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 suburb of Eaton (WA) had an estimated population of 9,532 as of November 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses. This figure represents a growth of 863 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,669. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 9,330 in June 2024, based on ABS ERP data and an additional 101 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,471 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Eaton's growth rate of 10.0% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average of 8.9%, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 39.0% to overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors.

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, AreaSearch uses ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data to estimate growth post-2032. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is expected for Australian non-metropolitan areas like Eaton, with a projected increase of 1,657 persons by 2041, reflecting a gain of 15.3% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Eaton among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Eaton recorded approximately 49 residential properties granted approval annually. Between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, around 247 homes were approved, with an additional 50 approved so far in FY-26. Over the past five financial years, an average of 2.6 people moved to the area per new home constructed, suggesting solid demand supporting property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $374,000, consistent with regional patterns. This year has seen $3.7 million in commercial approvals, indicating limited commercial development focus compared to residential growth. Measured against the Rest of WA, Eaton shows comparable construction activity per person, preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas, though recent years have seen intensified construction activity.

New development consists of 95.0% detached houses and 5.0% attached dwellings, maintaining Eaton's suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers with an average of around 152 people per dwelling approval. Looking ahead, AreaSearch estimates Eaton is expected to grow by 1,459 residents through to 2041, aligning with current development levels and maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Eaton has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 19thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects likely affecting this 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 the most relevant projects.

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Employment performance in Eaton exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Eaton has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, notably in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.0%.

In the last year, employment grew by 5.5%, according to AreaSearch data aggregation. As of June 2025, Eaton has 5,094 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 2.1% lower than Rest of WA's 3.2%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of WA's 59.4%. Key industries are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Manufacturing stands out with a 1.9 times higher employment share compared to the region. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 1.5%, while regionally it is 9.3%. Employment opportunities seem limited locally due to Census population data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, Eaton's employment levels increased by 5.5% and labour force by 5.4%, maintaining a stable unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of WA had employment growth of 1.1% and labour force growth of 0.5%, with a 0.6 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's Sep-22 national employment forecasts project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Eaton's industry mix suggests local employment could increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.3% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Eaton's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $51,651. The average income stood at $62,825 during the same period. In comparison, Rest of WA had a median income of $57,323 and an average income of $71,163. By September 2025, estimates suggest Eaton's median income would be approximately $58,985 and the average income around $71,746, based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022. Census data indicates that 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 and $2,999 annually, with 3,183 individuals falling into this bracket. 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

Dwelling structure in Eaton, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 89.8% houses and 10.2% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro WA had 88.1% houses and 11.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Eaton was 32.7%, similar to Non-Metro WA's level. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (44.2%) or rented (23.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Eaton was $1,517, below the Non-Metro WA average of $1,616. The median weekly rent figure in Eaton was $340, compared to Non-Metro WA's $300. Nationally, Eaton's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 percent of all households, including 28.7 percent couples with children, 30.6 percent couples without children, and 12.2 percent single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 27.8 percent, with lone person households at 25.2 percent and group households making up 2.4 percent of the total. 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'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 at 27.7%, including primary education (10.6%), secondary education (8.5%), and tertiary education (1.8%). Eaton's 3 schools have a combined enrollment of 1,398 students as of the latest data available. The area has balanced educational opportunities with an ICSEA score of 960. Education provision is balanced with 2 primary and 1 secondary school serving distinct age groups.

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

Transport analysis indicates 54 active stops operating in Eaton, consisting of bus services. These are served by three distinct routes, offering a total of 257 weekly passenger trips. Accessibility is rated good, with residents typically situated 201 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 36 trips daily across all routes, equating to about 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%, higher than the average SA2 area (~4,969 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis (10.3%) and mental health issues (9.6%). However, 63.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.4% across Rest of WA. Eaton has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 18.9% (1,801 people), compared to the state average of 17.6%. Health outcomes among seniors present some 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 Australian citizens, born in Australia (82.5%), and speaking English only at home (93.5%). Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 44.4% of Eaton's population. However, Islam was overrepresented compared to the rest of WA, making up 1.2% versus 0.7%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (34.0%), Australian (30.2%), and Scottish (6.6%). Notably, Maori (1.5%) and Dutch (1.5%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 1.0% and 1.6%, respectively, while South African representation was slightly below the regional average at 0.7%.

Eaton hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Eaton is 40 years, which aligns with the average for Rest of WA but exceeds the national average by two years. The age profile shows that individuals aged 15-24 make up 12.0% of Eaton's population, while those aged 55-64 constitute 11.3%. Since 2021, the proportion of people aged 25 to 34 has grown from 12.4% to 14.0%, and the proportion of those aged 35 to 44 has also increased from 12.4% to 14.0%. Conversely, the proportion of individuals aged 75 to 84 has declined from 7.6% to 6.5%. By 2041, projections indicate significant shifts in Eaton's age structure. The number of people aged 25 to 34 is expected to increase by 609 (46%) from 1,334 to 1,944. Meanwhile, both the 85+ and 15-24 age groups are projected to decrease in size.