Broadwater (WA)

An assessment of population growth drivers in Broadwater reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of Nov 2025 the suburb of Broadwater (WA) has an estimated population of around 4377. This reflects a growth of 108 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4269. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 4269 following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 43 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 718 persons per square kilometer, which aligns with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Broadwater has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 2.4%, outperforming the SA4 region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 83% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch utilises growth rates by age cohort provided by ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023 based on 2022 data). Following demographic trends, an above median population growth is projected for locations outside capital cities. By 2041, the suburb of Broadwater is expected to increase by 602 persons, reflecting a total increase of 20.3% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Broadwater according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Broadwater shows an average of 14 new dwelling approvals per year over the past 5 financial years, totalling 71 homes. In FY-26 so far, 4 approvals have been recorded. This averages to 6 people moving to the area for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25. Supply is lagging demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

New homes are being built at an average value of $423,000. Additionally, $1.1 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Rest of WA, Broadwater has significantly less development activity, which is 76.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. The area's established nature is also under the national average, suggesting potential planning limitations.

All new construction in Broadwater has been comprised of detached dwellings, preserving its low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. New construction favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest, demonstrating ongoing robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. The estimated count of 929 people per dwelling approval reflects the area's quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections show Broadwater adding 890 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Broadwater has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 8thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two projects that will likely affect this region. Notable projects include Busselton Water Supply Improvement, Vasse Estate, Broadwater Bayside Estate, and Halcyon Vasse. The following list details those expected to have the most relevance.

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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Broadwater significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Broadwater has a skilled labor force with prominence in tourism and hospitality sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.0%, with an estimated employment growth of 6.1% over the past year, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, there are 2,187 employed residents, with an unemployment rate at 1.2% below Rest of WA's 3.2%. Workforce participation in Broadwater is significantly lower at 47.1%, compared to Rest of WA's 59.4%. Employment is concentrated in accommodation & food, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area specializes particularly in accommodation & food, with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 3.1% of local workers, below Rest of WA's 9.3%.

Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 6.1%, and labor force grew by 5.7%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of WA saw employment grow by 1.1%, labor force expand by 0.5%, and unemployment fall by 0.6 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Broadwater's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Broadwater's median income among taxpayers is $43,356, with an average of $57,259. This is lower than the national average. Rest of WA has a median income of $57,323 and an average of $71,163. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 are approximately $49,513 (median) and $65,390 (average). Census data indicates Broadwater's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 15th and 16th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 28.0% of locals (1,225 people) earn between $800 - 1,499, differing from regional patterns where earnings between $1,500 - 2,999 dominate at 31.1%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.0% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 13th percentile.

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

In Broadwater, as per the latest Census evaluation, 77.5% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 22.4% consisting of semi-detached homes, apartments and other types of dwellings. In contrast, Non-Metro WA had 89.8% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Broadwater's home ownership rate was higher at 39.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.9% and rented ones at 24.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Broadwater was $1,733, aligning with Non-Metro WA's average. The median weekly rent figure in Broadwater was $370, compared to Non-Metro WA's $360. Nationally, Broadwater's median monthly mortgage repayments were lower at $1,733 than the Australian average of $1,863. Similarly, rents in Broadwater were less than the national figure of $375 per week.

Broadwater has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 69.9% of all households, including 23.1% couples with children, 37.1% couples without children, and 9.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 30.1%, with lone person households making up 27.7% and group households comprising 2.3%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Rest of WA average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Broadwater exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 17.2%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (29.7%). A total of 22.5% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, comprising 8.6% in primary, 7.3% in secondary, and 1.8% in tertiary education.

Educational facilities seem to lie outside the immediate catchment area, necessitating families to access schools in neighboring regions.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Transport analysis shows 45 active stops in Broadwater offering bus services. These are served by two routes, giving 112 weekly passenger trips. Accessibility is rated good, with residents typically 217 meters from nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 16 trips daily across all routes, equating to about two weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Broadwater is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Broadwater faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Approximately half of Broadwater's total population (~2185 people) has private health cover, compared to 52.6% across the rest of WA and a national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 11.8% of residents) and mental health issues (8.4%).

Conversely, 58.5% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 69.5% in the rest of WA. Broadwater has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, with 35.0% (1531 people) compared to 20.0% in the rest of WA. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors present challenges but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

Broadwater ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Broadwater's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 76.8% of its population born in Australia, 89.0% being citizens, and 94.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in Broadwater, comprising 50.4% of people, compared to 39.9% across Rest of WA. The top three ancestry groups are English (35.9%), Australian (30.2%), and Scottish (8.1%).

Notably, Welsh (0.7%) is equally represented in Broadwater as regionally, Dutch (1.7%) is also equal, and New Zealand (0.9%) has a slightly lower representation compared to the regional average of 1.0%.

Broadwater ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Broadwater's median age of 52 surpasses Rest of WA's figure of 40 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of WA, Broadwater has an over-representation of the 85+ cohort at 8.0% locally, while under-representing the 25-34 age group at 8.8%. This concentration of the 85+ cohort is significantly higher than the national average of 2.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 7.3% to 9.0%, while the 35 to 44 cohort grew from 10.7% to 12.2%. Conversely, the 85+ cohort decreased from 9.2% to 8.0%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Broadwater's age structure. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to rise markedly by 222 people (58%), from 385 to 608. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 75 to 84 and 85+ cohorts.