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

Esperance's population, as estimated by AreaSearch based on ABS updates and new addresses validated since the 2021 Census, is around 2,191 as of November 2025. This represents an increase of 111 people (5.3%) compared to the previous count of 2,080 in 2021. The current population is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 2,187 residents following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024, along with validation of two new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 872 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Esperance has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.7%, outpacing its SA3 area. Natural growth contributed approximately 54.0% 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, and using ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data to estimate growth across all areas post-2032. Looking ahead, Esperance is expected to grow by approximately 185 persons to reach around 2,376 by 2041, reflecting an increase of 8.4% in total over the 17-year period.

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

Esperance averaged approximately 4 new dwelling approvals annually between FY21-FY25. In total, around 23 homes were approved during this period, with an additional 3 approved in FY26 to date. Each year, about 3 people moved to the area per new home constructed between FY21 and FY25.

The average construction value of these dwellings was approximately $486,000. In FY26, commercial approvals totalled $4.0 million. Compared to the Rest of WA, Esperance had around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person between FY21-FY25. Nationally, it ranked in the 52nd percentile for areas assessed during this period.

However, recent construction activity has intensified. The area's established nature and potential planning limitations are suggested by its rate being below the national average. All development in Esperance during this period comprised detached dwellings, preserving its low-density character. This focus on detached housing attracts space-seeking buyers. Despite increasing density pressures, new construction favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest (63.0% at Census). The location has approximately 315 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low-density market. Future projections estimate Esperance's population to grow by 185 residents by 2041. 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 4thth percentile nationally

No infrastructure changes are currently planned in this area. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could impact the region. Key initiatives 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.

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While Esperance retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.5%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Esperance has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar employment, diverse sector representation, and an unemployment rate of 3.5%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data as of June 2025. There are 963 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 0.3% above Rest of WA's rate of 3.2%.

Workforce participation is lower at 48.9%, compared to Rest of WA's 59.4%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. The area has a notable concentration in transport, postal & warehousing, with employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average. Mining employs just 1.9% of local workers, below Rest of WA's 11.7%.

The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Between Jun-24 and Jul-25, labour force decreased by 2.8%, while employment decreased by 3.3%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of WA recorded employment growth of 1.1% and labour force growth of 0.5%, with unemployment falling by 0.6 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Esperance. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. 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, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider localised population projections.

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

Esperance's median taxpayer income was $48,968 and average income was $63,591 in financial year 2022. This was slightly lower than the national average, contrasting with Rest of WA's median income of $57,323 and average income of $71,163. By September 2025, estimates suggest median income will be approximately $55,921 and average income $72,621, based on a 14.2% wage growth since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, household incomes were at the 6th percentile while personal incomes were at the 27th percentile. Income distribution showed that 30.0% of locals (657 people) fell into the $400 - $799 category, differing from the regional majority in the $1,500 - $2,999 category at 31.1%. A significant proportion, 42.5%, earned under $800 per week, indicating financial constraints for many households. Housing affordability was severely impacted, with only 83.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 8th percentile.

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

In Esperance, as per the latest Census evaluation, 63.3% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 36.7% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This is in contrast to Non-Metro WA's figures of 89.0% houses and 10.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Esperance stood at 33.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 17.6% and rented ones at 49.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, lower than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent in Esperance was $235, compared to Non-Metro WA's $260. Nationally, Esperance's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,500 versus Australia's 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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 51.5%, with lone person households at 48.7% and group households making up 3.1%. The median household size is 1.9 people, which is smaller than the Rest of WA average of 2.4.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 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 the most common, at 11.6%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.4%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.9%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 37.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 8.8% and certificates at 28.3%.

A substantial 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. Esperance Primary School serves local educational needs within Esperance, with an enrollment of 460 students as of its latest report. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs (21.0 places per 100 residents vs the regional average of 16.5), indicating that the area serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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

Esperance has 37 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by six distinct routes that together offer 103 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of the transport system is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 145 meters from their nearest stop.

On average, there are 14 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately two weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health data shows significant health challenges in Esperance, with high prevalence of common conditions across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover rate is approximately 52%, or around 1,149 people, which is higher than the average SA2 area but lower than Rest of WA's 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.2%) and mental health issues (8.1%). About 59.1% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 68.9% in Rest of WA. Esperance has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 31.4% or 687 people, compared to Rest of WA's 18.2%. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

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 citizens, born in Australia (80.5%), and speaking English only at home (94.1%). Christianity is the predominant religion in Esperance, comprising 49.0% of its population. Notably, Buddhism is overrepresented, making up 1.6% compared to the regional average of 0.7%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (32.5%), Australian (31.4%), and Scottish (9.2%). Significant differences exist in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Maori (0.8% vs regional 0.8%), New Zealand (0.8% vs 0.9%), and Sri Lankan (0.3% vs 0.1%) are notably divergent.

Esperance ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Esperance's median age of 51 years is notably higher than Rest of WA's 40 and significantly exceeds the Australian median of 38. The age profile indicates that individuals aged 75-84 are particularly prominent, comprising 12.2% of the population, which is larger than both the Rest of WA figure and the national average of 6%. The 45-54 age group, however, is relatively smaller at 7.8%. Post-2021 Census data reveals that the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 9.5% to 11.1%, while the 15 to 24 cohort has risen from 8.6% to 10.0%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 9.8% to 7.8%, and the 5 to 14 age group has fallen from 9.6% to 8.5%. Demographic projections suggest that Esperance's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 age cohort is expected to grow steadily, increasing by 119 people (43%) from 278 to 398. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 55 to 64 age groups.