Butler (WA)

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Analysis of ABS population updates for the wider region, alongside new address records validated by Districts since the Census, indicates the population of the suburb of Butler (WA) is approximately 14,704 as of May 2026. This marks an expansion of 1,231 people (9.1%) compared to the 2021 Census, which recorded 13,473 residents. This adjustment is derived from the resident population of 14,691 estimated by Districts using the June 2025 ERP data release from the ABS, supplemented by 28 validated new addresses recorded since the Census. Such a population size results in a density ratio of 2,769 persons per square kilometer, placing the suburb of Butler (WA) in the top quartile of national locations assessed by Districts. The 9.1% post-census growth rate for the suburb of Butler (WA) is within 0.2 percentage points of the national average (9.3%), indicating competitive growth dynamics. The expansion was largely propelled by overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 67.0% of the overall population gains in recent times.

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Butler has a balanced workforce distributed across white-collar and blue-collar occupations, with notable representation in industrial and manufacturing sectors. The local unemployment rate stands at 8.3%, and employment growth is estimated at 2.2% over the past year, according to Districts aggregations of statistical area data. In March 2026, there were 7,975 residents employed, with the unemployment rate sitting 4.1% higher than the Greater Perth rate of 4.2%, indicating potential for labor market improvement. Workforce participation is relatively typical, standing at 74.2% compared to 70.2% in Greater Perth. Census responses show a low 6.6% of residents working from home, though this may have been influenced by COVID-19 lockdowns.

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Taxpayer income levels in Butler are well above the national average according to ATO data compiled by Districts for financial year 2023. The median income of taxpayers in the suburb is $60,424, while the average income is $75,872, compared to Greater Perth metrics of $60,748 and $80,248 respectively. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index rise of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current estimates correspond to roughly $67,028 for the median and $84,165 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Butler are moderate, positioning between the 46th and 47th percentiles. The data indicates that the weekly earnings bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 accounts for 36.9% of the population (5,425 individuals), matching the regional proportion of in the same category. Financial pressures regarding housing are high, leaving residents with of income, which ranks in the th percentile.

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The distribution of housing types in Butler at the last Census consisted of 96.1% separate houses and 3.9% other dwellings like townhouses, apartments, and alternative structures, compared to the Perth metropolitan average of 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Butler trailed the metropolitan average at 12.6%, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with mortgages (52.2%) or renting (35.2%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,733 was below the Perth metro average of $1,907, and the median weekly rent of $340 was slightly lower than the metropolitan figure of $350. Nationally, mortgage repayments in Butler are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are below the national figure of $375.

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Family households represent 75.9% of the local dwelling mix, consisting of couples with children at 37.1%, couples without children at 19.9%, and single-parent households at 17.9%. Non-family households account for the remaining 24.1%, with lone person households representing 21.4% and group households making up 2.6% of the total. The median household occupancy of 2.8 persons is higher than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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The locality presents educational statistics showing university completion rates of 16.4%, which are considerably lower than the national average of 30.4%. This highlights a gap as well as an opening for targeted educational programs. Bachelor degrees represent the largest tertiary share at 11.8%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 2.7% and graduate diplomas at 1.9%. Vocational and technical training are highly represented, with 41.6% of residents aged 15 and over holding vocational qualifications, split between advanced diplomas (11.4%) and certificates (30.2%).

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Analysis of transit options indicates 65 active public transport stops in Butler, offering a combination of rail and bus services. These stops are served by 10 separate routes that support 3,394 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is high, with residents living an average of 199 meters from their closest stop. As the area is predominantly residential, most commuters travel out of the suburb, with private cars remaining the primary transport method at 77%, and train travel at 14%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per household, which sits below the regional average. A relatively low 6.6% of residents work from home, based on 2021 Census data which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.

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Health metrics point to below-average outcomes in Butler, based on Districts' evaluation of mortality rates and the prevalence of chronic illnesses. Common health conditions are slightly more frequent than average across both younger and older demographics, while the proportion of people with private health insurance is high, representing approximately 57% of the population (~8,428 individuals).

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Butler shows a higher degree of cultural diversity than most local property markets, with 15.3% of residents using a non-English language at home and 45.1% born overseas. The major religious affiliation is Christianity, accounting for 43.3% of the community. The most distinct relative overrepresentation is observed in Judaism, which makes up 0.1% of the population, compared to 0.3% across Greater Perth.

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With a median age of 32 years, Butler's population is younger than the Greater Perth average of 37 and the national average of 38 years. Relative to Greater Perth, Butler shows a higher proportion of residents aged 15 - 24 (15.9%) but a smaller share of people aged 75 - 84 (3.3%). Post-2021 Census figures show the 55 to 64 age bracket increased from 8.4% to 10.2% of the population, while the 5 to 14 cohort decreased from 16.4% to 14.4% and the 0 to 4 group declined from 7.4% to 6.3%. Demographic projections suggest Butler's age profile will change by with the to group showing the highest growth rate at (adding residents to reach ), while declines are anticipated in the to and to cohorts.

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Butler currently has an estimated 926 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 494 children aged 0-2 and 329 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 7% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 2% by 2041 (to approximately 903 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,593. Birth rates in the area have averaged 10.5 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.