Committee for Perth’s Perth Perception Survey 2024: a tale of two cities

Perth’s Gen Z most positive about the city’s current and future progress, while Boomers say the city is on the decline

• Perth Perception Survey highlights generational gap in how residents live, work and do business in Perth
• Gen Z displays strongest entrepreneurial drive and is passionate about inclusivity, diversity and future focused industries
• Nearly 80 per cent of Perth residents recommend city as place to live and work
• More than two-thirds of Perth residents feel secure in their job


Committee for Perth’s Perth Perception Survey 2024 has revealed Gen Z – born between 1997 and 2012 – is most optimistic about our city’s progress and future, while 40 per cent of Baby Boomers – born from 1946 to 1964 – say it has changed for the worst.


The study, which has been conducted in partnership with leading global market research firm Ipsos every three years since 2012, provides valuable insights into residents’ perceptions of Perth’s lifestyle, housing challenges, evolving job market and how people feel imagining Perth in the year 2050, uncovering significant generational differences across all areas.

Throughout the survey, Gen Z’s views challenge those of older generations, such as support for urban infill, intent to tackle tough problems like climate change, an awareness of the need to improve inclusion and desire for equality and opportunities that improve social mobility.

Perth’s younger adult residents also express a more optimistic outlook on the city’s trajectory towards 2050 compared to their older counterparts, with 74 per cent of Gen Z and 65 per cent of Millennials expressing optimism, compared to just 54 per cent of Gen X and 59 per cent of Boomers.

Committee for Perth Chief Executive Officer Paula Rogers said the Perth Perception Survey offered a valuable snapshot of Perth residents’ diverse views.

“Gen Z has voiced clear priorities around the environment, diversification, and societal change, all of which present an opportunity to reimagine Perth’s future,” said Ms Rogers.

“As our younger generations increasingly shape the city’s agenda, their optimism and vision for Perth will be crucial in driving the city’s development – and what an exciting opportunity this presents for our city’s leaders to harness the energy and innovation of its youngest adult generation to drive transformation.”

The survey also indicated that policy makers and business leaders must increase their engagement with Gen Z and Millennials to ensure that policies put into place now are designed with the future, and the priorities of future generations in mind.

Key findings from the survey include:
• Career opportunities are on the rise: People in Perth are positive about their job prospects, building on previous positive trends and indicates that the job market is not only stable, with 68 per cent of people indicating that they feel their job is secure, but also that Perth offers opportunities for career advancement and development that may not have been available in previous years
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Gen Z displays a strong entrepreneurial drive, with 60 per cent willing to take risks to enhance their economic standing. Younger generations prioritise retraining (67 per cent of Gen Z and 33 per of Millennials), continuous education, and entrepreneurship more than their older counterparts
• Urban infill: nearly half (48 per cent) of residents think Perth needs more high-density housing, up from 36 per cent in 2021. 57 per cent of Gen Z is supportive of increased high-density living and acknowledges its importance in creating a vibrant city
• Housing Affordability Crisis: 76 per cent of Perth residents find the housing market unaffordable. Younger generations, particularly Gen Z, overwhelmingly agree that Perth is in a housing crisis and support increased migration
• Perth 2050: 32 per cent of residents are aware of Perth’s projected population growth to 3.5 million by 2050, and only 19 per cent believe the city is prepared for this growth.

“Gen Z presents with a strong entrepreneurial spirit and is passionate about inclusion, diversity, entrepreneurship and future focussed industries, such as renewables – this energy and passion will drive our city forward in the most exciting of ways,” said Ms Rogers.

“Capturing the energy of younger generations of Perth residents is crucial for our city’s future and will give the city an opportunity to diversify its economy, build a rich cultural tapestry and continue to add vibrancy.

“Committee for Perth is invigorated by the potential of Gen Z’s ideas, energy and focus on inclusion, and we strongly encourage greater consideration on the future needs of younger generations.”

The Perth Perception Survey 2024 provides critical insights that will help shape policies and initiatives aimed at fostering a vibrant, sustainable and inclusive Perth.