Geographe

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

According to evaluations of ABS population adjustments for the surrounding region, combined with address records verified by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Geographe has an estimated residency of 3,971 people in May 2026. This represents a gain of 349 residents (9.6%) from the 2021 Census, which registered 3,622 individuals. The change is calculated from a resident population of 3,950, which AreaSearch estimated using the ABS June 2025 ERP release alongside 209 validated new addresses registered after the Census. This population level translates to a density of 695 persons per square kilometer, which aligns closely with the average across various places analyzed by AreaSearch. The 9.6% expansion in the suburb of Geographe since the 2021 census was ahead of the national benchmark (9.3%), positioning it as a leading growth area locally. Population gains were mostly propelled by overseas arrivals, accounting for roughly 35.0% of the overall increase, though all sources, including interstate arrivals and natural expansion, recorded positive numbers.

AreaSearch implements ABS and Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 region, which were published in 2024 utilizing 2022 as the base point. For SA2 regions lacking this coverage, and to calculate growth beyond 2032, AreaSearch applies cohort-specific growth rates from the latest ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 statistics. Looking at future demographic shifts, a growth rate exceeding the median of Australian non-metropolitan areas is anticipated, with the area projected to expand by 514 residents by 2041 under consolidated SA2-level estimates, representing an overall increase of 12.4% across the 16 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Geographe when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch's review of ABS building approvals compiled from regional data, the suburb of Geographe has recorded an annual average of about 49 new residential approvals, with 245 homes authorized over the last 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25) and 34 during FY-26 so far. With an average addition of 1.3 new residents annually per built home during the last 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), the relationship between supply and demand is well-aligned, fostering balanced conditions, while new dwellings carry an average construction value of $576,000, indicating that builders are targeting the higher-end market with premium projects. Additionally, commercial approvals reached $15.1 million this financial year, reflecting a moderate level of business development.

Compared to Rest of WA, the suburb of Geographe exhibits a matching volume of building activity per resident, maintaining a market balance that matches the surrounding region. This level is far higher than the national figure, pointing to solid developer optimism in the area. Furthermore, residential development has consisted entirely of detached houses, preserving the classic low density style of the neighborhood with a focus on spacious family homes. Averaging approximately 104 people for every home approved, the suburb of Geographe displays the hallmarks of an expanding community.

Demographic projections indicate the suburb of Geographe will add 493 residents by 2041, starting from the most recent quarterly estimate by AreaSearch. In light of current building trends, the supply of new housing is expected to easily accommodate this demand, creating favorable buying opportunities and potentially supporting population growth that surpasses current forecasts.

Geographe has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 37thth percentile nationally

Local performance is heavily shaped by developments in regional infrastructure, primary projects, and planning changes. AreaSearch has identified no projects that are expected to affect this locality. Principal initiatives include City of Busselton Local Planning Scheme No. 22, Yalyalup Mineral Sands Project, Millwood, and Embark Busselton, with details provided for the most significant ones.

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Geographe has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

The suburb of Geographe possesses a capable workforce, with a strong presence in industrial and manufacturing fields, a jobless rate of just 3.8%, and steady employment levels over the prior year, according to AreaSearch's compiled regional statistics. In March 2026, 1,923 local citizens were employed, with the unemployment rate sitting 0.2% higher than the Regional WA figure of 3.5%, while labor participation is much lower (59.0% compared to 65.6% in Regional WA). Census data indicates that a modest 7.9% of the workforce operated from home, though the influence of Covid-19 restrictions should be kept in mind.

Resident employment is heavily weighted toward health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. The locality displays a high concentration in accommodation & food, where the employment percentage is 1.6 times the regional benchmark. In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing is underrepresented at 2.7% compared to the regional average of 9.3%. The highly residential character of the neighborhood suggests it offers few local jobs, as shown by comparing the count of Census workers against the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch's review of SALM and ABS statistics compiled from regional datasets, employment rose by 0.2% and the workforce expanded by 0.3% during the 12 months ending March 2026, which kept the unemployment rate steady. During this same timeframe in Regional WA, employment decreased by 0.1%, the workforce grew by 0.3%, and the unemployment rate increased by 0.4 percentage points. National employment projections released in May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia provide additional context on future demand trends in the suburb of Geographe. These five and ten-year forecasts have been matched to the local occupational structure to model expansion patterns. Although overall national employment is expected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, the rates of change differ widely across industries. Applying these sector-specific trends to the local employment makeup indicates that employment in the suburb of Geographe is projected to rise by 6.0% over five years and 12.7% over ten years (note that this calculation is a basic weighted extrapolation for demonstration purposes and does not incorporate local population forecasts).

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

According to the most recent postcode-level ATO statistics released by AreaSearch for financial year 2023, the suburb of Geographe has a median taxpayer income of $46,443, alongside an average of $61,336. These figures are below national averages, and compare to a median of $59,973 and average of $74,392 across Regional WA. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, updated estimates point to roughly $51,519 for the median and $68,040 for the average in March 2026. The 2021 Census indicates that household, family, and individual earnings in the suburb of Geographe all rank between the 22nd and 24th percentiles nationwide. The income distribution shows that the largest group, representing 27.4% of residents (1,088 people), falls into the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, reflecting the broader metropolitan trend where 31.1% are in this category. Affordability pressures are high, with only 82.9% of income left over, placing the area in the 21st percentile, while its SEIFA income score falls in the 4th decile.

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

Residential structures in the suburb of Geographe at the time of the last Census consisted of 91.8% detached houses and 8.1% alternative options (such as apartments, semi-detached, and other structures), compared to 88.5% houses and 11.6% other options in Regional WA. Outright home ownership in the suburb of Geographe was significantly higher than the Regional WA level, reaching 40.1%, while the remaining properties were either under a mortgage (30.1%) or occupied by tenants (29.8%). The median monthly home loan payment was $1,733, which sits well above the Regional WA average of $1,560, and the median weekly rent stood at $360 compared to the Regional WA average of $265. On a national scale, mortgage payments in the suburb of Geographe are below the Australian median of $1,863, and rent prices are lower than the national benchmark of $375.

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

Families make up the majority of households at 72.0%, which includes 21.3% couples raising children, 37.6% couples without children, and 11.5% single parents. The remaining 28.0% consists of non-family households, with single-person households accounting for 25.5% and shared households representing 3.0%. The typical household size is 2.3 individuals, which is smaller than the Regional WA average of 2.5.

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

The locality face some educational hurdles, with university graduation rates (17.6%) falling far short of the national average of 30.4%. This gap presents an opportunity for targeted learning programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 12.8%, with graduate diplomas at 2.5% and postgraduate degrees at 2.3%. Vocational and technical training is common, with 42.1% of residents aged 15+ holding trade qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas (12.0%) and certificates (30.1%).

Enrolment rates are high, with 25.1% of the population participating in some form of study. This includes 9.0% of residents in primary schools, 8.4% in high schools, and 2.0% enrolled in higher education courses.

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

Public transit analysis shows 25 active transport stops in the suburb of Geographe, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 1 separate routes, which provide a total of 21 weekly passenger journeys. Transit access is classified as good, with residents living an average of 266 meters from their nearest stop. Because it is mainly a residential area, most workers travel outside the suburb, and cars remain the preferred option at 92%. Dwellings have an average of 1.5 vehicles. A small proportion of 7.9% of residents worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic measures.

Transit frequency averages 3 journeys daily across all routes, which corresponds to approximately no weekly trips at each stop.

Geographe's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health indicators show generally favorable metrics for those living in the suburb of Geographe, with AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality data and medical statuses showing results that align with national averages, displaying standard levels of common illnesses across both young and senior age brackets, while private health insurance coverage is modest at around 52% of all residents (~2,047 people). This is lower than the 56.4% rate recorded across Regional WA.

The prominent health conditions reported locally were arthritis and mental health challenges, affecting 10.7 and 9.0% of the population, respectively, while 63.3% of individuals reported no chronic medical issues compared to 69.3% in Regional WA. Residents of working age show higher than average rates of chronic health issues. Seniors aged 65 and older represent 26.5% of the population (1,052 people), which exceeds the Regional WA average of 19.2%. Health statistics for these older residents are very positive, with national comparisons surpassing those of the general population.

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

The suburb of Geographe displays lower levels of cultural diversity, with 78.6% of residents born in Australia, 87.4% holding citizenship, and 94.1% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant faith, followed by 46.9% of the population. The most notable disproportionate representation is found in Islam, which accounts for 1.0% of residents compared to 0.8% across Regional WA.

Regarding family backgrounds (parents' birthplaces), the primary ancestral lines in the suburb of Geographe are English at 35.9%, Australian at 27.2%, and Scottish at 8.7%. There are also distinct variations in other heritages: French ancestry is overrepresented at 0.8% of the population (compared to 0.4% in the region), South Australian at 0.7% (compared to 0.6%), and Dutch at 1.6% (compared to 1.5%).

Geographe ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Having a median age of 49, the suburb of Geographe is notably older than the Regional WA figure of 40 and the national benchmark of 38. The 65 - 74 age bracket is highly represented at 14.9% compared to Regional WA, while the 5 - 14 group is less common at 9.8%. The proportion of people aged 65 - 74 is significantly above the national average of 9.4%. Data collected after the 2021 Census indicates that the 35 to 44 age cohort grew from 9.9% to 11.3% of the population. In contrast, the 5 to 14 cohort shrank from 11.4% to 9.8%, and the 55 to 64 group fell from 16.1% to 14.6%. By 2041, the suburb of Geographe is projected to experience major shifts in its demographic makeup, led by the 25 to 34 age group which is expected to rise by 47% (183 people) to reach 577 from 393, while the 85+ and 15 to 24 groups are expected to contract.