West Coast (SA)
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, West Coast (SA)'s population is around 3847 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase of 201 people (5.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3646 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3866 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 106 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 0.10 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. West Coast's growth since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (4.8%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by natural growth contributing approximately 55.9% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and interstate migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 and based on 2021 data, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of regional areas across the nation is expected for West Coast (SA), with an expected growth of 279 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, recording a gain of 7.7% in total over the 17 years.

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 each year. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, with 152 homes approved over the past five financial years between FY-21 and FY-25, and four approvals so far in FY-26. On average, only 0.9 people per year moved to the area for each dwelling built during these years, indicating that new supply has kept pace with or exceeded demand. This has offered ample buyer choice and created capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average construction cost value of new homes was $395,000. Additionally, $7.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. When compared to Rest of SA, West Coast has seen 153.0% more new home approvals per person. However, building activity has slowed in recent years.

All new construction has consisted of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location currently has approximately 170 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Future projections suggest that West Coast will add 297 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

West Coast has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects that could impact the region: 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 likely to be most relevant.

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

Employment drivers in West Coast are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

West Coast SA has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The unemployment rate is 7.8% and there was an estimated 3.6% employment growth in the past year.

As of June 2025, 1,815 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 3.2% higher than Rest of SA's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation is at 57.1%, slightly higher than Rest of SA's 54.1%. Key industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. West Coast specializes in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share 2.1 times the regional level but has fewer manufacturing jobs at 1.9% compared to Rest of SA's 9.3%.

Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population data. In the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 3.6%, labour force grew by 5.6%, and unemployment rose by 1.8 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of SA had an employment decline of 1.2% with a slight labour force growth of 0.1% and a 1.2% increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections suggest local growth rates differ significantly. Applying these projections to West Coast's employment mix suggests a potential increase of approximately 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 ending June 2022 indicates that West Coast had a median income of $46,663 and an average income of $57,208. This is lower than the national averages of $51,596 median and $61,269 average. Rest of SA's figures for the same period show a median income of $46,889 and an average income of $56,582. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.83% from June 2022 to March 2025, current estimates for West Coast would be approximately $51,717 median and $63,404 average as of that date. Census data reveals that in West Coast, household incomes fall between the 10th and 17th percentiles nationally, with 28.0% of individuals earning between $800 - $1,499. In contrast, the metropolitan region has 27.5% of individuals earning between $1,500 - $2,999. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 92.5% income retention, West Coast's total disposable income ranks at just the 19th percentile nationally.

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

The latest Census data shows that in West Coast, 96.4% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 3.6% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types of dwellings. In Non-Metro SA, this was split differently at 75.9% houses and 24.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in West Coast stood at 49.2%, with mortgaged properties at 22.6% and rented dwellings at 28.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,083, lower than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,170. The median weekly rent figure in West Coast was recorded at $104, compared to $195 in Non-Metro SA. Nationally, West Coast's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 31.0%, with lone person households at 29.1% and group households comprising 1.6%. The median household size is 2.4 people, larger than the Rest of 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 12.8%, substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.8%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.2%) and postgraduate qualifications (0.8%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 38.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (8.6%) and certificates (30.3%).

Educational participation is notably 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. A network of 6 schools operates within West Coast, educating approximately 451 students. The educational mix includes 3 primary schools and 3 K-12 schools. School places per 100 residents (11.7) fall below the regional average (15.8), with some students likely attending schools in adjacent areas. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to parent campus.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

The level of general health in West Coast is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

The West Coast region exhibits superior health outcomes, with both youth and elderly populations experiencing low prevalence rates for common health conditions. Approximately 48% (~1,858 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 8.6% of residents) and asthma (6.4%), while 71.2% claim to be free from ailments, higher than the Rest of SA's 65.6%. The region has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 23.2% (894 people), compared to Rest of SA's 22.1%. Notably, health outcomes among seniors are exceptionally strong, surpassing general population metrics.

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% citizens, 93.9% born in Australia, and 88.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 49.6%. The 'Other' category was overrepresented at 1.3%, compared to Rest of SA's 0.6%.

Top three ancestral groups were Australian (32.0%), English (28.1%), and Australian Aboriginal (12.2%), significantly higher than the regional average of 4.8%. Notably, German and Maori ethnicities were also overrepresented at 6.7% and 0.4%, respectively.

West Coast hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

West Coast has a median age of 45, which is slightly lower than the Rest of South Africa's figure of 47 but higher than Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Rest of South Africa average, West Coast has a notably over-represented 65-74 age group (15.8%), while the 75-84 year-olds are under-represented (5.8%). This concentration of the 65-74 cohort is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 65 to 74 age group has increased from 13.8% to 15.8% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.8% to 12.3%, and the 5 to 14 age group has dropped from 13.7% to 12.4%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in West Coast's age structure. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to more than double, increasing by 233 people (104%) from 223 to 457. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 78% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 55 to 64 and 5 to 14 age groups.