Murdoch (WA)

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Following examination of demographic adjustments by the ABS alongside newer addresses verified by Districts subsequent to the Census, the suburb of Murdoch is calculated to have approximately 3,690 residents as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 338 people (10.1%) from the 2021 Census, when the count stood at 3,352 people. This shift is derived from a resident headcount of 3,689, which Districts projected using the ABS June 2025 release of ERP figures in combination with 34 verified new addresses added after the Census. Such population numbers translate to a density of 866 persons per square kilometer, a figure that aligns closely with standard averages documented by Districts. The suburb of Murdoch recorded a 10.1% expansion rate post the 2021 census, tracking ahead of the 9.3% national benchmark and establishing it as a local growth frontrunner. This population growth was predominantly driven by international migration, which was responsible for roughly 95.0% of the overall population gains recorded lately.

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Murdoch has a highly credentialed workforce, with strong representation in essential services fields, and an unemployment rate of 6.2%, according to Districts compilation of regional statistical data. As of March 2026, 1,713 local citizens are employed, while the jobless rate runs 2.0% higher than the Greater Perth metric of 4.2%, and labor force participation is notably lower at 54.0% compared to 70.2% across Greater Perth. Census records indicate that a modest 8.8% of employed individuals worked from their homes, although the impact of lockdowns related to Covid-19 during that period should be kept in mind.

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Based on the most recent postcode tax data released by the ATO for financial year 2023, the suburb of Murdoch has a median taxpayer income of $43,358, with an average of $56,736. These figures sit below the national benchmarks, and compare with a median of $60,748 and an average of $80,248 across Greater Perth. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, updated estimates point to approximately $48,097 (median) and $62,937 (average) as of March 2026. The 2021 Census highlights that individual earnings lag at the 10th percentile ($584 weekly), whereas household incomes perform relatively better at the 33rd percentile. In terms of earnings distribution, the largest cohort consists of 26.0% earning between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (comprising residents), which mirrors the broader metropolitan area where this bracket represents . After housing expenses are met, of income is available for other needs, and the suburb ranks in the th decile on the SEIFA index for income.

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Residential property types in Murdoch at the latest Census comprised 78.0% detached houses and 22.0% other options like semi-detached homes, apartments, and alternative structures, compared to 77.8% detached houses and 22.1% other options throughout the Perth metro area. Outright home ownership in Murdoch stood significantly above the Perth metro level, registering at 53.0%, while the remaining properties were either held under a mortgage (23.0%) or rented (24.0%). The median monthly home loan repayment of $2,037 was higher than the Perth metro median of $1,907, and the median weekly rent of $445 also exceeded the metropolitan median of $350. On a national level, Murdoch mortgage commitments exceed the Australian average of $1,863, while local rental rates are substantially higher than the national benchmark of $375.

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Families comprise the majority of households at 68.3%, consisting of 26.8% couples with children, 34.2% couples without children, and 5.8% single parent families. The remaining 31.7% consists of non-family setups, with single person households accounting for 26.3% and shared houses comprising 5.0% of the total. The median household occupancy of 2.5 residents is slightly below the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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The educational profile of the area is distinct within the region, with university graduation rates (37.8% of individuals aged 15+) tracking well above the WA average of 27.9% and the SA4 region level of 28.6%, showcasing a strong local focus on higher education. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 26.0%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 8.3% and graduate diplomas at 3.5%. Practical and technical qualifications are also common, with 27.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, split between advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (15.8%).

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Public transit data shows 51 active transit stops operating within the suburb of Murdoch, providing a combination of train and bus connections. These stops are served by 27 separate routes, which combine to support 7,051 passenger journeys every week. Transit access is excellent, with residents living an average of 156 meters from their nearest stop. As a major residential area, most citizens commute to work outside the suburb, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode of travel at 71%, followed by 16% using trains and 8% utilizing buses. Households own an average of 1.4 vehicles. A minor 8.8% of residents worked from home during the 2021 Census, which may reflect the pandemic conditions at that time.

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Murdoch shows favorable health metrics based on Districts analysis of mortality rates and chronic illness, with both youth and senior groups showing low rates of standard medical conditions. The rate of private health insurance is relatively low, covering approximately 50% of the population (~1,835 people), compared to 59.0% across Greater Perth and a national average of 55.7%.

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Murdoch demonstrates a high degree of cultural diversity, with 31.0% of the population speaking a non-English language at home and 45.0% born outside of Australia. Christianity is the primary religion, representing 51.3% of the community. However, the most distinct religious difference is in Buddhism, which accounts for 5.4% of local residents, compared to 2.7% across Greater Perth.

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The median age of 42 years in the suburb of Murdoch is notably higher than the Greater Perth average of 37 and the national average of 38 years. The 15 - 24 cohort is strongly represented at 25.2% of the population, whereas the 35 - 44 cohort is smaller at 8.4%. The concentration of young adults aged 15 - 24 is significantly higher than the national rate of 12.7%. Post-2021 Census data indicates the suburb has become younger, with the median age falling 1.1 years from 43 to 42. Specifically, the 15 to 24 age bracket rose from 22.0% to 25.2%, and the 75 to 84 cohort expanded from to . Conversely, the to bracket fell from to , and the to cohort decreased from to . By Murdoch is projected to experience major shifts in age demographics. The + cohort is expected to more than double, growing by people () from to . Crucially, the combined + cohorts will represent of all population growth, highlighting the aging profile of the community. In contrast, population drops are forecast for the to and to age groups.

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Murdoch currently has an estimated 88 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 84 children aged 0-2 and 56 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 9% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 7% by 2041 (to approximately 94 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 243. Birth rates in the area have averaged 7.9 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a low rate (among the bottom 30% of areas assessed nationally).