Esperance

Esperance is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of the suburb of Esperance is around 2,129 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 49 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,080 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,122 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional two validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 848 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Esperance has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 54.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is utilising the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of regional areas nationally is expected for Esperance, with the suburb expected to grow by 182 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 11.8% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Esperance according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Esperance's development activity is very limited, averaging two approvals per year over five years, from 2016 to 2020 inclusive. This results in an average of 0.4 approvals per year per thousand residents. The total number of approvals during this period was 14.

Esperance's development levels are characteristic of rural areas, with modest housing needs and limited construction activity due to local demand and infrastructure capacity. Yearly growth figures and relativities can vary considerably based on individual projects due to the low approval numbers. Esperance has substantially lower development levels than the Rest of WA, with an average of 1.5 approvals per year per thousand residents from 2016 to 2020 inclusive. Development levels in Esperance are also under national averages.

Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, with a focus on family homes suited to those seeking rural lifestyle and space. Developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (63.0% at Census), reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes amid densification trends. The estimated population density in Esperance is 1471 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Esperance is expected to grow by 251 residents from 2021 to 2041 inclusive. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Esperance has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 11thth percentile nationally

No local infrastructure changes have been identified by AreaSearch that could impact the area. Key projects include WA Police Satellite Technology Upgrade, Regional And Rural Wa Road Network Safety Improvements, WA Regional Digital Connectivity Program (WARDCP), and Western Australia Coastal Hazards Adaptation.

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

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While Esperance retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.8%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Esperance has a balanced workforce with representation from various sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.8%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025975 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.3% compared to Rest of WA's 3.3%.

Workforce participation in Esperance is 54.4%, significantly lower than the regional average of 67.2%. According to Census responses, only 6.0% of residents work from home. The key industries of employment are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Notably, transport, postal & warehousing has high concentration with employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average.

Mining's presence is limited with 1.9% employment compared to 11.7% regionally. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, labour force increased by 0.2%, while employment declined by 0.5%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.7 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of WA recorded employment growth of 1.4% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with a fall in unemployment of 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Esperance's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.8% over ten years.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released on 1 July 2023, the suburb of Esperance had a median income among taxpayers of $48,968 and an average income of $63,591. This is lower than the national average. In comparison, Rest of WA had a median income of $59,973 and an average income of $74,392. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $53,679 (median) and $69,708 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household incomes in Esperance were at the 6th percentile, while personal income was at the 27th percentile. Income analysis showed that 30.0% of the population fell within the $400 - $799 income range, unlike regional trends where 31.1% fell within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. Lower income households were prevalent, with 42.5% earning below $800 weekly, indicating affordability pressures for many residents. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 83.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 8th percentile.

Esperance displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Esperance's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro WA had 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Esperance was at 33.0%, with mortgages accounting for 17.6% and rentals for 49.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, lower than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,560. Weekly rent in Esperance was recorded at $235, compared to Non-Metro WA's $265. Nationally, Esperance's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 48.5% of all households, including 15.2% couples with children, 23.1% couples without children, and 8.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 51.5%, with lone person households at 48.7% and group households comprising 3.1%. The median household size is 1.9 people, which is smaller than the Rest of WA average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Esperance fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 15.9%, 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 11.6%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.4%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 37.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 8.8% and certificates at 28.3%.

A total of 24.6% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 10.2% in primary, 6.9% in secondary, and 2.9% in tertiary education.

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

Esperance has 36 active public transport stops, served by six routes offering 103 weekly passenger trips. Residents are typically 145 meters from the nearest stop. Most commute outward, with cars being the dominant mode at 87%. Walking and cycling account for 9% and 3% respectively. Vehicle ownership averages 1.0 per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 6.0% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 14 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately two weekly trips per stop.

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

Esperance faces significant health challenges, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notably high across both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 52% of Esperance's population (~1,116 people) has private health cover, slightly higher than the average SA2 area but lower than Rest of WA at 56.4%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (11.2%) and mental health issues (8.1%), while 59.1% report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.3% in Rest of WA. Working-age residents have a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions than average. Esperance has a larger senior population, with 31.0% aged 65 and over (659 people), compared to 19.2% in Rest of WA. Health outcomes among seniors are challenging, generally ranking in line with the national average.

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

Esperance's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 81.8% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (80.5%), speaking English only at home (94.1%). Christianity is the predominant religion in Esperance, comprising 49.0% of its population. Notably, Buddhism appears overrepresented, making up 1.6% compared to the regional average of 1.0%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (32.5%), Australian (31.4%), and Scottish (9.2%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences in representation: Maori at 0.8% (vs regional 1.0%), New Zealanders at 0.8% (vs 0.9%), and Sri Lankans at 0.3% (vs 0.1%).

Esperance ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Esperance's median age of 51 years is significantly older than Rest of WA's 40 and higher than Australia's median of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 85+ are particularly prominent, comprising 7.6% of the population, while the 45-54 group is smaller at 7.8%. This concentration of those aged 85+ is well above the national average of 2.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 9.5% to 11.5%, and the 25 to 34 cohort has increased from 12.0% to 13.5%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 9.8% to 7.8%, and the 5 to 14 group has dropped from 9.6% to 8.5%. Demographic modeling suggests that Esperance's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041, with the 25 to 34 age cohort projected to grow steadily, expanding by 109 people (38%) from 287 to 397. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 15 to 24 and 5 to 14 cohorts.