Key Business Areas
The City of Swan has a diversified and vibrant economic base. Its largest industry sectors are manufacturing, construction, retail and transport. Education and training, and the health care and social assistance industries also provide a significant number of jobs which contribute to the employment of more than 55,000 people working within the City's boundaries.
Over the past 10 years, the City's economy has more than doubled from its gross regional product of $3.12 billion in 2001 to more than $6.34 billion in 2011. The most significant industry, in terms of output, is manufacturing which contributed more than $3.98 billion in 2011.
The City's main industrial areas are located in the south western suburb of Malaga and the southern suburbs of Guildford, Hazelmere and Midland. Future industrial areas have been identified in Whiteman, North Ellenbrook and South Bullsbrook. Major retail centres are located in the suburbs of Beechboro, Ballajura, Ellenbrook and Midland.
Small business plays a vitally important role in the City's economic and social wellbeing. Of the 9,262 registered businesses, more than 95 per cent are classified as small businesses. Almost 60 per cent of businesses do not employ staff, however 34 per cent employ between 1 and 20 workers, 5 per cent employ between 20 and 100 workers and less than 1 percent of all businesses employ more than 100 people.
Geographically the largest metropolitan local government covering an area of 1,043 square kilometres, the City of Swan operates around seven key business locations. These are Malaga, Midland, Ellenbrook, Bullsbrook, Guildford, Hazelmere and the Swan Valley. You will find a brief description of each on the following pages.
For more detailed information about the City of Swan's economy, please visit our online Economic Profile.