Highgate (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 Highgate (WA)'s population is estimated at around 2,953 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 627 people (27.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,326 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,951, estimated by Districts following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 42 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 7,031 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by Districts, making land in the area a highly-sought resource. The suburb of Highgate (WA)'s 27.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.3%), along with the state, 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.

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Highgate has a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of 7.2%, and 1.5% in estimated employment growth over the past year, based on Districts aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 1,990 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 3.0% above Greater Perth's rate of 4.2%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (79.8% compared to Greater Perth's 70.2%). Based on Census responses, a low 10.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

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Districts' latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 reveals that income in the suburb of Highgate is extremely high nationally, with the median assessed at $59,772 while the average income stands at $86,239. This contrasts to Greater Perth's figures of a median income of $60,748 and an average income of $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $66,305 (median) and $95,665 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows individual earnings stand out at the 90th percentile nationally ($1,194 weekly), though household income ranks lower at the 56th percentile. Income brackets indicate the predominant cohort spans 35.2% of locals (1,039 people) in the - category, aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents . High housing costs consume of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the th decile.

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Dwelling structure within Highgate, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 21.1% houses and 78.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Perth metro's 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Highgate was lagging that of Perth metro, at 18.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (24.0%) or rented (57.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Perth metro average at $1,752, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $365, compared to Perth metro's $1,907 and $350. Nationally, Highgate's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

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Family households dominate at 46.1% of all households, comprising 11.4% couples with children, 28.5% couples without children, and 4.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 53.9%, with lone person households at 44.5% and group households comprising 9.7% of the total. The median household size of 1.8 people is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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Educational attainment in Highgate significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 50.3% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 27.9% in WA and 30.1% in Greater Perth. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 32.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.7%) and graduate diplomas (4.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 25.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificates (14.5%).

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Public transport analysis reveals 8 active transport stops operating within Highgate comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 9 individual routes, collectively providing 2,446 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 148 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 59%, with 19% by bus and 9% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 0.7 per dwelling, below the regional average. A relatively low 10.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Highgate, based on Districts' assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions , and the rate of private health cover found to be exceptionally high at approximately 61% of the total population (1,814 people). This compares to 59.0% across Greater Perth. The national average is 55.7%.

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Highgate scores quite highly on cultural diversity, with 23.9% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 40.3% born overseas. The main religion in Highgate was found to be Christianity, which makes up 31.6% of people in Highgate. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.9% of the population, compared to 0.3% across Greater Perth.

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At 34 years, Highgate's median age is somewhat lower than the Greater Perth average of 37 similarly considerably younger than Australia's 38 years. Relative to Greater Perth, Highgate has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (32.9%) but fewer 5 - 14 year-olds (6.1%). This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.6%. Since the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 32.0% to 32.9% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 11.1% to 10.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Highgate. The to cohort shows the strongest projected growth at , adding residents to reach .

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Highgate currently has an estimated 82 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 56 children aged 0-2 and 38 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 11% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 11% by 2041 (to approximately 91 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 121. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been low, with approximately 7.8 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the bottom 30% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.