Somerville (WA)

Detail

Based on an evaluation of ABS population updates for the wider region alongside newly validated addresses recorded by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Somerville (WA) has an estimated population of 4,288 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 123 people (3.0%) compared to the 2021 Census, which recorded 4,165 people. The figure is derived from a resident population estimate of 4,286 by Districts, calculated using the June 2025 ABS ERP data release and 35 validated new addresses added since the Census date. This population size results in a density of 940 persons per square kilometer, which aligns closely with the average density of other locations analyzed by Districts. Recent population expansion in the area was chiefly driven by net overseas migration, which accounted for approximately 58% of all population increases.

Detail

Somerville possesses a skilled labor force with strong representations in industrial and manufacturing sectors, an unemployment rate of only 1.2%, and an estimated job growth rate of 3.3% over the prior year, according to aggregated statistical area data from Districts. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 2,627, while the unemployment rate was 2.3% below the 3.5% rate of Regional WA. The labor force participation rate of 80.1% was significantly higher than the 65.6% recorded across Regional WA. According to Census records, a minor 3.8% of employed residents worked from home, though this may have been influenced by COVID-19 restrictions.

Detail

According to tax data from the ATO at the postcode level aggregated by Districts for the 2023 financial year, the suburb of Somerville has a median taxpayer income of $87,215 and an average taxpayer income of $101,052. These figures place the suburb in the highest national percentiles, contrasting with the median income of $59,973 and average income of $74,392 in Regional WA. Adjusting these figures for a 10.93% rise in the Wage Price Index since the 2023 financial year, March 2026 estimates would be approximately $96,748 for the median and $112,097 for the average. Census records show household, family, and individual incomes all rank highly, sitting between the 96th and 97th percentiles nationally. The largest income group is the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly bracket, containing 32.8% of residents ( people), which matches the broader region where this bracket accounts for of the population. A high proportion of high-earning households ( earning more than /week) demonstrates strong local economic capacity. After accounting for housing costs, residents retain of their income, indicating solid purchasing power, and the area is positioned in the th decile for the SEIFA income index.

Detail

At the time of the latest Census, the mix of housing types in Somerville consisted of 72.4% detached houses and 27.7% other dwellings, which include semi-detached properties, apartments, and alternative structures, compared to 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings in Regional WA. Home ownership rates in Somerville stood at 15.8%, which was lower than the regional rate, with the remaining properties occupied by households with a mortgage (46.5%) or renting (37.7%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $2,123 was higher than the Regional WA average of $1,560, while the median weekly rent was $330 compared to $265 in Regional WA. Nationally, mortgage payments in Somerville are higher than the Australian median of $1,863, whereas rents are lower than the national median of $375.

Detail

Families make up 75.7% of all households in the area, consisting of couples with children at 42.3%, couples without children at 26.2%, and single-parent households at 6.6%. The remaining 24.3% are non-family households, with single-person households representing 21.3% and group houses making up 2.4% of the total. The average household size of 2.8 individuals is larger than the Regional WA average of 2.5.

Detail

Educational attainment levels in Somerville are lower than national averages, with 22.1% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree compared to 30.4% across Australia. This difference suggests scope for further educational and skills development. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher education qualification at 15.0%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 5.1% and graduate diplomas at 2.0%. Vocational qualifications are highly prevalent, with 42.7% of residents aged 15+ holding a technical qualification, consisting of advanced diplomas at 9.0% and certificates at 33.7%.

Detail

An analysis of public transport options reveals 15 active stops in Somerville, which consist of bus services. These stops are served by 2 distinct routes, which provide 126 passenger trips each week. Transport access is rated as good, with residents living an average of 299 meters from the nearest stop. Due to the suburban nature of the area, most workers commute out of the suburb, and cars remain the primary mode of travel for 92% of residents. Households own an average of 1.8 vehicles, which is higher than the regional average. A relatively low 3.8% of residents worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic conditions.

Detail

An analysis of health indicators reveals positive outcomes in Somerville, based on Districts assessments of death rates and the prevalence of chronic illnesses. Both younger and older demographics exhibit low rates of common health conditions, and private health insurance coverage is high, representing approximately 67% of the population (2,886 people). This compares to 56.4% across Regional WA and a national average of 55.7%.

Detail

Somerville has a higher level of cultural diversity than most regional markets, with 16.6% of residents speaking a non-English language at home and 28.4% born outside Australia. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 47.6% of the population. Hinduism shows a notable overrepresentation, accounting for 2.8% of the population compared to 0.5% in Regional WA.

Detail

The median age of 32 years in Somerville is younger than the Regional WA median of 40 years and the national average of 38 years. The 25 - 34 age bracket is well represented at 18.8% of the population compared to Regional WA, while the 65 - 74 bracket is less common at 4.4%. Since 2021, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 15.6% to 18.8% of the population. In contrast, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 15.8% to 14.7%, and the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 15.1% to 14.0%. Population projections for point to changing demographics, with the to age group expected to grow by people (), rising from to . Meanwhile, decreases are projected for the to and to age cohorts.

Detail

Somerville currently has an estimated 343 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 180 children aged 0-2 and 120 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 2% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 24% by 2041 (to approximately 425 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 451. Birth rates in the area have averaged 11.8 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a moderate rate (among the top 30% of areas assessed nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.