West Coast (SA)

West Coast is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

West Coast's population, as of May 2026, is approximately 3,903 people. This figure represents a growth of 257 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,646 people. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,895 in June 2025 and an additional 157 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 0.10 persons per square kilometer. West Coast's growth rate of 7.0% since the 2021 census exceeds that of its SA4 region (4.2%) and SA3 area, positioning it as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 37.6% to overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration being positive factors.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data, with adjustments made using weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Based on projected demographic shifts, West Coast is expected to grow by approximately 268 persons to reach a total population of around 4,171 by 2041, reflecting an overall growth rate of 6.7% over the 16-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees West Coast recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

West Coast has seen approximately 30 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 152 homes were approved, with an additional 16 approved in FY-26 so far. The average number of new residents per year arriving for each new home over these years is 0.9.

This indicates that the supply of new homes is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction cost value of new homes being built is $235,000. In comparison to Rest of SA, West Coast has 152.0% more new home approvals per person. This year alone, $7.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature.

The location maintains a traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space, as indicated by approximately 170 people per dwelling approval. Future projections estimate West Coast will add 260 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections. However, building activity has slowed in recent years. All new construction since FY-21 has been comprised of detached dwellings.

West Coast has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 4thth percentile nationally

The performance of a region is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified three projects expected to impact this area: South Australian Road Network Maintenance, South Australia High Productivity Vehicle Network Access, Gawler Craton Rail Access, and Northern Water Supply Project. The following list details those most relevant: - South Australian Road Network Maintenance (2015 - 2020) - South Australia High Productivity Vehicle Network Access (commenced in 2018) - Gawler Craton Rail Access (planned for completion by 2023) - Northern Water Supply Project (expected to be operational from 2024).

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in West Coast face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

West Coast has a balanced workforce comprising both white and blue collar jobs, with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate in December 2025 was 11.9%. As of that date, 1,732 residents were employed, which is 6.2% higher than the Regional SA rate of 5.7%.

Workforce participation was at 61.3%, slightly higher than Regional SA's 58.3%. According to Census responses, 16.1% of residents worked from home in December 2025. Key industries for employment among residents were agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. West Coast had a particular specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 2.1 times the regional level.

However, manufacturing was under-represented, with only 1.9% of West Coast's workforce compared to 9.3% in Regional SA. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, the labour force increased by 1.7%, while employment declined by 5.9%, leading to a rise in unemployment of 7.1 percentage points. In comparison, Regional SA saw employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 3.1%, with unemployment rising by 2.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, these projections varied significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to West Coast's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 5.0% over five years and 11.2% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that West Coast SA2 has a median income of $49,625 and an average income of $62,334. This is lower than the national averages of $58,933 and $71,388 respectively. Regional SA's figures are $48,920 (median) and $58,933 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, estimated median income for West Coast as of March 2026 is approximately $54,672, with average income at $68,673. Census data indicates that incomes in West Coast fall between the 9th and 17th percentiles nationally. Incomes ranging from $800 to $1,499 account for 28.0% of the population (1,092 individuals), differing from metropolitan regions where incomes between $1,500 and $2,999 are most common at 27.5%. Despite modest housing costs allowing retention of 92.5% of income, total disposable income ranks at just the 18th percentile nationally.

West Coast is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The latest Census evaluated dwelling structures in West Coast, showing 96.4% houses and 3.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Regional SA had 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in West Coast was 49.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 22.6% and rented ones at 28.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, below Regional SA's average of $1,153. The median weekly rent figure in West Coast was $104, compared to Regional SA's $220. Nationally, West Coast's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

West Coast has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 69.0% of all households, including 25.9% couples with children, 35.3% couples without children, and 7.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 31.0%, with lone person households at 29.1% and group households comprising 1.6%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is larger than the Regional SA average of 2.3.

West Coast faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 12.8%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common, with a rate of 10.8%, followed by graduate diplomas at 1.2% and postgraduate qualifications at 0.8%. Vocational credentials are prevalent among residents aged 15 and above, with 38.9% holding such qualifications. Advanced diplomas account for 8.6% while certificates represent 30.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.1% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 1.5% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health outcomes in West Coast are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

West Coast's health indicators show below-average results based on AreaSearch's assessment. Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts.

Approximately 50% of the total population (~1,967 people) has private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (8.6%) and asthma (6.4%). 71.2% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments compared to 62.5% across Regional SA. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. The area has 24.2% of residents aged 65 and over (945 people), lower than Regional SA's 27.1%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, with national rankings even higher than those of the general population.

West Coast is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

West Coast's cultural diversity was below average, with 90.0% being citizens, 93.9% born in Australia, and 88.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 49.6%. The 'Other' category was overrepresented at 1.3%, compared to Regional SA's 0.8%.

For ancestry, Australian (32.0%), English (28.1%), and Australian Aboriginal (12.2%) were the top groups, with Australian Aboriginal being substantially higher than the regional average of 3.3%. Notably, German was overrepresented at 6.7% compared to 8.2% regionally, and Maori was also overrepresented at 0.4% versus 0.2%.

West Coast hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in West Coast is 45 years, which is slightly below the Regional SA figure of 47 but significantly higher than Australia's average age of 38 years. Compared to the Regional SA average, the 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented in West Coast, making up 16.0% of the local population compared to a regional average of 9.4%. Meanwhile, the 75-84 year-olds are under-represented at 6.8%, compared to the national figure of 12.3%. Between January 2021 and present, the 65-74 age group has increased from 13.8% to 16.0% of West Coast's population, while the 75-84 cohort has grown from 4.9% to 6.8%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has decreased from 13.8% to 11.9%, and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 13.7% to 11.9%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in West Coast's age structure. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to increase by 209 people (78%), growing from 267 to 477 individuals. This growth will be driven primarily by residents aged 65 and above, who are expected to contribute to 77% of West Coast's population growth between now and 2041. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 5-14 age group (-39 people) and the 55-64 age cohort (-83 people).