Harrisdale (WA)

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Analysis of ABS population updates for the wider region, along with recent address validations by Districts since the Census, indicates the population of the suburb of Harrisdale is approximately 14,422 as of May 2026. This represents a gain of 2,755 people (23.6%) from the 2021 Census, which counted 11,667 residents. The calculation is based on a resident population of 14,125 estimated by Districts using the latest ABS ERP data release (June 2025) plus an additional 347 validated new addresses registered since the Census. This population level yields a density of 2,499 persons per square kilometer, placing the suburb of Harrisdale in the highest quartile of all national areas evaluated by Districts. The suburb of Harrisdale recorded 23.6% growth since the 2021 census, which was higher than both the national average (9.3%) and the state average, establishing it as a regional growth leader. Population growth was driven primarily by overseas migration, which accounted for roughly of the total population gains in recent times, though all other contributors, including interstate migration and natural growth, remained positive.

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The suburb of Harrisdale has a highly educated workforce, a strong representation of essential services industries, an unemployment rate of only 1.4%, and an estimated job growth rate of 1.7% over the past year, according to aggregated statistical area data from Districts. As of March 2026, 8,420 residents are employed, which leaves the unemployment rate 2.8% below the Greater Perth rate of 4.2%, while the workforce participation rate is exceptionally high at 81.2% compared to 70.2% in Greater Perth. According to Census records, a modest 7.8% of residents worked from home, although this may have been influenced by COVID-19 lockdowns.

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The suburb of Harrisdale registers a median taxpayer income of $63,528 and an average of $74,542, according to the latest postcode-level ATO data compiled by Districts for financial year 2023. This represents a very high level nationally, contrasting with the median income of $60,748 and average of $80,248 in Greater Perth. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, updated estimates would stand at roughly $70,472 (median) and $82,689 (average) as of March 2026. Income data from the 2021 Census reveals household, family, and individual incomes are all highly ranked in the suburb of Harrisdale, placing between the 84th and 88th percentiles nationally. The income distribution shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket is the most common, accounting for of residents ( people), which mirrors the broader regional trend where fall into this range. Economic robustness is highlighted by the of households that earn high weekly incomes of more than which supports strong consumer spending. High housing costs account for of income, but strong earnings keep disposable income at the th percentile, and the SEIFA income index ranks the area in the th decile.

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The housing stock in the suburb of Harrisdale at the time of the latest Census consisted of 98.6% houses and 1.4% other dwellings (including semi-detached properties, apartments, and alternative options), compared to the Perth metro distribution of 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the home ownership rate in the suburb of Harrisdale lagged behind Perth metro at 11.5%, with the rest of the properties being mortgaged (68.2%) or rented (20.3%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was higher than the Perth metro average at $2,000, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $420, compared to Perth metro averages of $1,907 and $350. Nationally, mortgage repayments in the suburb of Harrisdale exceed the Australian average of $1,863, while rent costs are considerably higher than the national figure of $375.

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Families make up the vast majority of households at 87.7%, consisting of 57.7% couples with children, 19.0% couples without children, and 9.9% single parents. The remaining 12.3% are non-family households, with lone person households representing 10.9% and group households making up 1.4% of the total. The median household size of 3.2 people is larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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Academic achievement in the suburb of Harrisdale is considerably higher than broader benchmarks, with 38.6% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees, compared to 22.7% in the SA3 area and 27.9% in WA. This notable educational advantage positions the locality well for professional opportunities in knowledge industries. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 25.3%, followed by postgraduate degrees (10.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational and technical training is also highly represented, with 32.0% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (12.5%) and certificates (19.5%).

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Analysis of public transit reveals 38 active stops operating in the suburb of Harrisdale, consisting of various bus options. These stops are served by 3 unique routes, which together provide 669 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is classified as good, with residents generally living within 200 meters of their closest transport stop. Due to the area's residential nature, most employed residents commute out of the suburb, with cars remaining the main transport mode at 81% and trains accounting for 11%. Car ownership stands at an average of 1.7 vehicles per household, which is above the regional average. A relatively low 7.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census; potentially reflecting COVID-19 circumstances).

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Health metrics indicate exceptional outcomes in the suburb of Harrisdale, based on Districts' evaluation of mortality statistics and chronic disease rates, which shows a very low prevalence of common medical issues across all age brackets, and the level of private health insurance is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~8,190 people). This compares to 59.0% across Greater Perth.

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The suburb of Harrisdale ranks highly for cultural diversity, with 45.9% of its residents speaking a non-English language at home and 51.9% born abroad. Christianity is the primary religion, representing 38.6% of residents in the suburb of Harrisdale. However, the most notable religious concentration is Hinduism, which is practiced by 12.9% of the population, a share significantly higher than the Greater Perth average of 2.5%.

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The median age of 34 years in the suburb of Harrisdale is lower than the Greater Perth average of 37 and younger than the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, the suburb of Harrisdale contains a higher share of residents aged 35 - 44 (22.9%) but a smaller proportion aged 65 - 74 (4.1%). The concentration of 35 - 44 year-olds is significantly above the national average of 14.3%. Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age bracket expanded from 9.9% to 13.5% of the population, while the 45 to 54 cohort grew from 10.7% to 13.4%. On the other hand, the to age range fell from to , and the to group decreased from to . Population projections for show major demographic shifts for the suburb of Harrisdale. The to cohort is expected to grow the fastest at , adding residents to total whereas the number of people in the to age bracket is projected to decrease by .

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Harrisdale currently has an estimated 966 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 576 children aged 0-2 and 385 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 13% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 6% by 2041 (to approximately 1,020 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 2,170. Birth rates in the area have averaged 11.4 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.