The number of students living in the city may outstrip resident professionals as building starts next month on another student skyscraper in the 6000 postcode.

The $38 million, 39-storey building on Wellington Street — where student rooms will tower over Bankwest in neighbouring Raine Square — will be the fifth tallest building in Perth.

It is the third student tower in the city, with up to six students living in each room.

Director of urban planning consultancy Urbis, David Cresp, said, ironically, a city population that fell in age was a sign of a maturing city. He said the trend was a boon for bars and cafes.

“Students living in the city will be very positive for the city,” he said. “They will bring more vibrancy overall and increased expenditure for cafes, restaurants and bars, many of which have been doing it very tough.”

Camera Icon Credit: Supplied

Analysis by The West Australianshows two student accommodation towers which opened this year along with the planned third tower will add 2000 student beds in the city.

The 2016 census said there were 1500 students in the postcode area, which suggests total numbers of young scholars could soon hit about 3500. The census reported there were more professionals — 2200 — in the area at that time.

South African media student Kirsten Dijkstra and Dutch medical student Stijn Donker, both residents in Perth, said it had the potential to be one of the world’s great student cities.

Ms Dijkstra said Perth offered interesting things to do, and had a laid-back vibe. The only drawback was the high cost of living.