Geographe

Population growth drivers in Geographe are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of the Geographe statistical area (Lv2) is around 4,046 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 424 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,622 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,925 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 204 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 708 persons per square kilometer. The Geographe's growth of 11.7% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.7%) for non-metro areas, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 35.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate 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, AreaSearch is utilising growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above median population growth of Australian non-metropolitan areas is projected for the Geographe (SA2), with an expected increase of 582 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 10.0% over the 17 years.

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

Geographe averaged around 58 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY21-FY25, an estimated 294 homes were approved, with a further 22 approved in FY26. This results in approximately 1.1 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years.

The average construction value of these dwellings was $576,000, indicating focus on premium developments. In FY26, there have been $15.1 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Rest of WA, Geographe shows moderately higher construction activity, balancing buyer choice with property value support. This is significantly higher than the national average, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location.

All new constructions were standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low density character and appealing to those seeking space. With around 68 people per dwelling approval, Geographe exhibits growth area characteristics. Population forecasts indicate a gain of 406 residents by 2041. Current development patterns suggest new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

Area infrastructure significantly impacts local performance. AreaSearch identified zero projects potentially affecting this area. Key initiatives include City of Busselton Local Planning Scheme No. 22, Yalyalup Mineral Sands Project, Millwood, and Embark Busselton.

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Employment performance in Geographe has been broadly consistent with national averages

Geographe has a skilled workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.6% as of September 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 6.3%. As of that date, 1,997 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.3% higher than Rest of WA's rate of 3.3%. Workforce participation in Geographe lagged behind Rest of WA at 53.8%. Employment was concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food.

The area showed strong specialization in accommodation & food with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing had lower representation at 2.7% compared to the regional average of 9.3%. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 6.3% while labour force increased by 5.6%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.7 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of WA saw employment grow by 1.4%, labour force expand by 1.2%, and unemployment fall by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Geographe's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Geographe had a median income among taxpayers of $46,443 and an average of $61,336. These figures are below the national average. In comparison, Rest of WA had a median income of $59,973 and an average of $74,392. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $50,911 (median) and $67,237 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Geographe fall between the 22nd and 24th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 27.4% of locals earn within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, reflecting a pattern seen in metropolitan regions where 31.1% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 21st percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Geographe is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

As per the latest Census evaluation, dwelling structures in Geographe consisted of 91.8% houses and 8.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro WA's 89.8% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Geographe was higher at 40.1%, with the rest being mortgaged (30.1%) or rented (29.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, aligning with Non-Metro WA's average, while the median weekly rent figure was $360, matching Non-Metro WA's figure as well. Nationally, Geographe's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Geographe has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 72.0% of all households, including 21.3% couples with children, 37.6% couples without children, and 11.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 28.0%, with lone person households at 25.5% and group households comprising 3.0%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of WA average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 17.6%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 12.8%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.5%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas account for 12.0% and certificates for 30.1%. Educational participation is high at 25.1%, including 9.0% in primary education, 8.4% in secondary education, and 2.0% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.0% in primary education, 8.4% in secondary education, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Geographe has 24 active public transport stops, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are serviced by one route collectively providing 21 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 266 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages three trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately zero weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Geographe faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 52% of the total population (~2,085 people), compared to 53.6% across the rest of WA.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.7 and 9.0% of residents respectively, while 63.3% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.5% across the rest of WA. The area has 24.5% of residents aged 65 and over (991 people), which is higher than the 20.0% in the rest of WA. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Geographe's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 78.6% of its population born in Australia, 87.4% being citizens, and 94.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Geographe, comprising 46.9% of people. Islam, however, showed overrepresentation in Geographe with 1.0%, compared to the Rest of WA's 0.4%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (35.9%), Australian (27.2%), and Scottish (8.7%). Notably, French (0.8% vs regional 0.7%), South African (0.7% vs regional 0.6%), and Dutch (1.6% vs regional 1.7%) were overrepresented in Geographe.

Geographe ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Geographe's median age is 49, which is higher than Rest of WA's figure of 40 and the national norm of 38. The 65-74 age group makes up 14.1% of Geographe's population, compared to Rest of WA, while the 5-14 cohort is less prevalent at 10.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 25 to 34 age group grew from 8.9% to 10.7%, and the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 9.9% to 11.1%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort declined from 16.2% to 14.1%, and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 11.4% to 10.2%. By 2041, Geographe's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 25 to 34 group will grow by 48% (206 people), reaching 639 from 432. Meanwhile, the 65 to 74 and 85+ cohorts are expected to experience population declines.