Dayton (WA)

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According to the latest demographic evaluations by Districts using ABS updates and validated new addresses post-Census, the suburb of Dayton has an estimated population of approximately 7,040 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 1,533 residents (27.8%) from the 2021 Census headcount of 5,507. This updated figure is calculated based on a June 2025 ABS ERP publication showing 6,989 residents, combined with 379 validated new addresses confirmed since the Census. Consequently, the suburb has a density of 2,921 persons per square kilometer, which ranks in the top quartile of all locations analyzed nationwide by Districts. This 27.8% growth rate since the 2021 census is faster than the national benchmark of 9.3% and the state average, establishing the area as a regional growth leader. The primary driver of these gains was interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 43.0% of the population increase, although positive contributions were also recorded from overseas migration and natural growth.

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Dayton boasts a highly skilled labor pool dominated by manufacturing and industrial enterprises, alongside an unemployment rate of 2.8% and projected employment growth of 4.4% over the previous twelve months according to Districts aggregated statistical area data. By March 2026, the city recorded 4,207 employed residents with an unemployment rate that was 1.4% lower than Greater Perth's 4.2%, while workforce participation stood at 82.2% relative to the regional baseline of 70.2%. Census survey results indicated that only 4.3% of inhabitants worked remotely, a figure that must be contextualized against the lingering effects of Covid-19 lockdown measures.

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Based on aggregated ATO postcode statistics from the 2023 financial year, the suburb of Dayton recorded a median taxpayer income of $71,479 and an average income of $83,004. These figures are high by national standards and compare to $60,748 (median) and $80,248 (average) across Greater Perth. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since the 2023 financial year, these figures translate to estimated values of approximately $79,292 for median earnings and $92,076 for average earnings as of March 2026. According to Census data, household, family, and individual incomes in the suburb of Dayton are positioned between the 74th and 80th percentiles nationally. The largest income bracket is the $1,500 - 2,999 range, which accounts for 49.9% of residents (3,512 people), mirroring the regional trend where of the population falls into this category. Housing expenses account for of household income, but strong overall earnings keep disposable income in the th percentile, while the SEIFA index places the area in the th decile for income.

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At the time of the latest Census, the housing stock in the suburb of Dayton consisted of 96.7% separate houses and 3.3% other dwelling types like townhouses or apartments, compared to 77.8% separate houses and 22.1% other dwellings across metropolitan Perth. Home ownership was low compared to the metropolitan average, standing at 5.0%, with the bulk of properties being mortgaged (72.6%) or rented (22.3%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $2,000 is higher than the Perth metropolitan average of $1,907, while the median weekly rent was $360, compared to $350 across metropolitan Perth. Nationally, mortgage costs in the suburb of Dayton exceed the Australian average of $1,863, whereas rents are lower than the national median of $375.

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Families make up 81.2% of all households in the suburb of Dayton, with couples with children representing 49.4%, couples without children at 20.8%, and single parents at 9.0%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 18.8% of households, consisting of single-person households at 16.0% and group households at 3.0%. The median household size is 3.0 residents, which is larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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Educational qualifications in the suburb of Dayton are high compared to the wider region, with 30.6% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 19.7% in the SA3 area and 24.3% in the SA4 region. This education profile prepares the area well for professional and knowledge-based employment. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 21.8%, followed by postgraduate degrees (6.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational and technical training is also highly represented, with 37.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational qualifications, including advanced diplomas (13.1%) and certificates (24.7%).

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Public transport networks in the suburb of Dayton include 30 active bus stops. These locations are serviced by 3 distinct routes, which accommodate 878 passenger journeys per week. Transport links are accessible, with residents living an average of 256 meters from the nearest stop. The suburb is primarily residential, resulting in a high rate of outward commuting, with cars being the main transport mode for 82% of workers, and trains used by 9%. Average car ownership is 1.6 vehicles per household. A lower proportion of residents, 4.3%, worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic conditions.

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Health indicators show positive outcomes in the suburb of Dayton, based on mortality rates and a low occurrence of chronic conditions across all age groups analyzed by Districts, while private health insurance coverage is high, encompassing approximately 60% of the population (4,234 people).

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The suburb of Dayton exhibits high levels of cultural diversity, with 51.4% of residents speaking a language other than English at home and 50.9% born outside of Australia. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 38.6% of the population. The most pronounced demographic divergence is in the Other category, which accounts for 10.4% of residents, compared to the Greater Perth average of 1.4%.

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With a median age of 30 years, the suburb of Dayton has a younger population than Greater Perth (median age 37) and is younger than the national median of 38. The suburb has a high concentration of residents aged 25 - 34, who make up 25.5% of the population compared to 14.6% nationally, but has a lower proportion of people aged 55 - 64, who represent 3.8% of residents. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 45 to 54 increased from 9.2% to 9.8%, while the 0 to 4 age group decreased from 12.1% to 11.1%. Long-term projections indicate the age structure will change by 2041, with the to age group expected to increase by people () from to while the to age group is projected to grow by ( people).

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Dayton currently has an estimated 781 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 294 children aged 0-2 and 195 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 17% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 6% by 2041 (to approximately 831 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 801. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 15.5 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 20% of areas assessed nationally.