Statistical Area 2 (SA2) · Area profile
Scarborough
5 km²
High levels of education and income set Scarborough apart as one of the most advantaged areas at this level. It is a growing community of 17,552 people, characterized by a professional workforce and a high proportion of young adults. The area feels modern and transient, with over half the population moving here in the last five years. Its identity is shaped by a strong preference for secularism and a distinct housing market dominated by townhouses and renters.
Scarborough's schools draw a community as advantaged as its high household incomes suggest.
A fast-growing area where schools haven't kept pace per child.
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The community is slightly younger than the state average, with a typical resident aged 36. It is a place of many single-person households and couples, while the proportion of children and seniors is well below the national figure.
About 31.7% of residents were born overseas, which is well above the national figure. English is the most common ancestry at 40.8%, followed by Australian and Irish heritage.
English is the primary language for 80.7% of the population. While 13.1% use another language at home, this is well below the national average, and very few people speak little or no English.
A majority of residents—52.8%—report having no religion, a figure far above the national average. This secular trend has grown significantly, rising 24 points since 2011.
The area is highly qualified, with 39.3% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher, far above the state average. Similarly, Year 12 completion is much higher than in most other areas.
Typical incomes are well above the national figure, with a typical family earning $2,790 a week. Nearly 30% of households earn $3,000 or more weekly, a figure that has risen 15 points since 2011.
Residents are generally healthier than those in most areas, with a much lower rate of long-term health conditions. Only 2.8% of people need help with daily activities, which is among the lowest for its level.
Volunteering is more common here than in most similar areas. However, fewer people provide unpaid care or do heavy housework compared to state and national figures.
The First Nations community is small in number but does well, with a 0.0% unemployment rate and household incomes well above the state and national averages.
Homes here are smaller than usual, with just 2.1 people per home. A high number of people live alone—34.5%, which is well above the national average.
The housing landscape is unique for the region, as townhouses make up 47.6% of dwellings. Renting is very common at 39.4%, and typical weekly rents are higher than the state average.
While most people drive, the area is well-served by buses, with a very high number of weekly departures per 1,000 people. The drive time to the city is much lower than in most similar areas.
The population is highly mobile, as 52.0% of residents moved here in the last five years. Recent overseas arrivals make up 16.7% of the community, which is well above the national figure.
Scarborough has a strong workforce, with 73.1% of adults working or looking for work. Full-time employment is well above the national average, and the unemployment rate is quite low at 3.6%.
The area is ranked as very advantaged, scoring 9 out of 10 for overall advantage. It is a hub for professional skills and has seen a population growth of 12.5% since 2021.
The local climate is milder than the state average, with an average maximum temperature of 24.7 degrees. Annual rainfall is 672mm, which is far above the Western Australian average.
The area is very walkable, with 100% of homes within a 10-minute walk of public transport and a 15-minute walk of a park. Most residents can easily reach groceries and health services on foot.