Girrawheen (WA)

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Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Girrawheen's population is estimated at around 10,270 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,373 people (15.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,897 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 10,268, estimated by Districts following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 58 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,517 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by Districts. Girrawheen's 15.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.3%), along with the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors.

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The suburb of Girrawheen features a diverse labor force spanning office-based and industrial roles, with manufacturing and production industries holding a prominent presence. The unemployment rate stands at 14.6%, and estimated employment growth reached 2.1% over the past year, using consolidated data from surrounding statistical areas. In March 2026, 4,513 residents were employed, while the local unemployment rate exceeded the Greater Perth rate of 4.2% by 10.4%, pointing to potential for economic progress, and the workforce participation rate of 62.1% is notably behind the Greater Perth average of 70.2%. Census records show that a minor 3.8% of the working population operated from home, though the influence of COVID-19 restrictions should be kept in mind.

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According to the latest postcode-level ATO data released for the financial year 2023, taxpayers in the suburb of Girrawheen recorded a median income of $45,445 and an average of $51,858. These figures sit below the national baseline, and compare to a median of $60,748 and an average of $80,248 in Greater Perth. Applying the Wage Price Index increase of 10.93% since the financial year 2023 yields updated estimates of approximately $50,412 for the median and $57,526 for the average as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census positions household, family, and individual incomes in the suburb of Girrawheen between the 9th and 16th percentiles across the country. In terms of earnings distribution, the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket accounts for 30.8% of the population ( individuals), which aligns with the broader region where fall into this band. Affordability pressures are notable, leaving residents with only of their income, which ranks in the th percentile.

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The composition of residential properties in the suburb of Girrawheen at the time of the latest Census consisted of 77.0% freestanding houses and 23.0% alternative housing types (including apartments, semi-detached options, and other structures), compared to 77.8% houses and 22.1% alternative types across the Perth metropolitan area. Home ownership rates in the suburb of Girrawheen lagged behind the metro average at 25.4%, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with a mortgage (39.3%) or tenants renting (35.3%). The median monthly mortgage payment was $1,400, falling well below the Perth metro average of $1,907, while the median weekly rent stood at $293, compared to the wider metro figure of $350. Across Australia, mortgage payments in the suburb of Girrawheen are lower than the national average of $1,863, and weekly rents are below the countrywide average of $375.

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Families make up the majority of households at 65.2%, which is composed of couples with children at 26.5%, couples without children at 19.9%, and single parent households at 17.2%. The remaining 34.8% consists of non-family households, including single-person households at 29.7% and group households at 5.0%. The median household size of 2.6 residents matches the Greater Perth baseline.

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Educational profiles in the suburb of Girrawheen show that university graduation rates of 14.9% are below the national average of 30.4%, highlighting opportunities for targeted learning programs. Among those with degrees, bachelor qualifications are most common at 11.0%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 2.7% and graduate diplomas at 1.2%. Vocational and technical capabilities are highly represented, with 35.3% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas at 8.9% and certificates at 26.4%.

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Public transport services in the suburb of Girrawheen include 59 active passenger stops, consisting of a bus network. These stops are connected to 11 separate routes, which combine to support 2,506 passenger journeys each week. Local transit access is highly rated, with residents situated an average of 176 meters from their nearest transit stop. Given the residential nature of the area, most workers travel outside the suburb, with private cars remaining the primary commute mode at 85%, and trains utilized by 8%. Vehicle ownership stands at an average of 1.3 cars per home, which is below the wider metropolitan baseline. A minor 3.8% of residents worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic circumstances.

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Based on assessments of death rates and the occurrence of long-term medical conditions, the suburb of Girrawheen faces notable health challenges, with chronic issues present across both younger and older generations. The proportion of residents with private health insurance is low, sitting at roughly 48% of the community (~4,908 people). This compares to 59.0% throughout Greater Perth and a national average of 55.7%.

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The suburb of Girrawheen exhibits a high level of cultural diversity, with 40.0% of residents using a language other than English in their homes and 43.3% born in another country. Christianity is the primary religion, representing 46.7% of the local population. However, the most distinct religious variance is seen in Buddhism, which accounts for 6.8% of residents in the suburb of Girrawheen, compared to 2.7% across Greater Perth.

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With a median age of 36 years, the suburb of Girrawheen closely aligns with the Greater Perth average of 37 and is slightly below the Australian median of 38. Compared to the metro area, the suburb of Girrawheen contains a larger share of residents aged 15 - 24 (14.1%) but a smaller proportion of people aged 35 - 44 (14.5%). Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has risen from 4.5% to 5.6% of the population, whereas the 0 to 4 age group has fallen from 6.6% to 5.4%. Future projections suggest the local age structure will shift considerably by 2041, with the 75 to 84 age group expected to grow by , adding people to reach . Older residents aged and over will account for of total population growth, highlighting local aging patterns, while the to and to age groups are projected to contract in size.

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Girrawheen currently has an estimated 554 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 334 children aged 0-2 and 222 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 6% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 8% by 2041 (to approximately 508 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 987. Birth rates in the area have averaged 10.2 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.