WA 6124 Census 2021 + Live DA Data

Jarrahdale

At 256 square kilometres with just 1,205 residents, Jarrahdale is one of the most sparsely settled localities on Perth's southern fringe, recording a density of 4.7 people per km2, far below state and national averages. What makes the numbers stand out is the income profile: household income sits at the 77.1st percentile nationally despite the rural setting, and mortgage stress is absent with mortgage-to-income at 22.1%. The suburb runs on an aging trajectory, with the median age of 43 sitting 3 years above the national figure, and the senior share grew 4.1 points over the decade. Nearly all homes (98.6%) are separate houses on larger lots, pointing to a deliberate lifestyle choice rather than proximity-driven demand.

Jarrahdale urban fabric map

Population

1,205

Median Age

43.0

Household IncomeiMedian weekly household income (ABS Census)

$2,057/wk

DAs (12 months)iDevelopment Applications lodged in the past year

0

Median House

$450K

Estimated from rent (2025)

256.39 km²· 4.7 people/km²· Family income $2,383/wk

The median house price of $450,000 sits well below Perth metro medians, making Jarrahdale one of the more affordable entry points for buyers wanting a large block and a separate house. Mortgage repayments average $1,965 per month, and the mortgage-to-income ratio is 22.1%, comfortably below the 30% stress threshold compared to many metropolitan suburbs. Separate houses account for 98.6% of dwellings, with 4-plus bedroom homes dominant at 52.8% of stock, so upsizers and families get genuine space. The 32.8% outright ownership rate signals an established owner base, while 58.4% carry a mortgage. With only 0.7% semi-detached and essentially no apartments, buyers seeking higher-density or smaller-format housing will need to look elsewhere.

For Buyers

The median house price of $450,000 sits well below Perth metro medians, making Jarrahdale one of the more affordable entry points for buyers wanting a large block and a separate house. Mortgage repayments average $1,965 per month, and the mortgage-to-income ratio is 22.1%, comfortably below the 30% stress threshold compared to many metropolitan suburbs. Separate houses account for 98.6% of dwellings, with 4-plus bedroom homes dominant at 52.8% of stock, so upsizers and families get genuine space. The 32.8% outright ownership rate signals an established owner base, while 58.4% carry a mortgage. With only 0.7% semi-detached and essentially no apartments, buyers seeking higher-density or smaller-format housing will need to look elsewhere.

For Investors

A rental vacancy rate of 7.1% is above the national average threshold of around 3%, indicating the rental market is looser than in tighter urban areas. Weekly rent sits at $325, relatively low compared to metropolitan Perth, and only 8.9% of dwellings are rented, limiting the tenant pool. Rent has grown 30% over the measured period, a signal of tightening demand even at the suburban level. Net internal migration averages 67 per year and overseas migration adds 22, keeping demand balanced. Population grew 16.5% over 10 years and is forecast to reach 5,544 by 2031, adding incremental long-term demand. With 0 development applications in the last 12 months, new supply is not a near-term concern for existing landlords.

Schools in Jarrahdale iICSEA: school advantage index. 1000 = national avg, higher = more advantaged

Jarrahdale Primary School

ICSEA 988 Primary Government

K-6 · 68 students

Demographics

The median age of 43 is 3.0 years above the national figure, and the suburb is on an aging trajectory with the senior share rising 4.1 points over the decade while the young adult share fell 3.8 points. Ancestry is predominantly Anglo-Celtic: English (576 residents) leads, followed by Scottish (128), Irish (89) and Dutch (87). Overseas-born residents account for 24.8%, which is 3.2 percentage points above the national average, suggesting modest international diversity relative to major urban centres. University qualifications at 23.1% run 7.0 percentage points below the national figure, consistent with a working trades and healthcare workforce. Average household size of 2.6 is marginally above national at 0.1 difference, and 42.1% of families are couples with children.

Age Distribution

0-14
21.7%
15-24
9.0%
25-44
21.6%
45-64
33.1%
65+
14.9%

Bedrooms

Studio/1br
1.5%
2 bed
11.1%
3 bed
34.6%
4+ bed
52.8%

Dwelling Structure

98.6%

Houses

0.7%

Townhouse

N/A

Apartment

Tenure

Own 32.8% Mortgage 58.4% Rent 8.9%

Jarrahdale's housing market is almost exclusively separate houses at 98.6% of dwellings, a proportion higher than the vast majority of Perth suburbs. The dominant bedroom category is 4-plus rooms at 52.8%, with 3-bedroom homes at 34.6% and 2-bedroom at 11.1%. Outright owners hold 32.8% of dwellings and mortgage holders 58.4%, a ratio typical of an established mortgage-belt area. The vacancy rate of 7.1% is elevated compared to tighter urban markets. Rent-to-income sits at 15.8%, well below the 30% stress threshold, meaning rental affordability is strong relative to incomes in the 77.1st percentile nationally. The median house price of $450,000 reflects the large lot character and distance from the CBD rather than any price ceiling.

Mortgage / mo

$1,965

Rent / wk

$325

HH Size

2.6

Personal Income / wk

$933

Vacancy Ratei% of dwellings unoccupied on Census night (ABS 2021)

7.1%

Unoccupied

33

Rent / IncomeiMedian rent as % of household income. Over 30% = housing stress

15.8%

Mortgage / IncomeiMedian mortgage as % of household income. Over 30% = housing stress

22.1%

Community Profile

Ancestry

English
576
Scottish
128
Irish
89
Dutch
87
Other
86
Ancestry NS
76

Household Composition

30.6%

Couples, no children

978

Total families

Economy & Employment

Healthcare is the largest employment sector at 16.5% of workers (62 people), followed by Construction at 11.5%, Professional and Technical services at 9.9%, Mining at 9.6% and Education at 9.1%. The Mining share is notable given the suburb's proximity to the Darling Range resource corridor. By occupation, Professionals (93) and Managers (87) lead, reflecting that many residents commute to higher-paying roles in Perth or regional operations. The full-time employment rate of 69.6% is solid, and unemployment at 4.1% is close to national levels. The IRSD decile of 6 and IRSAD decile of 6 place Jarrahdale in the middle of the national distribution for relative disadvantage and advantage, broadly in line with the state median. Real income grew 10.5% over the decade.

Unemployment

3.2%

Labour Force

2,678

Unemployed

86

Quarterly Trend

Mar-24 Dec-25

Source: SALM Dec-25

Socio-Economic Indexes (SEIFA)iABS index ranking suburbs from 1 (most disadvantaged) to 10 (most advantaged)

Overall advantage
6
Disadvantage
6
Economic resources
9
Education & occupation
4

Full-time

69.6%

Part-time

26.3%

Participation

59.1%

Employed

533

Occupations

Professionals 93
Managers 87
Clerical/Admin 73
Machinery/Drivers 72
Community/Personal 62
Labourers 54
Sales 26

Top Industries

Healthcare 16.5%
Construction 11.5%
Professional/Tech 9.9%
Mining 9.6%
Education 9.1%

University

23.1%

Postgraduate

3.2%

Born Overseas

24.8%

Dwellings

432

Transport to Work

Car dependency is extreme at 89.2% driving to work, compared to a national average closer to 62%, reflecting the rural scale and 256 km2 footprint. Only 2.0% use public transport and 4.2% walk or cycle, making a private vehicle essential for daily life. No schools are recorded within the Jarrahdale boundary, so families depend on facilities in nearby Serpentine-Jarrahdale corridor towns. Crime data is not available for this suburb. Volunteering is notably high at 22.5%, above typical metro rates, which speaks to the community self-reliance common in rural-fringe localities. The IRSAD decile of 6 places livability conditions in the middle nationally, while the IER (economic resources) decile of 9 shows that household asset wealth, including high home ownership rates, ranks well above average.

Drive

89.2%

Public Transport

2.0%

Walk / Cycle

4.2%

Work from Home

N/A

Population Forecast

+1.39%/yr

(+72 people/yr)

Established

Jarrahdale grew 16.5% over the decade and population is forecast to reach 5,544 by 2031 under the medium scenario, adding roughly 72 residents per year at a 1.39% annual rate. Internal migration averages a net 67 arrivals per year and overseas migration contributes 22, both positive drivers. The gentrification score is 32 with the suburb classified as showing early signs, supported by signals including 25% population growth since 2011 and a migration rate accelerating from 8% to 15%. Affordability has remained stable, moving from 43.3% in 2011 to 41.5% in 2021, indicating housing costs have not outrun income growth. Real income grew 10.5% over the same period, which underpins purchasing power. Rent growth of 30% over the measurement period shows the rental market is tightening faster than incomes.

Historical + Forecast

Hamilton-Perry + Holt smoothing on ERP 2001-2025

Age Cohort Forecast

Primary Driver

Balanced

Net Overseas / yr

+22

Net Internal / yr

+67

32

Gentrification Signal

Early signs

Population +25% since 2011, Net internal migration +67/yr, Accelerating: 8% → 15%

National Ranking iPercentile rank among ~15,000 AU suburbs. 90% = higher than 90% of suburbs

How Jarrahdale compares to ~15,000 Australian suburbs

Population
Top 26%
Household Income
Top 23%
Rent Level
Top 32%
Renters
Bottom 12%
Uni Educated
Bottom 47%
Public Transport
Bottom 34%
Born Overseas
Top 20%
Density
Bottom 48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Jarrahdale a good suburb to live in?

Jarrahdale suits buyers seeking space and rural character on Perth's southern fringe. Household income sits at the 77.1st percentile nationally, mortgage stress is low at 22.1% of income, and the volunteering rate of 22.5% reflects active community participation. The trade-offs are extreme car dependency (89.2% drive to work), no recorded schools inside the boundary, and a 7.1% rental vacancy rate.

What is the median house price in Jarrahdale?

The median house price is approximately $450,000, well below Perth metro medians. Monthly mortgage repayments average $1,965, and the mortgage-to-income ratio of 22.1% is below the 30% stress threshold. Weekly rent averages $325, with rent-to-income at 15.8%, indicating affordable rental conditions relative to local incomes.

What schools are in Jarrahdale?

No schools are recorded inside the Jarrahdale boundary in this dataset. Given the suburb spans 256 square kilometres with only 1,205 residents, families use schools in nearby Serpentine-Jarrahdale corridor towns. University qualifications are held by 23.1% of residents, which is 7.0 percentage points below the national average.

Is Jarrahdale safe?

Detailed crime statistics are not available for Jarrahdale in this dataset. As indirect indicators, the suburb scores decile 6 on the IRSD index of relative disadvantage, placing it in the middle nationally, and only 4.5% of residents (50 people) need daily assistance. The low population density of 4.7 people per km2 is typical of low-crime rural fringe areas.

Is Jarrahdale good for property investment?

Rent of $325 per week against a $450,000 median gives a gross yield near 3.8%, modest but above inner-metro levels. The 7.1% vacancy rate is elevated compared to tighter markets, limiting near-term rental demand. However, rent grew 30% over the measurement period and population is forecast to reach 5,544 by 2031, adding roughly 72 residents per year to support long-term demand.

How is Jarrahdale's population changing?

Population grew 16.5% over the decade and reached approximately 5,195 in 2025 based on the SA2 area. The annual growth rate is 1.39%, adding about 72 residents per year. Medium forecasts project 5,544 residents by 2031. Net internal migration of 67 per year and overseas migration of 22 are both positive, balanced growth drivers.

How to read these comparisons

Phrases like "above the national average" reference the unweighted median across Australian suburbs with more than 1,000 residents, not population-weighted national figures. Suburb-level medians are more useful for ranking suburbs against each other; ABS census headlines are population-weighted (so dominated by Sydney and Melbourne) and can read very differently.

Current baseline (refreshed 2026-05-10): median age 40, university-educated 30.1%, born overseas 21.6%, average household size 2.5 people.

Data sources: ABS 2021 Census (demographics, income, tenure), state Valuer-General (house prices), Department of Jobs SALM (unemployment), ACARA (school ICSEA), state Crime Statistics agencies (offences), council DA portals (development applications). Population forecasts use a Hamilton-Perry cohort model calibrated to ABS ERP.

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