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 was around 4,034 as of February 2026, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This figure reflects an increase of 388 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,646. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,865 in June 2024 and an additional 161 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 0.10 persons per square kilometer. West Coast's growth rate of 10.6% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (5.7%) and the SA3 area, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 55.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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, based on 2021 data and released in 2023, with adjustments made using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Based on projected demographic shifts, West Coast is expected to grow by approximately 279 persons to reach around 4,313 by 2041, reflecting an overall gain of about 2.7% in total over the 17-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 FY21 to FY25, around 152 homes were approved. By FY26, about 10 more have been approved.

On average, each new home brings in about 0.9 new residents per year over these five years, indicating that supply is keeping pace with demand or even exceeding it. The average construction cost of these new homes is around $235,000. This financial year has seen $7.9 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's predominantly residential nature. Compared to the Rest of SA, West Coast has 153% more new home approvals per person.

The location currently has about 170 people for each dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. Future projections estimate West Coast will add around 110 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply is expected to meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

West Coast has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 3rdth percentile nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified three projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include South Australian Road Network Maintenance, South Australia High Productivity Vehicle Network Access, Gawler Craton Rail Access, and Northern Water Supply Project. The following list outlines those projects deemed 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 has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs across various sectors. Its unemployment rate is 10.5%. As of September 2025, there are 1,778 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.2%, which is higher than the Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%.

Workforce participation stands at 62.4%, slightly above Rest of SA's 58.5%. According to Census responses, 16.1% of residents work from home. Key industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. West Coast specializes in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share twice the regional level.

However, manufacturing is under-represented at 1.9%, compared to Rest of SA's 9.3%. The area may have limited local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, West Coast's labour force increased by 4.4% while employment declined by 1.1%, leading to a rise in unemployment by 4.9 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of SA saw employment growth of 0.3% and labour force growth of 2.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts 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 this is a simplified extrapolation 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 ending June 2023 shows median income in West Coast SA2 is $49,625, with average income at $62,334. This compares to Rest of SA's median income of $48,920 and average income of $58,933. By September 2025, estimates suggest median income will be approximately $53,992 and average income $67,819, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since June 2023. Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in West Coast fall between the 9th and 17th percentiles nationally. In West Coast, 28.0% (1,129 individuals) have income ranging from $800 to $1,499, unlike metropolitan regions where the $1,500 - $2,999 category is predominant at 27.5%. Housing costs are modest, with 92.5% of income retained, but 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 dwelling structure in West Coast, as assessed in the latest Census, consisted of 96.4% houses and 3.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro SA had 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in West Coast was higher at 49.2%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (22.6%) or rented (28.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in West Coast was $1,083, lower than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,153. The median weekly rent figure for West Coast was recorded at $104, compared to Non-Metro SA's $220. 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 account for 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 constitute 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 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%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.8%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.2%) and postgraduate qualifications (0.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.6%) and certificates (30.3%). Educational participation is high at 27.5%, comprising 14.1% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 1.5% in tertiary education.

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.

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

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in West Coast based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population, around 2,033 people. This is lower than the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 8.6 and 6.4% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 71.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 62.5% across Rest of SA. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 24.1% of residents aged 65 and over, around 973 people, which is lower than the 27.1% in Rest of SA. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than 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 found to be below average, with 90.0% of its population being citizens, born in Australia on 93.9%, speaking English only at home on 88.6%. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 49.6% of West Coast's population. The most notable overrepresentation was in Other, which made up 1.3% compared to Rest of SA's 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry, Australian was the top group at 32.0%, followed by English at 28.1% and Australian Aboriginal at 12.2%, substantially higher than the regional average of 3.3%. German and Maori were notably overrepresented at 6.7% and 0.4% respectively, compared to regional averages of 8.2% and 0.2%.

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

West Coast's median age is 45 years, which is slightly lower than Rest of SA's figure of 47 but significantly higher than Australia's 38 years. The 65-74 age group is notably over-represented in West Coast at 16.0%, compared to the Rest of SA average and the national figure of 9.5%. Meanwhile, the 75-84 year-olds are under-represented at 6.6%. Between 2021 and present, the 65-74 age group has grown from 13.8% to 16.0%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 4.9% to 6.6%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group declined from 13.7% to 11.7%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 13.8% to 12.0%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in West Coast's age structure. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to increase markedly by 191 people (72%), from 265 to 457. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 84% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 65-74 age cohorts.