Ferndale (WA)

Detail

According to investigations of ABS demographic updates for the wider region, combined with address records verified by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Ferndale (WA) has an estimated population of approximately 5,283 as of May 2026. This marks an expansion of 826 people (18.5%) compared to the 2021 Census, which recorded 4,457 residents. The shift is calculated from the estimated population of 5,283, which Districts determined after studying the June 2025 ABS Estimated Resident Population release and tracking 82 validated new addresses since the Census. This population level translates to 1,656 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical density across national areas monitored by Districts. The growth rate of 18.5% in the suburb of Ferndale (WA) since the 2021 census outpaced the national average (9.3%) and the surrounding SA3 region, positioning the locality as a regional leader in population gains. The demographic expansion was largely fueled by net overseas migration, which accounted for roughly of the overall population growth during the latest timeframe.

Detail

The local workforce displays high levels of education, with a strong presence in essential services, an unemployment rate of only 3.9%, and a 3.7% expansion in jobs over the past year, as calculated from Districts' regional data. As of March 2026, there are 2,860 employed residents, with the local unemployment rate sitting 0.3% below the Greater Perth figure of 4.2%, while the participation rate is somewhat lower than the metro standard (67.4% versus 70.2%). Census responses indicate that a modest 7.9% of the workforce operated from home, though this period was influenced by pandemic-related lockdowns.

Detail

Taxpayer income in the locality sits just below the national average according to ATO data compiled by Districts for financial year 2023. Local taxpayers recorded a median income of $51,051 and an average income of $65,397, compared to Greater Perth metrics of $60,748 and $80,248. Adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, these values are estimated to be approximately $56,631 (median) and $72,545 (average) as of March 2026. According to the Census, household, family, and individual incomes all rank moderately, placing in the 37th percentile. The dominant income bracket is the $1,500 - 2,999 range, which accounts for 31.2% of residents (1,648 people), matching the regional distribution where this group represents 32.0%. After housing costs, residents retain 84.9% of their income for other living expenses, and the area sits in the th decile of the SEIFA income index.

Detail

According to the last Census, the residential housing mix consisted of 82.3% separate houses and 17.7% other dwellings, such as townhouses and units, compared to the Perth metro distribution of 77.8% houses and 22.1% alternative dwellings. Home ownership rates were significantly higher than the Perth metro average, with 36.4% of households owning their homes outright, while the rest were paying off a mortgage (41.5%) or renting (22.1%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,700 was lower than the metropolitan average of $1,907, and the median weekly rent of $314 sat below the metro average of $350. On a national scale, local monthly mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are well below the national benchmark of $375.

Detail

Families make up the majority of households at 68.9%, which includes 28.7% couples with children, 27.9% couples without children, and 10.6% single parents. The remaining 31.1% are non-family households, consisting of single-person households (28.1%) and group households (3.1%). The typical household size of 2.4 people is slightly lower than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Detail

The region shows lower rates of higher education, with university qualification levels (28.2%) falling below the SA3 regional average of 38.6%. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 20.2%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 5.1% and graduate diplomas at 2.9%. Vocational and technical training is common, with 36.8% of residents aged 15+ holding a vocational qualification, consisting of advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificates (25.6%).

Detail

Public transit infrastructure includes 38 active bus stops within the boundaries. These connections are served by 5 distinct routes, delivering 1,470 weekly passenger trips. Access to transit is rated highly, with residents living an average of 156 meters from their nearest stop. Commuters mostly travel out of the residential area, with private cars remaining the primary mode of travel at 82%, followed by trains at 8% and buses at 6%. Households average 1.4 vehicles. A minor 7.9% of residents worked from home, based on the 2021 Census, which was likely affected by pandemic restrictions.

Detail

Health indicators are positive overall, with Districts' evaluation of mortality and illness rates showing outcomes in line with national averages, normal rates of common illnesses across age groups, and a private health insurance rate that slightly leads the average SA2 area at roughly 53% of the population (~2,808 people). This compares to 59.0% across the Greater Perth region.

Detail

The local area exhibits higher cultural diversity than most property markets, with 22.3% of residents speaking a non-English language at home and 38.0% born outside Australia. Christianity is the primary religion, representing 42.2% of the community. There is also a notable concentration of Buddhist residents, who make up 3.5% of the population, compared to 2.7% across Greater Perth.

Detail

The median age of 41 years is older than the Greater Perth average of 37 and the national median of 38. The 65 - 74 age group is overrepresented locally at 11.5% compared to the city average, while the 25 - 34 bracket is underrepresented at 12.8%. Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age bracket grew from 10.8% to 12.1% of the population, and the 75 to 84 bracket rose from 6.9% to 8.1%. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 group decreased from 11.4% to 9.9%, and the 65 to 74 cohort dropped from to . Age modeling suggests shifts by with the + bracket projected to grow by , adding people to reach . Older residents aged and over are expected to make up of future population growth, whereas declines are expected in the to and to age groups.

Detail

Ferndale currently has an estimated 285 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 163 children aged 0-2 and 108 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 5% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 7% by 2041 (to approximately 265 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 502. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 9.1 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.