Mount Lawley (WA)

Detail

Based on reviews of ABS demographic updates for the broader zone, along with new address records validated by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Mount Lawley has an estimated population of 13,038 as of May 2026. This represents an addition of 1,710 people (15.1%) since the 2021 Census, which counted a population of 11,328 people. This shift is calculated from a resident population of 13,032, calculated by Districts through analysing the latest ERP data release from the ABS (June 2025) and an extra 85 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level means a density ratio of 3,004 persons per square kilometer, placing the suburb of Mount Lawley in the top quartile of all national locations assessed by Districts. The 15.1% growth rate in the suburb of Mount Lawley since the 2021 census was higher than the national average (9.3%), making it a regional growth leader. Population gains for the suburb of Mount Lawley were mostly driven by overseas migration, which accounted for approximately 86.0% of total population gains during recent times.

Detail

Mount Lawley has a highly qualified workforce with a strong presence of professional service workers, showing an unemployment rate of 5.3% and an estimated job growth rate of 1.2% over the previous year, according to statistical area data compiled by Districts. In March 2026, 7,935 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 1.1% higher than the Greater Perth rate of 4.2%, and labour force participation was close to typical levels (73.8% compared to Greater Perth's 70.2%). According to Census records, a minor 11.8% of residents worked from home, although this should be viewed in light of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.

Detail

According to the latest postcode-level ATO statistics from Districts for financial year 2023, incomes in Mount Lawley are exceptionally high on a national scale, with the median recorded at $66,596 and the average income sitting at $101,682. This compares to Greater Perth's median income of $60,748 and average income of $80,248. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $73,875 (median) and $112,796 (average) as of March 2026. Based on 2021 Census data, household, family, and personal incomes in Mount Lawley all rank highly, placing between the 73rd and 87th percentiles nationwide. Income breakdown shows the weekly earnings band of $1,500 - 2,999 contains 27.5% of the population ( individuals), which is similar to the broader region where this group makes up . A substantial of residents earn more than weekly, pointing to pockets of wealth that support strong local business activity. Housing costs consume of income, while high earnings place residents in the th percentile for disposable income, and the area sits in the th decile for the SEIFA income index.

Detail

The mix of housing in Mount Lawley, as measured in the latest Census, consisted of 52.6% separate houses and 47.5% other dwelling types (semi-detached, apartments, and alternative housing), compared to the Perth metro split of 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the home ownership rate in Mount Lawley matched the Perth metro figure of 30.3%, with remaining households holding a mortgage (32.3%) or renting (37.4%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was significantly above the Perth metro average at $2,200, while the median weekly rent stood at $350, compared to Perth metro figures of $1,907 and $350. On a national level, mortgage repayments in Mount Lawley are much higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while weekly rents are below the national average of $375.

Detail

Families make up the majority of households at 59.7%, which includes 23.7% couples with children, 28.1% couples without children, and 6.7% single parent households. The remaining 40.3% consists of non-family households, made up of lone persons at 34.4% and group households at 5.9%. The median household size of 2.2 residents is below the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Detail

Academic achievement in Mount Lawley is significantly higher than broader averages, with 50.7% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 27.9% across WA and 30.1% across Greater Perth. This strong educational profile positions the community well for professional opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 33.7%, followed by postgraduate degrees (12.1%) and graduate diplomas (4.9%). Vocational training makes up 23.8% of qualifications for those aged 15+ – consisting of advanced diplomas (10.5%) and certificates (13.3%).

Detail

An analysis of public transport reveals 49 active stops in Mount Lawley, providing a combination of train and bus services. These locations are served by 36 distinct routes, which combine to offer 6,865 passenger trips per week. Access to transport is rated as excellent, with residents living an average of 198 meters from their nearest stop. Being a mostly residential area, the majority of residents travel out of the suburb for work - private vehicles remain the main transport mode at 68%, followed by 16% taking the bus and 6% using the train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 cars per household, which is below the regional average. A relatively small 11.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census; potentially reflecting COVID-19 rules).

Detail

An evaluation of health indicators shows positive results across Mount Lawley, based on Districts' review of mortality rates and chronic illness prevalence, showing low rates of common health conditions across every age cohort, and the rate of private health insurance is exceptionally high, covering approximately 68% of the population (8,808 people). This compares to 59.0% across Greater Perth and a national average of 55.7%.

Detail

Mount Lawley shows greater cultural diversity than most local property markets, with 17.6% of residents speaking a non-English language at home and 33.3% born outside Australia. The most common religion in Mount Lawley is Christianity, representing 41.0% of residents. However, the most distinct religious representation is Judaism, which accounts for 1.0% of the population, compared to 0.3% across Greater Perth.

Detail

The median age of 38 years in Mount Lawley is close to the Greater Perth average of 37 and matches the national median of 38. Compared to Greater Perth, Mount Lawley has a larger proportion of residents aged 25 - 34 (18.9%) but a smaller share of children aged 5 - 14 (8.8%). Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age cohort has increased from 14.8% to 16.0% of the population, while the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 12.5% to 11.6%. By 2041, Mount Lawley is expected to experience key changes in its age profile. Leading these demographic changes, the 75 to 84 age group is projected to increase by ( people), growing from to . This aging trend is clear, with residents aged + representing of the projected growth. Conversely, population drops are projected for the to and to age groups.

Detail

Mount Lawley currently has an estimated 534 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 340 children aged 0-2 and 226 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 2% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 2% by 2041 (to approximately 545 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 993. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 8.8 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.