Derby (WA)

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Analysis of ABS demographic updates covering the broader region, combined with address details verified by Districts subsequent to the Census, indicates that the suburb of Derby (WA) has an estimated residency of approximately 4,650 individuals as of May 2026. This represents an addition of 1,428 people (44.3%) since the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 3,222 people. The calculation is derived from the resident population of 4,650, which was computed by Districts utilizing the June 2025 ERP data release from the ABS alongside 38 validated new addresses recorded since the Census. This population level translates to a density of 10.0 persons per square kilometer, indicating a spacious residential environment. The 44.3% growth rate in the suburb of Derby (WA) since the 2021 census was higher than the national expansion rate (9.3%) and outpaced the Rest of WA, positioning it as a regional growth leader. Population expansion within the district was mostly propelled by natural increase, which accounted for approximately 52.0% of the total population rise during recent timeframes.

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The suburb of Derby (WA) possesses a skilled labor pool with strong representation in essential services, an unemployment rate of 21.0%, and an annual employment expansion estimated at 5.8% based on regional data compiled by Districts. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 1,557, while the unemployment rate sat 17.5% higher than the 3.5% recorded in Regional WA, indicating potential for labor market improvement, and workforce participation remains low at 52.3% compared to 65.6% in Regional WA. Census responses indicate that a minor 5.0% of local workers operated from home, though the influence of Covid-19 restrictions should be kept in mind.

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The suburb of Derby (WA) shows a median taxpayer income of $96,602 and an average of $113,009 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by Districts for financial year 2023. This is among the top percentile nationally, contrasting with Regional WA's median income of $59,973 and average income of $74,392. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $107,161 (median) and $125,361 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Derby cluster around the 53rd percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 38.7% of the community (1,799 individuals), mirroring the region where 31.1% occupy this bracket. After housing costs, residents retain 89.5% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power.

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At the time of the last Census, the housing mix in the suburb of Derby (WA) consisted of 87.3% detached houses and 12.7% other housing styles such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and alternative structures, compared to Regional WA where detached houses made up 88.5% and alternative structures comprised 11.6%. Home ownership rates in the suburb of Derby (WA) stood at 17.7%, trailing Regional WA, with the rest of the housing stock occupied by residents with a mortgage (15.9%) or renting (66.4%). The median monthly mortgage payment was higher than the Regional WA average at $1,638, while the median weekly rent was $180, compared to regional figures of $1,560 and $265. Nationally, mortgage payments in the suburb of Derby (WA) are notably below the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are much lower than the national benchmark of $375.

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Families comprise the majority of households at 63.1%, consisting of couples with children at 22.1%, couples without children at 25.3%, and single parent families at 13.1%. The remaining 36.9% are non-family households, with single person households accounting for 34.5% and group living situations representing 2.5% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 residents is identical to the Regional WA average.

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The suburb of Derby (WA) exhibits lower rates of higher education, with university graduation levels at 19.9% compared to the national average of 30.4%. This gap presents an opportunity for focused educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 13.8%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 3.4% and graduate diplomas at 2.7%. Vocational education is prominent, with 39.1% of residents aged 15+ holding technical qualifications, split between advanced diplomas at 8.7% and certificate courses at 30.4%.

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Health assessments indicate notable medical challenges in the suburb of Derby (WA) based on mortality statistics and chronic disease trends, with standard ailments observed across both older and younger age groups, while private health coverage is unusually high, encompassing approximately 72% of the population (3,344 people). This contrasts with 56.4% across Regional WA and a national average of 55.7%.

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Cultural diversity metrics in the suburb of Derby (WA) are below average, with citizens making up 64.1% of the population, Australian-born individuals representing 87.1%, and 85.2% of residents speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 51.1% of the community. The most distinct variance is found in the Other religious category, which accounts for 1.3% of residents compared to 0.7% across Regional WA.

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Having a median age of 34, the suburb of Derby (WA) is younger than Regional WA where the median is 40, and sits below the Australian median of 38 years. The 25 - 34 age segment represents 19.4% of the population, showing strong representation compared to Regional WA, while the 75 - 84 age segment is smaller at 2.9%. Since 2021, the 25 to 34 age segment has expanded from 17.2% to 19.4% of the population, and the 35 to 44 cohort grew from 13.0% to 14.1%. Meanwhile, the 45 to 54 demographic shrank from 13.3% to 12.2%. Looking forward to 2041, demographic projections point to shifts in the age structure of the suburb of Derby (WA), led by a 32% growth in the 25 to 34 cohort (adding 287 people) to reach 1,190 from 902, while the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 cohorts will see their numbers decline.

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Derby currently has an estimated 269 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 189 children aged 0-2 and 126 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 25% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 32% by 2041 (to approximately 354 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 540. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 14.1 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. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.