South Perth (WA)

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Analysis of ABS population updates for the wider region, alongside new addresses validated by Districts since the Census, indicates that the suburb of South Perth has an estimated population of approximately 14,424 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 1,828 people (14.5%) from the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 12,596 people. The shift is calculated from a resident population of 14,421, which Districts estimated after evaluating the ABS's June 2025 release of ERP data and confirming an extra 437 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population count translates to a density ratio of 2,800 persons per square kilometer, placing the locality in the top quartile of domestic locations evaluated by Districts. The suburb of South Perth's 14.5% growth rate since the 2021 census was higher than the national average (9.3%) and also surpassed the SA3 area, establishing it as a regional growth leader. Population expansion in the locality was mostly propelled by overseas migration, which accounted for roughly of all population increases during recent periods.

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South Perth has a highly educated workforce with a strong presence of professional services, an unemployment rate of only 1.9%, and an estimated employment growth of 2.3% over the past year, based on Districts aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 9,053 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 2.3% below the Greater Perth rate of 4.2%, and workforce participation is generally similar to Greater Perth's 70.2%. Based on Census responses, a low 13.1% of residents worked from home, though the effects of COVID-19 lockdowns should be taken into account.

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According to the latest postcode-level ATO data released by Districts for the 2023 financial year, the suburb of South Perth's median taxpayer income is $65,940, with an average of $107,831. This ranks in the top percentile nationally, comparing to a median of $60,748 and an average of $80,248 in Greater Perth. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates would be approximately $73,147 for the median and $119,617 for the average as of March 2026. Census data shows individual earnings stand out at the 88th percentile nationally with a weekly figure of $1,147. The data indicates that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket is the most common, containing 29.3% of residents (4,226 people), which aligns with regional levels where this group represents . High earners are highly represented, with earning more than weekly, pointing to strong purchasing power in the community. Housing costs make up of income, while solid earnings place residents in the st percentile for disposable income, and the area's SEIFA income ranking is in the th decile.

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Dwelling structure in South Perth at the time of the latest Census consisted of 33.9% houses and 66.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, and alternative housing types), compared to the Perth metro distribution of 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of outright home ownership in South Perth was higher than the Perth metro rate, standing at 34.1%, while the remaining properties were mortgaged (22.4%) or rented (43.6%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was significantly above the Perth metro average at $2,200, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $375, compared to Perth metro averages of $1,907 and $350. Nationally, South Perth's mortgage payments are much higher than the Australian average of $1,863, whereas rents are equal to the national figure of $375.

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Family households make up the majority at 58.0% of all households, consisting of 20.3% couples with children, 30.1% couples without children, and 6.1% single-parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 42.0%, with single-person households at 36.7% and group households representing 5.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.1 people is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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Educational attainment in South Perth is considerably higher than broader averages, with 51.0% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications, compared to 27.9% in WA and 29.9% in the SA4 region. This significant educational advantage places the area in a strong position for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 32.4%, followed by postgraduate degrees (14.3%) and graduate diplomas (4.3%). Vocational pathways make up 23.7% of qualifications for those aged 15 and over, consisting of advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificates (12.6%).

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Public transport analysis shows 78 active transport stops operating within South Perth, comprising a combination of ferry and bus services. These stops are serviced by 9 distinct routes, which collectively provide 3,151 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 128 meters from the nearest stop. Because this is a primarily residential area, most residents commute out of the suburb, with cars remaining the dominant mode of transport at 74%, followed by buses at 14% and cycling at 2%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 13.1% of residents work from home, based on 2021 Census data, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

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Health outcomes data reveals excellent results throughout South Perth, based on Districts' analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, which indicates very low rates of common health issues across all age brackets. Additionally, the rate of private health insurance is exceptionally high, covering approximately 70% of the total population (10,096 people). This compares to 59.0% across Greater Perth and a national average of 55.7%.

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South Perth displays greater cultural diversity than most local markets, with 21.2% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 39.8% born overseas. The main religion in South Perth was Christianity, representing 46.1% of residents. However, the most notable overrepresentation was in Judaism, which makes up 0.5% of the population, compared to 0.3% across Greater Perth.

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The median age of 42 years in South Perth is significantly higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 years and is also older than the Australian median of 38 years. The 65 - 74 age group is strongly represented at 12.2% compared to Greater Perth, while the 5 - 14 group is less common at 7.0%. Data from after the 2021 Census shows the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 6.2% to 8.4% of the population, while the 25 to 34 group rose from 15.8% to 17.1%. On the other hand, the 45 to 54 cohort decreased from 12.3% to 10.9%, and the 0 to group fell from to . Population forecasts for suggest significant demographic shifts for South Perth. Leading this change, the to cohort will expand by ( people), growing from to . Notably, the combined + age groups will account for of total population growth, showing the area's aging profile. In contrast, the to and to cohorts are projected to see population decreases.

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South Perth currently has an estimated 432 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 288 children aged 0-2 and 191 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 20% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 1% by 2041 (to approximately 427 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,037. Birth rates in the area have averaged 6.4 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.