Eaton (WA)

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

As of Feb 2026, the population of Eaton (WA) is estimated at around 9,337 people. This reflects an increase of 668 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 8,669. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 9,125 residents based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 102 validated new addresses since the Census date. This equates to a density ratio of 1,440 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Eaton has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.4%, outpacing the SA3 area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 39.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

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. Looking ahead, an above median population growth is projected for non-metropolitan areas nationally, with Eaton expected to increase by 1,670 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 17.8% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Eaton among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Eaton recorded approximately 45 residential property approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 228 homes. Up to FY-26, 42 approvals have been recorded. On average, 2.8 people moved to the area per new home constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, reflecting strong demand that supports property values. The average construction value of new homes was $374,000, indicating a focus on quality construction.

In FY-26, Eaton has seen $4.3 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited commercial development emphasis. Compared to the Rest of WA, Eaton shows 15.0% lower construction activity per person but ranks among the 70th percentile nationally. New developments consist of 95.0% detached houses and 5.0% attached dwellings, preserving Eaton's suburban nature with detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

With around 188 people per dwelling approval, Eaton exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Eaton is projected to grow by 1,662 residents by 2041. Construction pace has been reasonable, but growing competition among buyers is expected as the population increases.

Eaton has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 39thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects likely impacting the area: Eaton Fair Shopping Centre Expansion, Eaton Recreation Centre Expansion, Parkridge Estate, and Shire of Dardanup Community Hub, Library and Administration Building. The following details projects expected to have the most relevance.

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Employment conditions in Eaton demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Eaton has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, particularly in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.8%. Over the past year, employment grew by an estimated 5.9%.

As of September 2025, Eaton has 5,120 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 0.5% lower than Rest of WA's 3.3%. Workforce participation is at 70.0%, slightly higher than Rest of WA's 67.2%. Only 3.6% of residents work from home. Key industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Eaton specializes in manufacturing with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 1.5%. Employment opportunities may be limited locally as working population is lower than resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 5.9% and labour force grew by 5.8%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.1 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia suggest Eaton's employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.3% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Eaton's income level is lower than average nationally according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Eaton's median income among taxpayers is $51,651 and average income stands at $62,825, compared to Rest of WA's figures of $59,973 and $74,392 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Eaton are approximately $56,620 (median) and $68,869 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Eaton rank modestly, between the 31st and 34th percentiles. Income distribution data reveals that the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 33.4% of Eaton's community (3,118 individuals), similar to the regional figure of 31.1%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Eaton, with only 84.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 35th percentile.

Eaton is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Eaton's dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 89.8% houses and 10.2% other dwellings. Non-Metro WA had 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Eaton's home ownership rate was 32.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 44.2% and rented at 23.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Eaton was $1,517, below Non-Metro WA's average of $1,560. The median weekly rent in Eaton was $340, compared to Non-Metro WA's $265. Nationally, Eaton's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,863 and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Eaton has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 72.2% of all households, including 28.7% couples with children, 30.6% couples without children, and 12.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 27.8%, with lone person households at 25.2% and group households comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the average in the Rest of WA.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 10.9%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.7%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.3%) and postgraduate qualifications (0.9%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 44.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (9.0%) and certificates (35.6%).

Educational participation is high, with 27.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.6% in primary education, 8.5% 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

Eaton has 54 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by three distinct routes that together facilitate 269 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is deemed good, with residents on average located 201 meters from the nearest stop. Eaton is predominantly residential, and most commuters travel outward, primarily by car (92%). On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, only 3.6% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency across all routes averages 38 trips per day, equating to roughly four weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Eaton faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age cohorts exhibit notable prevalence of common health conditions.

Eaton has a private health cover rate of approximately 52% (~4,868 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area but lower than Rest of WA's 56.4%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.3%) and mental health issues (9.6%). Conversely, 63.1% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.3% in Rest of WA. Working-age residents show a higher-than-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. Eaton has 17.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,661 people), lower than the 19.2% in Rest of WA. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings generally aligning with those of the broader population.

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

Eaton's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 87.5% of its population being citizens, 82.5% born in Australia, and 93.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Eaton, comprising 44.4% of people. Islam's representation was notably higher than the regional average, making up 1.2% of Eaton's population compared to 0.8% across Rest of WA.

The top three ancestry groups were English (34.0%), Australian (30.2%), and Scottish (6.6%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Maori were overrepresented at 1.5% in Eaton versus 1.0% regionally, South African at 0.7% compared to 0.6%, and Dutch remained the same at 1.5%.

Eaton's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Eaton is 40 years, aligning with Rest of WA's average but slightly higher than the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows a prominent group of 25-34 year-olds (14.8%), while those aged 55-64 (11.3%) are comparatively smaller than in Rest of WA. Between 2021 and present, the percentage of 25 to 34-year-olds has increased from 12.4% to 14.8%, and the 35 to 44 group has risen from 12.4% to 14.3%. Conversely, the 75 to 84 age cohort has decreased from 7.6% to 5.8%, and those aged 65 to 74 have dropped from 10.5% to 9.3%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Eaton's age structure. The number of 25 to 34-year-olds is projected to increase by 568 people (41%), rising from 1,381 to 1,950. Conversely, both the 15 to 24 and 75 to 84 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.