Collie (WA)

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

Following an examination of ABS demographic data updates for the wider region alongside newly verified addresses from AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Collie (WA) is calculated to have approximately 8,235 residents in May 2026. This represents an expansion of 636 residents (8.4%) from the 2021 Census, which registered 7,599 people. The figure is derived from an estimated local population of 8,229 calculated by AreaSearch using the latest ABS ERP release from June 2025 and 41 newly confirmed addresses since the Census date. This population size results in a density of 156 residents per square kilometer, indicating low density and capacity for future housing expansion. The 8.4% expansion rate in the suburb of Collie (WA) since the census is only 0.9 percentage points lower than the nationwide figure of 9.3%, showing solid growth metrics. Demographic expansion was mostly driven by arrivals from other states, which accounted for roughly 49.0% of the population increase, although natural increase and overseas arrivals also made positive contributions.

Projections from ABS and Geoscience Australia published in 2024 with a 2022 baseline are applied to each SA2 region. For locations lacking this data or to project figures beyond 2032, growth rate projections by age group from the 2023 capital city projections (based on 2022 data) are utilised. Looking ahead, regional areas are anticipated to experience population expansion exceeding the national median, with the suburb of Collie (WA) projected to add 1,146 residents by 2041 under combined SA2 forecasts, representing a total increase of 13.8% over the 16 years.

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

Analysis of building approval statistics indicates that Collie averages approximately 23 dwelling approvals annually. A total of 119 residential approvals were granted over the 5 fiscal years between FY-21 and FY-25, with 26 approvals recorded so far in FY-26. Because 4.2 new residents were added for every home built over the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, building activity is failing to keep pace with demand, which typically escalates purchaser competition and raises prices, with new dwellings showing an average construction value of $320,000. Additionally, commercial approvals worth $14.1 million have been logged in the current financial year, indicating steady commercial building activity.

Collie exhibits approximately half the per capita residential approval rate of the Rest of WA and falls in the 45th percentile nationwide, which limits options for buyers and sustains demand for established homes. This building rate is also lower than the national average, reflecting a mature market or potential construction bottlenecks. Detached houses comprise 83.0% of new residential construction, while medium and high-density formats make up 17.0%, preserving the traditional low-density neighborhood style suited to families. The ratio of 371 residents per building approval highlights a quiet development environment.

Demographic projections indicate that Collie will add 1,140 residents by 2041. Based on current building trends, the addition of new housing may not keep pace with this population increase, which could intensify competition among buyers and support upward price trends.

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

Local infrastructure projects, major planning changes, and development works are key drivers of regional performance. AreaSearch has identified 4 main projects expected to affect the community, namely the Collie Micronising Facility, the Collie Magnesium Plant, the Quantum Filtration Medium Manufacturing Plant, and the Collie to Mumballup Road Upgrade, with further details provided below.

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

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

The local labor market displays a mix of manual and professional roles, with a notable presence of industrial and manufacturing activities, an unemployment rate of 6.5%, and an annual employment growth rate of 0.6%. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 3,626, while the jobless rate was 3.0% higher than the Regional WA figure of 3.5%, indicating potential for labor market improvement. Workforce participation is low at 56.7%, compared to 65.6% across Regional WA. According to census records, a modest 2.5% of the workforce operated from home, though this figure was likely influenced by pandemic restrictions.

Local workers are primarily employed in mining, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Mining shows a strong local concentration, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional benchmark. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing accounts for only 1.1% of local workers, compared to a regional average of 9.3%. Comparing the census count of working residents to local job numbers suggests a scarcity of employment opportunities within the immediate area.

Data from the SALM and ABS indicate that in the year ending March 2026, local employment grew by 0.6% and the labor force expanded by 0.8%, resulting in a steady unemployment rate. Conversely, Regional WA saw employment fall by 0.1% and the labor force grow by 0.3%, leading to a 0.4 percentage point increase in joblessness. National employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia released in May-25 provide a benchmark for future demand, mapping five-year and ten-year national growth trends against local industry sectors. While national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, trends vary widely by sector. Applying these trends to the local workforce structure suggests employment could expand by 5.2% over five years and 11.9% over ten years.

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

ATO records for the 2023 financial year show that personal earnings in Collie are below national averages, with a median income of $48,368 and an average income of $63,591. In comparison, Regional WA recorded a median income of $59,973 and an average of $74,392. Adjusting for a 10.93% rise in the Wage Price Index since the 2023 financial year, current estimates point to a median income of approximately $53,655 and an average of $70,541 in March 2026. The 2021 Census confirms that household, family, and individual incomes in the area sit between the 9th and 11th percentiles nationally. A significant 27.3% of earners (2,248 individuals) fall into the weekly salary range of $400 - 799, whereas in metropolitan areas, 31.1% of individuals earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Discretionary income remaining after housing costs stands at 86.4%, placing the area in the 15th percentile nationally.

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

The local housing stock at the time of the latest Census consisted of 92.3% separate houses and 7.7% alternative housing styles like townhouses, apartments, or other structures, compared to 88.5% separate houses and 11.6% other dwellings across Regional WA. Outright home ownership stood at 41.8%, higher than the Regional WA average, with mortgaged homes making up 36.2% and rented properties accounting for 22.0% of the market. Typical monthly mortgage payments were $1,263, and median weekly rent was $250, both below the Regional WA benchmarks of $1,560 and $265. Nationally, these figures are also lower than the Australian mortgage median of $1,863 and the median weekly rent of $375.

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

Families comprise the majority of households at 65.1%, which includes couples with children at 23.5%, couples without children at 29.1%, and single-parent homes at 11.7%. Non-family households account for the remaining 34.9%, consisting of single-person households at 32.5% and group share houses at 2.2%. The typical household size of 2.3 residents is slightly below the Regional WA average of 2.5.

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

The region shows low levels of tertiary education, with university graduation rates of 7.0% sitting well below the national level of 30.4%. This highlights a clear opportunity for targeted educational support. Bachelor degrees are held by 5.3% of residents, graduate diplomas by 1.1%, and postgraduate degrees by 0.6%. Conversely, vocational and technical training is highly prevalent, with 44.2% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas at 6.4% and certificates at 37.8%.

Enrolment in education is strong, with 27.4% of the population participating in formal study. This cohort is divided into 11.1% in primary school, 8.8% in high school, and 1.2% in higher education.

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

There is a single active public transit stop in the area, which is serviced by bus connections. This stop is connected to 3 distinct routes that provide a total of 13 weekly passenger journeys. Transport options are considered restricted, with residents living an average of 1439 meters from their closest stop. The area is predominantly residential, leading most workers to commute elsewhere, and cars are the primary mode of transport for 91% of workers. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.6 cars per home. Only 2.5% of the workforce worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which was likely affected by pandemic conditions.

Services run at a frequency of 1 trip per day across the route network, which represents about 13 weekly trips at each transit stop.

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

Analysis of mortality rates and chronic illnesses reveals notable health challenges in the community across various age brackets, while private health insurance coverage is slightly higher than the typical SA2 average at approximately 52% of the population (~4,319 people). This is below the 56.4% rate observed across Regional WA.

Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent issues, affecting 11.2 and 9.3% of residents, respectively. A total of 61.3% of the population reported no long-term illnesses, compared to 69.3% in Regional WA. Chronic conditions are also prominent among working-age residents. Residents aged 65 and over represent 23.6% of the community (1,943 people), which exceeds the Regional WA level of 19.2%. Senior health metrics present difficulties, with national rankings for this cohort lower than for 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

Cultural diversity metrics are below average, with citizenship at 88.6%, Australian-born residents at 88.0%, and English-only speakers at home at 97.2%. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 41.2% of the population. The most pronounced demographic divergence is in Judaism, which is practiced by none of the residents, matching the regional average of none.

English ancestry is claimed by 34.2% of the population, followed by Australian ancestry at 32.9%, and Scottish ancestry at 7.1%. There are minor differences in other heritages, with Welsh ancestry overrepresented at 1.1% of the local population (compared to 0.6% regionally), Polish ancestry at 1.3% (compared to 0.5% regionally), and Maori ancestry at 0.8% (compared to 1.0% regionally).

Collie hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age of 43 in the community is slightly higher than the Regional WA average of 40 and higher than the national median of 38. The 65 - 74 age group is overrepresented at 13.6% compared to the regional average, while the 35 - 44 bracket is underrepresented at 11.2%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has risen from 6.9% to 7.9%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 12.2% to 11.4%. Future projections to 2041 indicate demographic shifts, with the 25 to 34 age bracket expected to grow by 344 people (37%), rising from 938 to 1,283, while the 15 to 24 group is projected to decrease by 52 residents.