Scarborough Demographics: Population, Age & Income Profile (WA)
Liveability Score
5.8/10Scarborough has a medium demographic profile typical of Western Australia suburbs
Key Facts
- Median Age
- 37 years (state avg)
- Median Household Income
- $1,496/wk (state avg)
- Families with Children
- 27.1% of households
- Home Ownership
- 67.2% own — 29.2% rent
- Postcode
- 6019
- Highest high-risk exposure
- 14.1% of land (bushfire)
Demographics Analysis
Scarborough in Western Australia reflects the broader demographic characteristics of the region. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2021 Census, the typical household in Western Australia has a median weekly income of around $1,496, with a median age of 37 years.
The ABS reports that 27.1% of households in Western Australia are couples with children, while 25.3% are couples without children. Lone person households account for 22.9% of households. This family composition data helps home buyers understand the neighbourhood character and amenity demand.
Home ownership rates in Western Australia show that 67.2% of households own their home (with or without a mortgage), while 29.2% rent. These tenure patterns affect property turnover rates, rental demand, and neighbourhood stability — all important factors for home buyers evaluating Scarborough.
Climate risk is an increasingly important factor for property buyers evaluating suburbs like Scarborough. Different demographic groups face different climate exposure profiles — families may prioritise heat safety near schools, while retirees may be more concerned about insurance costs in flood-prone areas. Get an address-level climate risk report for your Scarborough property to understand how climate projections may affect your investment.
Scarborough (postcode 6019) is tracked in ClimateNest's suburb hazard model, which maps the share of the suburb's land exposed to each hazard at high and moderate levels. The suburb's highest high-risk exposures are bushfire (14.1% of land in high-risk zones), riverine flood (9.6% of land in high-risk zones), surface flood (8.2% of land in high-risk zones). Exposure is not uniform across Scarborough — individual properties can sit well above or below these averages, so an address-level check is recommended before buying, selling or insuring.
Adaptation & Mitigation Actions
Upgrade stormwater drainage infrastructure
Near-termImprove drainage capacity to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce the risk of localized flooding.
Est. cost: High
Implement coastal protection measures
Near-termConstruct seawalls, groynes, and other coastal defenses to protect against erosion and storm surge.
Est. cost: Very High
Develop a heatwave management plan
ImmediateEstablish cooling centers, provide public education on heat safety, and implement measures to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves.
Est. cost: Medium
Enhance bushfire preparedness
Long-termConduct controlled burns, clear vegetation around properties, and educate residents on bushfire safety.
Est. cost: Medium
Promote water conservation
Long-termEncourage water-wise gardening, install rainwater tanks, and implement water restrictions during dry periods.
Est. cost: Low
Council & Emergency Services
Explore Scarborough Risk Reports
View other climate risk assessments for Scarborough:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Scarborough?
Population data for Scarborough comes from the ABS 2021 Census, the most recent national census. For the most current suburb-level population data, refer to ABS QuickStats or consult the Western Australia state government's population projections. Understanding population trends helps home buyers assess housing demand, infrastructure investment, and neighbourhood character.
What is the median age in Scarborough?
The median age for Western Australia is 37 years according to the 2021 ABS Census, which serves as a reference point for Scarborough. A younger median age often indicates more families and first home buyers, while older demographics suggest established households and potentially lower turnover. Both have implications for property demand and investment strategy.
What is the average household income in Scarborough?
The median weekly household income in Western Australia is $1,496 per week (ABS 2021 Census). Household income affects serviceability for mortgage lending, rental affordability, and the type of housing stock in demand within a suburb. Higher-income areas typically support stronger property values and faster capital growth. Combine demographic research with a climate risk report from ClimateNest for a complete property assessment.
What type of people live in Scarborough?
The demographic profile of Scarborough is broadly shaped by its location within Western Australia. According to the ABS Census, 27.1% of households in the state are couples with children, while 25.3% are couples without children. The overall population of Western Australia has a median age of 37 — use this as context when assessing the demographic character of Scarborough.
What share of Scarborough is exposed to high bushfire risk?
ClimateNest's hazard overlay maps 14.1% of Scarborough in high-risk zones for bushfire, with a further 61.3% in moderate-risk zones. Suburb-level exposure is not uniform — individual properties can differ from these averages, so an address-level check is recommended.
Is Scarborough Safe from Climate Risk?
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