East Perth (WA)

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According to ABS demographic data analysed for the surrounding region and subsequent address checks conducted by Districts after the Census, the suburb of East Perth has an estimated residency of 14,359 individuals as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 2,678 people (22.9%) since the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 11,681 people. The figure is derived from the resident population of 14,359, calculated by Districts using the most recent ABS ERP numbers released in June 2025 alongside an additional 8 validated new addresses detected post-Census. With this population level, the density stands at 4,487 persons per square kilometer, placing the locality in the top 10% of all areas analysed nationwide by Districts, highlighting the high demand for local land. The 22.9% expansion rate of the suburb of East Perth since the 2021 census outpaced the national figure (9.3%) as well as state benchmarks, positioning it as a key regional growth hub. This demographic expansion was primarily underpinned by overseas migration, which accounted for approximately of the total population increase in recent times.

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East Perth has a highly qualified workforce with a strong concentration of workers in professional services, an unemployment rate of 5.5%, and an annual employment growth rate estimated at 0.9% according to Districts regional aggregations. As of March 2026, there are 9,915 residents in active employment, though the unemployment rate sits 1.3% higher than the Greater Perth benchmark of 4.2%, and labour force participation is exceptionally high at 77.2% compared to Greater Perth's 70.2%. Census records indicate that a minor 9.1% of the workforce worked from home, although this should be viewed in light of COVID-19 restriction periods.

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According to Districts compilations of postcode-level ATO data released for the financial year 2023, taxpaying residents in the suburb of East Perth recorded a median income of $63,208 and an average income of $86,645. These figures are among the highest nationwide, comparing to averages of $60,748 and $80,248 across Greater Perth. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since the financial year 2023, current estimates correspond to approximately $70,117 for median income and $96,115 for average income as of March 2026. The 2021 Census data indicates that individual weekly earnings of $1,174 place the area in the 89th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that 34.4% of the population (4,939 individuals) earn between $1,500 - which is similar to the regional proportion of in the same category. Local housing costs absorb of income, yet high wages keep net disposable income in the rd percentile, while the SEIFA index ranks the area in the th decile for income.

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The residential landscape of East Perth at the time of the latest Census was composed of 3.9% standalone houses and 96.2% alternative dwellings such as townhouses, apartments, and other housing forms, compared to the broader Perth metropolitan area where houses made up 77.8% and other options accounted for 22.1%. Home ownership rates in East Perth were lower than the Perth metro average, sitting at 16.5%, with the remaining dwellings occupied by residents with a mortgage (20.8%) or renting tenants (62.7%). The median monthly home loan payment of $1,950 was higher than the Perth metro average of $1,907, while the median weekly rent stood at $410, compared to $350 across the wider Perth metro area. On a national level, mortgage costs in East Perth exceed the Australian average of $1,863, and typical rent costs are higher than the national figure of $375.

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Families represent the majority of local households at 50.6%, which consists of 11.2% couples with children, 33.5% couples without children, and 4.5% single parents. Non-family households account for the remaining 49.4%, with single-person households representing 40.6% and shared households making up 8.8% of the total. The median household size of 1.8 residents is lower than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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Academic credentials in East Perth are considerably higher than broader benchmarks, with 54.7% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 27.9% across WA and 30.1% in Greater Perth. This high level of education positions the area well for professional and knowledge-based careers. Bachelor degrees represent the largest share at 35.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (16.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational studies represent 24.7% of qualifications among residents aged 15+, consisting of advanced diplomas (11.9%) and certificates (12.8%).

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Analysis of local transit indicates there are 61 active stops in East Perth, offering a combination of train and bus services. These stops are served by 64 separate routes, which support 18,992 weekly passenger journeys. Transit access is rated as excellent, with residents living an average of 126 meters from the nearest stop. Due to the residential character of the area, most workers commute out of the suburb, with cars being the primary mode of travel for 46% of workers, followed by buses at 30% and walking at 11%. Car ownership averages 0.5 vehicles per household, which is below the metropolitan average. A minor 9.1% of residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

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Health indicators show excellent results in East Perth, according to Districts evaluations of mortality patterns and the presence of chronic illnesses, which reveal low rates of common medical conditions across all age brackets, while the proportion of residents with private health insurance is high at approximately 62% of the population (8,845 people). This compares to 59.0% across Greater Perth and a national average of 55.7%.

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East Perth ranks as one of the most multicultural areas in the country, with 41.6% of residents using a non-English language at home and 60.7% born overseas. The most common religious affiliation in East Perth is Christianity, representing 36.4% of the population. The most prominent religious variance is in Buddhism, which is practiced by 5.6% of the population compared to 2.7% across Greater Perth.

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The median age of 34 years in East Perth is lower than the Greater Perth average of 37 and younger than the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, East Perth has a higher proportion of residents aged 25 - 34 (31.9%) but fewer children aged 5 - 14 (2.8%). The concentration of residents aged 25 - 34 is higher than the national figure of 14.6%. Since the 2021 Census, the median age has decreased by 1.1 years, shifting from 35 down to 34. The 25 to 34 demographic increased from 29.5% to 31.9% of the population, while the 75 to 84 age bracket rose from to . Conversely, the to group declined from to and the to group decreased from to . Projections for point to shifts in the local age structure. The to cohort is expected to grow by , adding residents to reach while the to age group is projected to grow by a modest ( people).

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East Perth currently has an estimated 402 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 242 children aged 0-2 and 162 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 9% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 10% by 2041 (to approximately 444 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 314. Birth rates in the area have averaged 6.4 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a low rate (among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.