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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, West Coast's population was around 3,862 as of November 2025. This reflected an increase of 216 people (5.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,646 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,866 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 112 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equated to a density ratio of 0.10 persons per square kilometer. West Coast's growth of 5.9% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (5.3%) 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.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category were adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of regional areas was expected, with West Coast expected to grow by 279 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 7.3% 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 annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25152 homes were approved, with a further 8 approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 0.9 new residents per year have arrived for each new home over these five years, indicating that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand.

The average construction cost value of these new homes has been $235,000. This financial year, $7.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to the Rest of SA, West Coast has seen 153.0% more new home approvals per person. The area has maintained a low density character with detached dwellings comprising all new construction, appealing to those seeking space and families.

There are approximately 170 people per dwelling approval in West Coast, indicating a low density market. By 2041, AreaSearch projects West Coast will add 282 residents based on current development patterns. Given these trends, new housing supply is expected to readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

West Coast has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 10thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects likely to impact the region. Key projects are South Australian Road Network Maintenance, South Australia High Productivity Vehicle Network Access, Gawler Craton Rail Access, and Northern Water Supply Project. Below is a list of those most relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

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

West Coast's workforce comprises white and blue-collar jobs across diverse sectors, with an unemployment rate of 10.5% as of September 2025. There are 1,778 employed residents, a figure 5.2% higher than Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%.

Workforce participation stands at 57.1%, slightly above 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. Manufacturing is under-represented at 1.9% compared to Rest of SA's 9.3%.

The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, West Coast's labour force increased by 4.4%, while employment declined by 1.1%, causing unemployment to rise by 4.9 percentage points. Rest of SA saw employment growth of 0.3% and labour force growth of 2.3%, with unemployment rising by 1.9 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to West Coast's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.0% over five years and 11.2% over ten years, though these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ended June 2022 shows median income in West Coast SA2 was $46,663 and average income was $57,208. This is lower than national averages. Rest of SA had median income of $46,889 and average income of $56,582 during the same period. By September 2025, estimated median income in West Coast would be approximately $52,650 and average income around $64,548, based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year ended June 2022. Census data indicates household, family and personal incomes in West Coast fall between the 9th and 17th percentiles nationally. In West Coast, 28.0% of individuals have income ranging from $800 to $1,499. This differs from metropolitan regions where majority falls within $1,500 to $2,999 category at 27.5%. Despite modest housing costs allowing retention of 92.5% of income, total disposable income ranks at the 18th percentile nationally.

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

As per the latest Census evaluation, West Coast's dwelling structure comprised 96.4% houses and 3.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro SA's 75.9% houses and 24.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in West Coast stood at 49.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 22.6% and rented dwellings at 28.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, below Non-Metro SA's average of $1,170. The median weekly rent figure in West Coast was $104, compared to Non-Metro SA's $195. 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 comprise the remaining 31.0%, with lone person households at 29.1% and group households making up 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's university qualification rate is 12.8%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This discrepancy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 10.8%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.2%) and postgraduate qualifications (0.8%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 38.9% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 8.6% while certificates make up 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.

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

West Coast demonstrates above-average health outcomes with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~1,865 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 8.6 and 6.4% of residents respectively, while 71.2% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 65.6% across Rest of SA. The area has 23.2% of residents aged 65 and over (897 people), which is higher than the 22.1% in Rest of SA. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health 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 dominated as the main religion, comprising 49.6%. The most notable overrepresentation was 'Other', at 1.3%, compared to Rest of SA's 0.6%.

In terms of ancestry, Australian (32.0%), English (28.1%), and Australian Aboriginal (12.2%) were the top groups, with Australian Aboriginal significantly higher than the regional average of 4.8%. German was notably overrepresented at 6.7% compared to the regional figure of 6.6%, while Maori was also slightly overrepresented at 0.4% versus 0.3%.

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

The median age on the West Coast is 45 years, which is slightly lower than the Rest of South Africa's figure of 47 but significantly higher than Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Rest of SA average, individuals aged 65-74 are notably over-represented in the West Coast population at 15.8%, while those aged 75-84 are under-represented at 5.8%. This concentration of people aged 65-74 is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of individuals aged 65 to 74 has increased from 13.8% to 15.8%, while the percentage of those aged 45 to 54 has decreased from 13.8% to 12.3%. The proportion of individuals aged 5 to 14 has also dropped, from 13.7% to 12.4%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in the West Coast's age structure. The number of individuals aged 75 to 84 is projected to more than double, increasing by 232 people (103%) from 224 to 457. Individuals aged 65 and above will drive 79% of population growth, emphasizing demographic aging trends. In contrast, population declines are projected for individuals aged 55-64 and those aged 5-14.