Scarborough (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 Scarborough (WA)'s population is estimated at around 20,582 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,977 people (16.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,605 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 20,550, estimated by Districts following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 157 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 4,124 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 Scarborough (WA)'s 16.9% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.3%), along with the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 74.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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A highly qualified labor force characterizes Scarborough, which features a strong presence of essential service industries, a low unemployment rate of 2.1%, and an estimated job growth rate of 3.7% over the past year, as aggregated by Districts from regional statistics. By March 2026, 13,941 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate sat 2.1% lower than the Greater Perth mark of 4.2%, while the labor participation rate reached a very high level (80.7% compared with 70.2% in Greater Perth). Based on Census forms, a modest 10.7% of the workforce operated from home, though this figure may reflect the influence of Covid-19 restrictions.

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According to Districts' aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, the suburb of Scarborough had a median income among taxpayers of $68,904 with the average level standing at $93,885. This is among the highest in Australia and compares to levels of $60,748 and $80,248 across Greater Perth respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $76,435 (median) and $104,147 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows individual earnings stand out at the 92nd percentile nationally ($1,231 weekly). Income analysis reveals the predominant cohort spans 31.6% of locals (6,503 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, aligning with regional levels where this cohort likewise represents 32.0%. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 32.6% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. High housing costs consume 16.2% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 72nd percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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At the time of the most recent Census, the distribution of home types in Scarborough stood at 36.3% detached houses and 63.8% other options (such as townhouses, units, and alternative formats), contrasting with the wider Perth metropolitan structure of 77.8% detached houses and 22.1% other dwellings. The level of home ownership in Scarborough was below the Perth metropolitan average at 24.1%, while the remaining occupied properties were either being purchased with a mortgage (35.6%) or leased by tenants (40.3%). The median monthly home loan repayment of $2,167 was significantly higher than the Perth metropolitan median of $1,907, and the median weekly rent reached $405, compared to the regional average of $350. Nationally, Scarborough residents face mortgage payments well above the Australian median of $1,863, and rental costs exceed the national average of $375.

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Family units constitute the largest share of households at 58.2%, which is made up of 21.1% couples raising children, 27.2% childless couples, and 8.9% single-parent households. Non-family living arrangements account for the other 41.8% of residences, with people living alone making up 34.4% and shared group households representing 7.4% of the total. Reflecting these patterns, the median household size of 2.1 residents is smaller than the Greater Perth median of 2.6.

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Academic achievement in Scarborough is notably higher than regional benchmarks, with 44.7% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 27.9% across WA and 29.0% in the SA4 region. This significant education gap positions the local population well for white-collar and knowledge-based roles. Bachelor degrees are the most common credential at 31.1%, followed by postgraduate study at 9.5% and graduate diplomas at 4.1%. Vocational skills are also prominent, with 31.2% of individuals aged 15+ holding practical qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas at 12.1% and certificates at 19.1%.

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Analysis of local transit options shows 81 active public transport stops located within the suburb, consisting of various bus options. These locations are connected by 5 distinct routes, which combine to support 1,333 weekly passenger journeys. Transit connection is classified as outstanding, with homes situated an average of 163 meters from the nearest stop. Due to the residential nature of the suburb, the majority of working residents travel outward for employment, with private cars remaining the primary travel choice at 78%, followed by 10% utilizing trains and 6% using buses. The average household owns 1.2 motor vehicles, which is lower than the metropolitan average. A relatively small share of 10.7% of residents worked from home, based on 2021 Census data that may be influenced by pandemic conditions.

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Public health metrics reveal excellent health outcomes for Scarborough residents, based on analysis of mortality trends and chronic illness data by Districts, showing a very low incidence of common medical conditions across every demographic cohort. Furthermore, the rate of residents holding private health insurance is exceptionally high, covering roughly 64% of the population (13,269 people). This is higher than the Greater Perth coverage rate of 59.0% and the national standard of 55.7%.

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The local population displays greater cultural diversity than most equivalent property markets, with 14.0% of residents using a language other than English at home and 33.7% born in another country. Christianity stands as the primary religious affiliation, claimed by 39.8% of individuals. However, the most distinct religious deviation is found in Judaism, which accounts for 0.3% of the community, equal to the 0.3% average recorded across Greater Perth.

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With a median age of 36 years, Scarborough is almost identical to the Greater Perth median of 37 and slightly below the Australian benchmark of 38. Compared to the wider Perth metropolitan area, Scarborough has a larger share of residents aged 25 - 34 (22.0%) but fewer young people aged 15 - 24 (9.5%). The high concentration of residents aged 25 - 34 stands well above the national figure of 14.6%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents in the 35 to 44 age bracket has risen from 17.7% to 19.0%, whereas the 25 to 34 demographic has contracted from 23.9% to 22.0%. Future demographic projections suggest the age structure of the suburb will undergo substantial changes by 2041. The 75 to 84 cohort is expected to grow the fastest at 71%, adding 726 residents to reach a total of 1,756. Seniors aged 65+ will account for 55% of all population growth, highlighting local aging patterns. In contrast, the childhood cohorts of 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 are projected to experience population decreases.

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Scarborough currently has an estimated 1,049 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 625 children aged 0-2 and 415 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 3% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 6% by 2041 (to approximately 982 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,533. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 11.7 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.