Shelley (WA)

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Based on an evaluation of ABS demographic updates for the surrounding region, combined with address records confirmed by Districts after the Census, the suburb of Shelley (WA) is home to an estimated 5,272 residents as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 477 residents (9.9%) relative to the 2021 Census, when the head count stood at 4,795 individuals. The shift is calculated from a resident population of 5,270, which Districts estimated using the ABS release of ERP figures from June 2025 alongside 25 newly validated addresses post-Census. Such a population size results in a density of 2,475 residents per square kilometer, placing the location within the top quartile of all Australian areas analyzed by Districts. The growth rate of 9.9% in the suburb of Shelley (WA) since the 2021 census outpaced the national benchmark of 9.3%, making it a frontrunner for growth in the local area. Overseas migration was the primary driver of these gains, serving as almost the exclusive contributor to recent population increases.

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Shelley features a highly qualified labor force with strong representation in key service industries, an unemployment rate of a mere 1.5%, and an estimated job growth rate of 1.9% over the preceding year, according to Districts' compilation of regional statistical data. Work rolls included 2,828 employed residents in March 2026, with the local unemployment rate sitting 2.7% lower than the Greater Perth benchmark of 4.2%, while labor force participation was slightly lower than average, registering at 65.2% compared to 70.2% in Greater Perth. Census responses indicate that a modest 9.8% of the workforce worked from home, though this figure may have been influenced by COVID-19 containment measures.

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The most recent postcode-level ATO statistics compiled by Districts for the 2023 financial year show that incomes in the suburb of Shelley rank among the highest nationally, featuring a median of $61,110 and an average of $90,119. In comparison, Greater Perth recorded a median of $60,748 and an average of $80,248. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates point to approximately $67,789 for the median and $99,969 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census placed household, family, and individual incomes in Shelley around the 71st percentile nationally. The largest bracket contains 27.8% of residents (1,465 people) with weekly incomes of $1,500 - 2,999, mirroring the metropolitan trend of in this range. Financial capacity is highlighted by the of households earning more than per week, indicating high disposable income. After accounting for housing expenditure, households keep of their earnings, demonstrating strong purchasing power that places the suburb in the th decile of the SEIFA index.

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Residential structures in Shelley at the time of the latest Census consisted of 78.5% standalone houses and 21.4% alternative housing types, such as townhouses and apartments, compared to 77.8% houses and 22.1% alternative types across metropolitan Perth. Home ownership in Shelley was significantly higher than the metropolitan average at 41.6%, while the remaining properties were either under mortgage (33.4%) or rented (25.0%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $2,275 stood well above the metropolitan Perth average of $1,907, and the median weekly rent was $380, compared to $350 in the metropolitan area. Nationally, Shelley's mortgage payments are notably higher than the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents exceed the national benchmark of $375.

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Families make up the vast majority of households at 78.5%, consisting of 40.9% couples with children, 27.8% couples without children, and 9.2% single parent households. The remaining 21.5% are non-family households, with single-person households representing 19.3% and group households making up 2.1%. The average household size stands at 2.7 residents, slightly larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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Levels of education in Shelley are substantially higher than regional benchmarks, with 45.9% of residents aged 15 and older holding a university degree, compared to 27.9% across WA and 29.9% in the SA4 region. This high concentration of tertiary education positions the local workforce well for professional opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 28.8%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 13.7% and graduate diplomas at 3.4%. Vocational education accounts for 24.6% of qualifications among those aged 15 and over, split between advanced diplomas at 10.7% and certificates at 13.9%.

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Public transport networks include 23 active stops within Shelley, operating bus services. These stops are served by 11 routes, which facilitate 1,428 passenger trips every week. Access to transport is rated as excellent, with the average distance to the nearest stop being 181 meters. As a residential suburb, most workers commute out of the area, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode of travel at 80%, compared to 11% by train and 6% by bus. The average number of vehicles per household is 1.6. A modest 9.8% of residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic conditions.

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Health indicators show excellent outcomes for Shelley residents, according to Districts' analysis of mortality and chronic illness rates, which reveals very low levels of common medical conditions across all age brackets. Private health insurance coverage is exceptionally high, held by roughly 63% of the population (3,320 people), compared to 59.0% across Greater Perth and a national average of 55.7%.

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Shelley exhibits a high level of cultural diversity, with 34.7% of residents speaking a language other than English at home and 48.5% of the population born outside Australia. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 44.0% of the community. Buddhism is notably overrepresented at 6.6% of the population, compared to a Greater Perth average of 2.7%.

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The median age of 42 years in Shelley is higher than the Greater Perth average of 37 and the national average of 38 years. The 15 - 24 age bracket is well represented at 15.6% compared to Greater Perth, while the 25 - 34 cohort has a lower share at 8.8%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 15 to 24 grew from 13.6% to 15.6%, whereas the 5 to 14 cohort shrank from 14.0% to 12.9%. Projections for 2041 outline notable demographic shifts, led by a 23% expansion in the 45 to 54 cohort (adding 174 people to reach from ), while the to and to age brackets are forecast to contract.

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Shelley currently has an estimated 195 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 105 children aged 0-2 and 71 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 7% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 0% by 2041 (to approximately 195 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 596. Birth rates in the area have averaged 5.3 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a low rate (among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.