Eaton (WA)

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

The population of the Eaton (WA) statistical area (Lv2) is estimated to be around 9,340 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 671 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,669. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 9,125 in June 2024, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 101 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,441 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Eaton has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.4%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 39.0% 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, 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 the Eaton (WA) (SA2) expected to increase by 1,660 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 17.7% in total over the 17 years.

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

Between FY21 and FY25, Eaton recorded approximately 45 residential properties granted approval each year, totalling around 228 homes. In FY26 so far, 42 approvals have been recorded. On average, 2.8 people moved to the area per new home constructed over these five financial years. The average construction cost value of new homes was $374,000 during this period.

Eaton has seen $4.3 million in commercial approvals in FY26, indicating limited commercial development focus compared to residential growth. When compared to Rest of WA, Eaton shows 15.0% lower construction activity per person but ranks among the 70th percentile nationally. New development consists predominantly of detached houses (95.0%) with a smaller proportion of attached dwellings (5.0%), reflecting Eaton's suburban nature and preference for space-seeking buyers.

With around 188 people per dwelling approval, Eaton exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Eaton is projected to grow by 1,654 residents through to 2041. Construction activity is maintaining pace with projected population growth, though increasing competition among buyers can be expected as the population increases.

Eaton has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

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

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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, predominantly in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.8% as of September 2025.

Employment grew by an estimated 5.9% over the preceding year, according to AreaSearch data aggregation. As of September 2025, 5,111 residents were employed with an unemployment rate 0.5% below Rest of WA's rate of 3.3%. Workforce participation was similar to Rest of WA's 59.4%. Key industries for Eaton residents were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Manufacturing had a significant presence, with employment share 1.9 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence at 1.5% compared to the region's 9.3%. Employment opportunities seemed limited locally based on Census data comparison of working population vs resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 5.9%, labour force grew by 5.7%, reducing unemployment by 0.1 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. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) suggest national employment could expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Eaton's employment mix, local employment might increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.3% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Eaton's median income among taxpayers was $51,651 in financial year 2023. The suburb's average income stood at $62,825 during the same period. This compares to figures for Rest of WA which were $59,973 and $74,392 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest Eaton's median income would be approximately $56,620 and average income around $68,869, based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023. Census data indicates household, family and personal incomes in Eaton rank modestly, between the 31st and 34th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 33.4% of Eaton's community earns between $1,500 - 2,999, mirroring the regional figure of 31.1%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Eaton, with only 84.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 35th percentile.

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

Eaton's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 89.8% houses and 10.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Non-Metro WA had 88.1% houses and 11.8% other dwellings. Eaton's home ownership rate was 32.7%, similar to Non-Metro WA. Mortgaged dwellings were 44.2% and rented ones were 23.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Eaton was $1,517, lower than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,616. The median weekly rent figure was $340, compared to Non-Metro WA's $300. Nationally, Eaton's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $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 account for 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 constitute 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 for the Rest of WA.

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

The area has university qualification rates of 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 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by three different routes that together facilitate 269 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents typically residing just 201 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 38 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately four weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Eaton is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Eaton faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover in Eaton is approximately 52% of the total population (~4869 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but trailing Rest of WA's 55.4%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (10.3%) and mental health issues (9.6%). 63.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.4% across Rest of WA. Eaton has 18.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1765 people), higher than the 17.6% in Rest of WA. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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, comprising 44.4% of Eaton's population. Islam, however, showed overrepresentation at 1.2%, compared to the Rest of WA's 0.7%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (34.0%), Australian (30.2%), and Scottish (6.6%). Notably, Maori (1.5% vs regional 1.0%) and South African (0.7% vs regional 0.8%) were overrepresented, while Dutch showed slight underrepresentation at 1.5% compared to the region's 1.6%.

Eaton's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Eaton is 40 years, matching Rest of WA's average but slightly higher than the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 15-24 are prominent at 12.0%, while those aged 55-64 are less common at 11.2% compared to Rest of WA. Between 2021 and now, the 25-34 age group has grown from 12.4% to 14.0% of the population, and the 35-44 cohort has also increased from 12.4% to 14.0%. Conversely, the 75-84 age group has decreased from 7.6% to 6.5%. By 2041, projections show significant changes in Eaton's age structure. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to increase by 635 people (49%), from 1,307 to 1,943. Conversely, both the 85+ and 15-24 age groups are expected to decrease in number.