Shelley Demographics: Population, Age & Income Profile (WA)
Liveability Score
5.2/10Shelley 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
- 6148
- Highest high-risk exposure
- 17.4% of land (bushfire)
Demographics Analysis
Shelley 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 Shelley.
Climate risk is an increasingly important factor for property buyers evaluating suburbs like Shelley. 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 Shelley property to understand how climate projections may affect your investment.
Shelley (postcode 6148) 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 (17.4% of land in high-risk zones), surface flood (11.1% of land in high-risk zones), extreme wind (5.9% of land in high-risk zones). Exposure is not uniform across Shelley — 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
Improve drainage infrastructure
Near-termUpgrade drainage systems to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce the risk of flooding.
Est. cost: High
Develop a heatwave management plan
ImmediateImplement strategies to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, such as cooling centers and public awareness campaigns.
Est. cost: Medium
Strengthen coastal protection measures
Long-termImplement measures to protect against sea level rise and storm surges, such as seawalls and beach nourishment.
Est. cost: Very High
Promote water conservation
Near-termEncourage residents to conserve water to reduce the strain on water resources during periods of drought.
Est. cost: Low
Council & Emergency Services
Explore Shelley Risk Reports
View other climate risk assessments for Shelley:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Shelley?
Population data for Shelley 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 Shelley?
The median age for Western Australia is 37 years according to the 2021 ABS Census, which serves as a reference point for Shelley. 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 Shelley?
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 Shelley?
The demographic profile of Shelley 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 Shelley.
What share of Shelley is exposed to high bushfire risk?
ClimateNest's hazard overlay maps 17.4% of Shelley in high-risk zones for bushfire, with a further 66.8% 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 Shelley Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Shelley, Western Australia, covering flood, bushfire, sea level rise and more.
What A$69 could save you from
*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA
Full report from A$69 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections