Swanbourne (WA)

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Swanbourne's population is estimated at roughly 4,919 as of May 2026, according to Districts' evaluation of ABS population updates and address validations post-Census. Compared to the 2021 Census, which recorded 4,592 people, this represents an addition of 327 residents (7.1%). This estimate of 4,919 residents was determined by Districts using the ABS June 2025 release of ERP data combined with address checking since the Census. With this population level, the density ratio is 935 persons per square kilometer, matching typical averages for assessed locations. Swanbourne has maintained consistent growth over the prior ten years with a 1.6% compound annual rate, which is higher than the SA3 area. The population gains in recent times were mostly driven by overseas migration, which made up approximately 80.0% of the overall increase.

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A highly qualified workforce characterizes Swanbourne, with professional sectors well represented, an unemployment rate sitting at 1.4%, and an annual job growth rate of 1.3% based on localized statistics. As of March 2026, there are 2,627 employed residents, and the jobless rate is 2.8% lower than the 4.2% average of Greater Perth. Participation in the workforce is slightly lower than the regional baseline, at 67.5% compared to Greater Perth's 70.2%. Census figures indicate that a modest 14.6% of the workforce operated from home, though this may have been influenced by pandemic measures.

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According to the financial year 2023 ATO tax data released at the postcode level, taxpayers in Swanbourne earn a median income of $79,986, with a mean income of $161,440. This represents an exceptionally high level nationally, compared to the Greater Perth median of $60,748 and average of $80,248. Adjusted for the Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current estimates for March 2026 stand at roughly $88,728 for the median and $179,085 for the average. In the 2021 Census, local household, family, and individual incomes fell within the 96th to 99th percentiles nationwide. In terms of brackets, the $4000+ category contains the largest share at 43.5% of residents (2,139 people), unlike the wider region where the - range is most common at . Financial strength is evident, with of households earning weekly incomes above which supports consumer demand. After accounting for housing payments, households keep of their income, demonstrating significant discretionary funds, and the area is placed in the th decile of the SEIFA index.

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The local housing stock at the time of the last Census consisted of 81.4% standalone houses and 18.6% alternative structures (including apartments, townhouses, and other formats), compared to 77.8% houses and 22.1% alternative structures across the Perth metropolitan area. Home ownership was notably higher in Swanbourne than the metro average at 42.2%, with the remaining properties being purchased under a mortgage (31.9%) or rented (26.0%). The median mortgage payment of $3,504 per month was significantly higher than the Perth metro median of $1,907, while the median weekly rent was $470 compared to $350 across the metro area. On a national level, monthly mortgage outlays in Swanbourne are much higher than the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents exceed the national benchmark of $375.

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Families make up 79.7% of all local households, consisting of 43.1% couples with children, 28.0% couples without children, and 8.3% single parents. The remaining 20.3% are non-family households, with lone person households representing 17.7% and group housing accounting for 2.4%. The median household occupancy of 2.8 persons is larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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Attainment levels for education in Swanbourne are well above typical benchmarks, with 58.0% of individuals aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 27.9% across WA and 30.1% in Greater Perth. This educational profile leaves the suburb well positioned for professional opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 37.3%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 15.7% and graduate diplomas at 5.0%. Vocational paths account for 16.9% of qualifications among those aged 15+, consisting of advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (8.1%).

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An analysis of public transport reveals 26 active transit stops in Swanbourne, consisting of train stations and bus stops. These stops connect to 5 distinct routes, which support 1,375 passenger journeys each week. Access to transport is rated highly, with average resident distance to the nearest stop standing at 209 meters. As the suburb is mostly residential, most workers commute out of the area; private cars are the main transit mode at 79%, while train travel makes up 6% and walking accounts for 5%. Vehicle ownership stands at 1.7 cars per household, exceeding the regional average. Census data from 2021 showed that 14.6% of residents worked from home, which may reflect temporary pandemic restrictions.

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Health profiles for Swanbourne show excellent outcomes, marked by low rates of chronic illnesses and mortality across all demographics, alongside a very high rate of private health insurance, which covers roughly 91% of the population (4,490 people). This rate is much higher than the Greater Perth level of 59.0% and the national baseline of 55.7%.

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Swanbourne aligns closely with regional averages for cultural metrics, with 74.9% of the population born in Australia, 91.0% holding citizenship, and 92.2% using only English at home. Christianity is the main religious affiliation, representing 47.8% of the community. However, the most distinct religious difference is in Judaism, which makes up 0.8% of the local population compared to 0.3% across Greater Perth.

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The median age of 38 years in Swanbourne is similar to Greater Perth's average of 37 and matches the national figure of 38. Compared to Greater Perth, the suburb has a higher share of children aged 5 - 14 (14.9%) but a smaller proportion of young adults aged 25 - 34 (10.5%). Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 cohort grew from 5.1% to 6.8% of the population, and the 15 to 24 cohort rose from 13.9% to 15.3%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 14.5% to 12.8%, while the 5 to cohort declined from to . By significant changes in the age structure are anticipated. The + group is projected to expand by ( people), rising from to . This aging trend is prominent, with residents aged + accounting for of total growth, while the to and to cohorts are expected to decrease.

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Swanbourne currently has an estimated 241 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 124 children aged 0-2 and 83 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 4% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 5% by 2041 (to approximately 230 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 546. Birth rates in the area have averaged 7.1 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.