Collie (WA)

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

As of February 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Collie (WA) is around 8,110. This figure reflects an increase of 511 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,599. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 8,038 in June 2024, following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 31 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 153 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 49.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 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 the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for regional areas across the nation. The suburb of Collie (WA) is expected to increase by 1,206 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 15.0% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Collie when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Collie shows approximately 23 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 116 homes. As of FY-26, 16 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.6 people move to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25. This demand outpaces supply, potentially putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers.

The average construction value of new homes is $320,000. In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $14.1 million, indicating moderate commercial development. Compared to the Rest of WA, Collie has 50.0% lower building activity per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. Nationally, Collie's building activity is also below average, suggesting possible planning constraints or area maturity.

New building activity in Collie comprises 82.0% standalone homes and 18.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 367 people. AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate forecasts Collie to gain 1,218 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Collie has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 18thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects likely to impact this region. Key projects are Collie Micronising Facility, Collie Magnesium Plant, Quantum Filtration Medium Manufacturing Plant, and Collie to Mumballup Road Upgrade. The following details 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.

AreaSearch assessment indicates Collie faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Collie has a balanced workforce with representation from both white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent. The unemployment rate is 6.2%, with an estimated employment growth of 6.5% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, there are 3,721 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 3.0% higher than Rest of WA's rate of 3.3%. Workforce participation is lower at 59.9%, compared to Rest of WA's 67.2%. Only 2.5% of residents work from home, as per Census responses, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries include mining, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

Mining employment is particularly high at 1.6 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 1.1%. Local employment opportunities appear limited, with Census data showing fewer working residents than locals. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 6.5% and labour force grew by 5.6%, leading to a 0.8 percentage point decrease in unemployment. In comparison, Rest of WA had employment growth of 1.4%, labour force growth of 1.2%, and a 0.2 percentage point reduction in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Collie. These projections suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with differing growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Collie's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 5.2% over five years and 11.9% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, the suburb of Collie had a median income among taxpayers of $48,368. The average income stood at $63,591. This is below the national average. In comparison, Rest of WA had levels of $59,973 and $74,392 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year ended June 2023, current estimates would be approximately $53,021 (median) and $69,708 (average) as of September 2025. According to the Census conducted in August 2021, household, family and personal incomes in Collie all fall between the 9th and 11th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows that 27.3% of the population, which is 2,214 individuals, fall within the $400 - 799 income range. This differs from regional levels where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 31.1%. After housing costs, 86.4% of income remains, ranking at only the 15th percentile nationally.

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

In Collie, as per the latest Census evaluation, 92.3% of dwellings were houses while 7.7% consisted of other types such as semi-detached properties, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro WA's figures of 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Collie stood at 41.8%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 36.2% and rented properties making up 22.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,263, lower than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,560. The median weekly rent figure in Collie was recorded at $250, compared to Non-Metro WA's $265. Nationally, Collie's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Collie features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 65.1% of all households, including 23.5% couples with children, 29.1% couples without children, and 11.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 34.9%, with lone person households at 32.5% and group households comprising 2.2%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Rest of WA average of 2.5.

Collie faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 7.0%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 5.3%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.1%) and postgraduate qualifications (0.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 44.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (6.4%) and certificates (37.8%). Educational participation is high at 27.4%, comprising 11.1% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 1.2% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.1% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 1.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Collie has one active public transport system operating, consisting of bus stops serviced by three routes. These routes collectively offer 13 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically located 1439 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature, with cars being the dominant mode at 91%. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling. Only 2.5% of residents work from home (as per the 2021 Census).

Service frequency averages one trip per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 13 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Collie is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Collie, as assessed by AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age groups exhibit high prevalence of common health conditions.

Approximately 52% (~4,253 people) have private health cover, slightly higher than the average SA2 area but lower than Rest of WA's 56.4%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.2%) and mental health issues (9.3%). About 61.3% claim to be free from medical ailments, compared to 69.3% in Rest of WA. Working-age residents face notable health challenges due to higher chronic condition rates. Collie has 22.4% (1,816 people) aged 65 and over, higher than Rest of WA's 19.2%. Health outcomes among seniors present additional challenges, with national rankings even poorer than the general population.

Collie is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Collie's population showed low cultural diversity, with 88.6% citizens and 97.2% speaking English only at home, both figures higher than the regional averages. The majority of Collie residents were born in Australia (88.0%) and identified as Christian (41.2%). Notably, Judaism was not represented in Collie's population, mirroring the regional average of 0%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (34.2%), Australian (32.9%), and Scottish (7.1%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Welsh residents made up 1.1% of Collie's population compared to 0.6% regionally, Polish residents comprised 1.3% versus 0.5%, and Maori residents accounted for 0.8% versus 1.0%.

Collie hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Collie is 43 years, which is slightly higher than Rest of WA's average of 40 and well above Australia's median of 38. The 65-74 age group is notably over-represented in Collie at 13.4%, while the 35-44 age group is under-represented at 11.1%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 10.7% to 11.5% of the population, while the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 12.2% to 11.4%. Population forecasts for Collie in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to grow by 375 people (39%), from 956 to 1,332, while the 15 to 24 age group is projected to decline by 47 people.