Middle Swan
At $386,000 median house price, Middle Swan sits at the affordable end of Perth's Swan Valley corridor, yet 30.6% of residents were born overseas, which is 9.0 points above the national figure. The suburb's identity is shaped by mortgage-belt households, detached houses dominating at 84.9%, and an aging demographic trajectory where the senior share grew 3.5 points over the decade. Household income sits in the 32.7th percentile nationally, well below the median, so affordability is genuine rather than speculative. The IRSAD and IRSD scores land at decile 4, indicating moderate disadvantage compared to Australian averages.
Population
2,852
Median Age
39.0
Household IncomeiMedian weekly household income (ABS Census)
$1,316/wk
DAs (12 months)iDevelopment Applications lodged in the past year
25
Median House
$386K
Estimated from rent (2025)
The $386,000 median house price makes Middle Swan far more accessible than Perth's inner and middle rings. Monthly mortgage repayments average $1,500, producing a mortgage-to-income ratio of 26.3%, below the 30% stress threshold, a rare combination in the current rate environment. The stock is overwhelmingly separate houses at 84.9%, with semi-detached at 7.6% and apartments at only 2.4%. Three-bedroom homes account for 45.2% of dwellings and four-plus bedroom homes for 39.2%, giving buyers genuine size options. With 40.2% of residents currently on a mortgage versus 30.2% owning outright, the suburb attracts active buyers rather than long-term hold-and-forget owners.
For Buyers
The $386,000 median house price makes Middle Swan far more accessible than Perth's inner and middle rings. Monthly mortgage repayments average $1,500, producing a mortgage-to-income ratio of 26.3%, below the 30% stress threshold, a rare combination in the current rate environment. The stock is overwhelmingly separate houses at 84.9%, with semi-detached at 7.6% and apartments at only 2.4%. Three-bedroom homes account for 45.2% of dwellings and four-plus bedroom homes for 39.2%, giving buyers genuine size options. With 40.2% of residents currently on a mortgage versus 30.2% owning outright, the suburb attracts active buyers rather than long-term hold-and-forget owners.
For Investors
The rental yield picture is mixed but not unfavourable. Weekly rent of $310 against a $386,000 median implies a gross yield near 4.2%, higher than most inner Perth suburbs. The renter share sits at 29.6% and the vacancy rate at 7.9%, which is elevated and warrants attention before assuming tight conditions. Net migration is balanced, with internal arrivals averaging 84 per year and overseas arrivals at 82, supporting steady demand. Development activity recorded 18 applications in the past 12 months, mostly demolitions, suggesting limited new supply competition. Rent grew 6.7% over the period, outpacing real income growth of negative 0.3%, which supports yield sustainability.
Development Activity
Total DAs
25
Last 12 Months
25
YoY ChangeiYear-over-year change in DA lodgements
—
Avg DA CostiAverage estimated cost per DA in the past year
N/A
Monthly DA Lodgements
DA Categories
Schools in Middle Swan iICSEA: school advantage index. 1000 = national avg, higher = more advantaged
Swan Christian College
PP-12 · 1689 students
St Brigid's Primary School
PP-6 · 402 students
La Salle College
7-12 · 1346 students
Demographics
The median age of 39 sits 1.0 year below the national figure, though the trajectory is aging with the senior share up 3.5 points over the decade. At 30.6% overseas-born, Middle Swan runs 9.0 points above the national average, drawing mainly from English-ancestry backgrounds, with English ancestry the leading group at 1,001 residents, followed by Irish (225), Italian (206), and Scottish (187). The average household size is 2.4, similar to the national figure. University qualifications reach only 19.9%, which is 10.2 points below national, consistent with the blue-collar occupation profile. The labour participation rate is 54.1%, with machinery operators and labourers the two largest occupational groups.
Age Distribution
Bedrooms
Dwelling Structure
84.9%
Houses
7.6%
Townhouse
2.4%
Apartment
Tenure
Tenure leans toward active mortgage holders: 40.2% carry a mortgage, 30.2% own outright and 29.6% rent, a profile typical of a mortgage-belt suburb in transition. Separate houses dominate at 84.9%, far above the national average, so density is low across the 13.41 km2 area. Three-bedroom homes make up 45.2% and four-plus bedroom homes 39.2%, with smaller one-to-two bedroom stock below 16%. Rent-to-income at 23.6% stays below the 30% stress line, keeping renters in a manageable position. Monthly mortgage repayments of $1,500 against household income in the 32.7th percentile nationally show that even modest earners can sustain ownership here, which explains the high 40.2% mortgage rate.
Mortgage / mo
$1,500
Rent / wk
$310
HH Size
2.4
Personal Income / wk
$670
Vacancy Ratei% of dwellings unoccupied on Census night (ABS 2021)
7.9%
Unoccupied
94
Rent / IncomeiMedian rent as % of household income. Over 30% = housing stress
23.6%
Mortgage / IncomeiMedian mortgage as % of household income. Over 30% = housing stress
26.3%
Community Profile
Languages Spoken at Home
Ancestry
Household Composition
24.6%
Couples, no children
2,108
Total families
Economy & Employment
Healthcare is the dominant industry at 15.8% of workers (121 people), followed by Construction at 9.8% and Retail at 7.9%. Mining contributes 7.6%, consistent with proximity to Perth's eastern resource-sector corridor. The unemployment rate is 7.4%, notably higher than national averages, and full-time employment accounts for 63.4% of the employed. Weekly personal income averages $670 and household income is $1,316, placing the suburb in the 32.7th percentile nationally. The SEIFA IEO decile of 3 confirms lower education and occupation outcomes compared to most Australian suburbs, though the IER score reaches decile 6, reflecting that resource wealth does flow through in some households. Volunteering sits at 13.5%, broadly in line with community norms.
Unemployment
5.4%
Labour Force
3,692
Unemployed
201
Quarterly Trend
Source: SALM Dec-25
Socio-Economic Indexes (SEIFA)iABS index ranking suburbs from 1 (most disadvantaged) to 10 (most advantaged)
Full-time
63.4%
Part-time
29.2%
Participation
54.1%
Employed
1,171
Occupations
Top Industries
University
19.9%
Postgraduate
4.8%
Born Overseas
30.6%
Dwellings
1,091
Transport to Work
Car dependence is high at 86.3% driving to work, above the national average, while only 4.7% use public transport. The IRSAD decile of 4 places Middle Swan below the national median on combined advantage measures, reflecting the lower-income and occupation profile. Rent-to-income at 23.6% and mortgage-to-income at 26.3% both sit comfortably below stress thresholds, so day-to-day housing costs are manageable. About 6.7% of residents (180 people) need daily assistance, slightly above typical suburban rates. No schools are recorded in the dataset for Middle Swan, so families draw on facilities in adjacent Swan Valley suburbs. The turnover rate of 19.4% is moderate, with 80.6% of residents staying put over five years, signalling reasonable neighbourhood stability.
Drive
86.3%
Public Transport
4.7%
Walk / Cycle
2.9%
Work from Home
N/A
Population Forecast
+1.08%/yr
(+71 people/yr)
EstablishedMiddle Swan's population has grown 9.4% over the past decade and currently tracks at 1.08% annually, adding roughly 71 people per year. The SA2-level historical series shows the broader precinct rising from 6,193 in 2023 to 6,580 by 2025, with medium forecasts projecting 6,747 by 2031. Migration is balanced: internal arrivals average 84 per year and overseas arrivals 82, with no single dominant driver. Gentrification signals are emerging with a score of 32 and early-stage classification, supported by population growth of 19% since 2011 and accelerating internal migration from 2% to 17% of movement share. Affordability improved from 50.3% of income in 2011 to 43.7% in 2021, suggesting buyers face less strain than a decade ago.
Historical + Forecast
Hamilton-Perry + Holt smoothing on ERP 2001-2025
Age Cohort Forecast
Primary Driver
Balanced
Net Overseas / yr
+82
Net Internal / yr
+84
Gentrification Signal
Early signs
Population +19% since 2011, Net internal migration +84/yr, Accelerating: 2% → 17%
National Ranking iPercentile rank among ~15,000 AU suburbs. 90% = higher than 90% of suburbs
How Middle Swan compares to ~15,000 Australian suburbs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Middle Swan a good suburb to live in?
Middle Swan offers genuine affordability with a $386,000 median house price and mortgage repayments averaging $1,500 per month, keeping the mortgage-to-income ratio at 26.3%, below the 30% stress threshold. The IRSAD decile sits at 4, below the national median, so residents trade access and prestige for cost. Car access is important as only 4.7% use public transport. The suburb suits buyers prioritising space and value over proximity to services.
What is the median house price in Middle Swan?
The median house price is $386,000, estimated from 2025 rental data. Weekly rent averages $310, implying a gross yield near 4.2%. Monthly mortgage repayments average $1,500 with a mortgage-to-income ratio of 26.3%, below the 30% stress benchmark even for households in the 32.7th income percentile nationally.
What schools are in Middle Swan?
No schools are recorded inside the Middle Swan boundary in this dataset. Families typically access schools in neighbouring Swan Valley and Midland suburbs. The suburb has a university qualification rate of 19.9%, which is 10.2 points below the national average, reflecting a trades and services-oriented workforce rather than a professional one.
Is Middle Swan safe?
Detailed crime statistics are not available for Middle Swan in this dataset. As an indirect indicator, the IRSD decile score is 4, below the national median on relative disadvantage, and 6.7% of residents (180 people) need daily assistance. The unemployment rate of 7.4% is above typical suburban levels, which is a context worth noting when assessing community conditions.
Is Middle Swan good for property investment?
Weekly rent of $310 against a $386,000 median gives a gross yield near 4.2%, above most Perth middle-ring suburbs. The vacancy rate of 7.9% is elevated and should be monitored. Rent grew 6.7% over the period and net migration averages 166 arrivals per year across internal and overseas channels, supporting sustained tenant demand. Gentrification signals are emerging with a score of 32, suggesting early-stage upward price pressure.
How is Middle Swan's population changing?
The population grew 9.4% over the past decade and is currently increasing at 1.08% per year, adding about 71 people annually. The broader SA2 precinct rose from 6,193 residents in 2023 to 6,580 in 2025, with medium forecasts reaching 6,747 by 2031. Internal migration averages 84 arrivals per year and overseas migration 82, making growth balanced rather than driven by a single source.
What languages are spoken in Middle Swan?
About 30.6% of residents were born overseas, which is 9.0 points above the national figure. The top non-English languages are Malayalam (34 speakers), Italian (33), Punjabi (22), and Croatian (19), reflecting a mix of South Asian, European and South-East European heritage alongside the dominant English-ancestry majority.
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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