Broadwater (WA)

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

The population of the Broadwater (WA) statistical area (Lv2), as estimated by AreaSearch, is around 4,558 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 289 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,269. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 4,477 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 43 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 748 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Broadwater has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 2.4%, outpacing the SA4 region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 83.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch utilises growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth of locations outside capital cities is projected for Broadwater (WA) (SA2), with an expected increase of 610 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 15.7% 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 indicates Broadwater averaged approximately 17 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 85 homes. As of FY26, 10 approvals have been recorded. On average, 5 people moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, suggesting supply is significantly lagging demand, which typically leads to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $423,000, indicating developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

In FY26, there have been $133,000 in commercial approvals, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of WA, Broadwater has significantly less development activity, which is 71.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (78.0% at Census), reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes amid densification trends. The estimated count of 774 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Looking ahead, Broadwater is expected to grow by 717 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers could encounter growing competition as population increases.

Broadwater has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. Two major projects identified by AreaSearch may impact the region. Notable projects are Busselton Water Supply Improvement, Vasse Estate, Broadwater Bayside Estate, and Halcyon Vasse. Relevant details are listed below.

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

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Employment conditions in Broadwater demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Broadwater's skilled workforce has a prominent tourism and hospitality sector. Its unemployment rate was 1.8% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 6.5%.

As of September 2025, 2,214 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.5%, lower than Rest of WA's 3.3%. Workforce participation is significantly lower at 47.1% compared to Rest of WA's 59.4%. Dominant employment sectors include accommodation & food, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Accommodation & food has notably high concentration, with levels at 1.9 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 3.1% versus the regional average of 9.3%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 6.5%, labour force by 6.2%, reducing unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of WA had employment growth of 1.4% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with a 0.2 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. 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, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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 2023 shows that income in Broadwater is below the national average. The median income is $43,356 and the average income is $57,259. This contrasts with Rest of WA's figures where the median income is $59,973 and the average income is $74,392. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Broadwater would be approximately $47,527 (median) and $62,767 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Broadwater all fall between the 15th and 16th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that the $800 - $1,499 earnings band captures 28.0% of the community (1,276 individuals), differing from the metropolitan region where the $1,500 - $2,999 category predominates at 31.1%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Broadwater, with only 81.0% of income remaining, 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 properties, apartments, and other dwelling types. This contrasts with Non-Metro WA's figures of 89.8% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Broadwater stood at 39.7%, with mortgaged dwellings making up 35.9% and rented dwellings accounting for 24.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, aligning with Non-Metro WA's average, while the median weekly rent figure 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, and median weekly rents were also lower at $370 compared to the national figure of $375.

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 make up the remaining 30.1%, with lone person households at 27.7% and group households comprising 2.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is 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 prevalent at 12.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are common, with 40.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (29.7%). Education pursuit is active among 22.5% of the population, with 8.6% in primary, 7.3% in secondary, and 1.8% in tertiary education.

A substantial 22.5% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 8.6% in primary education, 7.3% in secondary education, and 1.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Broadwater has 45 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two different routes that together offer 112 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents on average being located 217 meters from the nearest stop.

The service frequency across all routes averages 16 trips per day, equating to approximately 2 weekly trips per individual 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 50% (~2,276 people) have private health cover, lower than Rest of WA's 53.6% and the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (11.8%) and mental health issues (8.4%), with 58.5% reporting no medical ailments, compared to 69.5% in Rest of WA.

Broadwater has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 35.0% (1,595 people), compared to 20.0% in Rest of WA. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are challenging but better than the general population's metrics.

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

Broadwater, surveyed in June 2016, showed cultural diversity below average. 76.8% of its population were born in Australia, with 89.0% being citizens and 94.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 50.4%, compared to 39.9% regionally.

In ancestry, the top groups were English (35.9%), Australian (30.2%), and Scottish (8.1%). Notably, Welsh (0.7%) and Dutch (1.7%) were equally represented in Broadwater as regionally, while New Zealanders made up 0.9%, slightly lower than the regional average of 1.0%.

Broadwater ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Broadwater's median age is 52, surpassing Rest of WA's figure of 40 and Australia's 38 years. Compared to Rest of WA average, Broadwater has a notably higher percentage of people aged 85 and above (8.0%), while those aged 25-34 are under-represented (8.8%). The concentration of the 85+ cohort is significantly higher than the national figure of 2.2%. Between 2021 and present, the population aged 15 to 24 has grown from 7.3% to 9.0%, while those aged 35 to 44 increased from 10.7% to 12.2%. Conversely, the percentage of people aged 85 and above has declined from 9.2% to 8.0%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Broadwater's age structure. The 25-34 age group is projected to increase by 206 people (52%), from 401 to 608. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 75-84 and 85+ cohorts.