic updates for the wider region combined with new address validations by Districts since the Census indicates the population of the suburb of Bentley (WA) is approximately 11,213 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 2,162 people (23.9%) from the 2021 Census, which counted 9,051 residents. The adjustment is based on a resident population of 11,201 estimated by Districts using the June 2025 ABS ERP release, supplemented by 40 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population size corresponds to a density of 2,084 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical figure for national locations analyzed by Districts. The 23.9% expansion rate of the suburb of Bentley (WA) since the 2021 census outpaced the national benchmark of 9.3% and the local SA3 region, positioning the suburb of Bentley (WA) as a leading growth area. This population growth was almost entirely supported by net overseas migration, which served as the exclusive driver of demographic gains in recent times.

Detail

Bentley features a highly educated local workforce with a strong presence in hospitality and tourism. The local unemployment rate stands at 6.0%, and jobs grew by an estimated 2.6% over the preceding year based on Districts statistical area aggregations. As of March 2026, there are 6,315 employed locals. The jobless rate is 1.8% higher than the Greater Perth benchmark of 4.2%, while workforce participation is slightly low at 65.6% compared to 70.2% in Greater Perth. Census records indicate a minor 4.8% of employed residents worked from home, though this figure should be interpreted in light of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.

Detail

Taxpayer statistics for the 2023 financial year, compiled by Districts at the postcode level, reveal Bentley has a median taxpayer income of $42,209 and an average of $50,162. These figures sit below the national average and contrast with the Greater Perth median of $60,748 and average of $80,248. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since the 2023 financial year, current figures are estimated at roughly $46,822 for the median and $55,645 for the average as of March 2026. According to the Census, household, family, and individual incomes in Bentley all rank in the 14th percentile nationally. Income distribution data shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket is the largest, containing 26.8% of residents (3,005 people), which resembles the wider metropolitan area where this cohort accounts for . Housing costs present a heavy burden, leaving residents with only of their income, which places the area in the th percentile for affordability.

Detail

The local housing stock at the time of the last Census consisted of 37.3% separate houses and 62.7% alternative housing options like townhouses, units, and apartments, differing from the metropolitan Perth split of 77.8% separate houses and 22.1% alternative dwellings. The home ownership rate stood at 16.6%, which was lower than the metropolitan average, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with mortgages (18.4%) or tenants renting their homes (65.0%). Typical monthly mortgage payments were $1,555, which is lower than the Perth metropolitan average of $1,907, while typical weekly rent was $320 compared to the metropolitan average of $350. Nationally, mortgage costs in Bentley are below the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are lower than the national median of $375.

Detail

Families make up 45.4% of local households, consisting of 15.2% couples with children, 20.4% couples without children, and 7.0% single parent households. The remaining 54.6% are non-family households, including lone persons at 38.9% and group households at 15.6%. The typical household size of 2.3 individuals is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Detail

Educational qualifications in Bentley are high relative to regional baselines, with 39.2% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 27.9% across WA and 29.9% in the SA4 region. This profile positions the locality well for knowledge-intensive industries. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 24.8%, followed by postgraduate study at 12.3% and graduate diplomas at 2.1%. Practical and vocational training is also well represented, with 27.1% of the population aged 15+ holding vocational qualifications, split between advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (15.5%).

Detail

Analysis of local transit shows Bentley has 95 active stops, including both train stations and bus stops. These locations are served by 46 separate routes, which support a total of 7,811 weekly passenger trips. Public transport accessibility is strong, with residents living an average of 144 meters from their nearest transit stop. Given the residential nature of the suburb, most workers commute out of the area. Private vehicles remain the primary transit mode at 72%, while 15% of commuters travel by bus and 7% use the train. Households own an average of 1.1 cars, which is below the metropolitan average. A small proportion of residents (4.8%) worked from home, according to 2021 Census data, which was likely affected by pandemic restrictions.

Detail

The locality presents notable health challenges based on Districts assessments of mortality rates and chronic health conditions, with various ailments common across the community, particularly within older cohorts. Private health insurance coverage is low, with approximately 47% of residents (~5,283 people) holding cover. This compares to 59.0% in Greater Perth and a national average of 55.7%.

Detail

Bentley ranks among the most culturally diverse localities in the nation, with 48.9% of residents using a language other than English at home and 59.2% born outside of Australia. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 36.0% of the population. A notable divergence from metropolitan trends is seen in Buddhism, which is practiced by 10.3% of the community compared to the Greater Perth average of 2.7%.

Detail

The median age of 30 years in Bentley is younger than the Greater Perth median of 37 and the national average of 38. Compared to the wider metropolitan area, Bentley has a higher share of people aged 15 - 24 (24.3%) and a lower share aged 5 - 14 (5.6%). The proportion of 15 - 24 year-olds is higher than the national figure of 12.7%. Since the 2021 Census, the median age has decreased by 1.5 years to 30. During this time, the 15 to 24 age bracket rose from 21.1% to 24.3% of the population, and the 25 to 34 age bracket increased from to . Meanwhile, the cohort aged and over declined from to , and the to group fell from to . Population projections for point to significant changes, with the to cohort expected to grow the fastest at , adding residents to reach a total of . Older residents aged and over will account for of total population growth, highlighting local aging trends, whereas the to and to cohorts are projected to shrink.

Detail

Bentley currently has an estimated 336 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 289 children aged 0-2 and 191 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 1% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 3% by 2041 (to approximately 345 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 676. Birth rates in the area have averaged 9.8 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a moderate rate (within the middle tier nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.