Geographe

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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the suburb of Geographe had an estimated population of 4,059 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a growth of 437 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,622. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 3,925 following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 207 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 710 persons per square kilometer, relatively inline with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Geographe's growth of 12.1% since the 2021 census exceeded both national average (9.9%) and Rest of WA figures, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed 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 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and post-2032 estimates, AreaSearch utilises ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Future population dynamics anticipate above median growth for locations outside capital cities, with Geographe expected to expand by 596 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 9.7% over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Geographe averaged approximately 58 new dwelling approvals per year. Between financial years FY-21 to FY-25, around 294 homes were approved, with an additional 22 approved so far in FY-26. Over the past five financial years, an average of 1.1 new residents arrived per new home built.

This indicates a balanced supply and demand, creating stable market conditions. The average construction value of new homes was approximately $576,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, there have been $15.1 million in commercial approvals, showing moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Rest of WA, Geographe exhibited moderately higher construction activity, at 18.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period.

This level is notably above the national average, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. All new constructions comprised detached houses, preserving the area's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers, with around 68 people per approval. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Geographe is expected to grow by approximately 394 residents through to 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Geographe has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 42ndth percentile nationally

No factor influences a region's performance more than alterations to its local infrastructure, significant projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has pinpointed 0 projects that could impact this area. Notable projects include City of Busselton Local Planning Scheme No. 22, Yalyalup Mineral Sands Project, Millwood, and Embark Busselton. The following list outlines those most likely to be relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

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, with an estimated employment growth of 6.2% over the past year. This is based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

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 lagged significantly at 61.1%, compared to Rest of WA's 67.2%. According to Census responses, only 7.9% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment was concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food sectors.

Notably, employment levels in accommodation & food were at 1.6 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence with only 2.7% employment compared to the regional average of 9.3%. The predominantly residential area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 6.2%, and labour force grew by 5.6%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of WA saw employment rise by 1.4%, labour force grow by 1.2%, and unemployment fall by 0.2 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that while national employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Geographe's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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's median income among taxpayers is $46,443. The average income is $61,336. Both figures are below the national averages. Rest of WA has 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 Geographe as of September 2025 would be approximately $50,911 (median) and $67,237 (average). Census 2021 data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Geographe fall between the 22nd and 24th percentiles nationally. The largest income segment comprises 27.4% of residents earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.9% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 21st percentile. Geographe'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

In Geographe, as per the latest Census evaluation, 91.8% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 8.1% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This compares to Non-Metro WA's 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Geographe had a home ownership rate of 40.1%, with mortgaged properties at 30.1% and rented ones at 29.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, higher than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,560. The median weekly rent in Geographe was $360, compared to Non-Metro WA's $265. 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 Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.8%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.5%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.3%). Vocational credentials are held by 42.1% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 12.0% and certificates at 30.1%. Educational participation is high, with 25.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.0% in primary, 8.4% in secondary, 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 25 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with one individual route providing service to all stops collectively offering 21 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 266 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward using cars, which remain the dominant mode at 92%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, only 7.9% of residents work from home, possibly reflecting COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 3 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 0 weekly trips per individual 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 data indicates positive outcomes for Geographe residents. Mortality rates and health conditions analysed by AreaSearch align with national benchmarks.

Common health conditions are seen across both young and old age cohorts at a standard level. Private health cover is relatively low, at approximately 52% of the total population (around 2,092 people), compared to 56.4% in Rest of WA. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.7 and 9.0% respectively. Around 63.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.3% in Rest of WA. Working-age residents show a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 23.3% of residents aged 65 and over (around 945 people), which is higher than the 19.2% in Rest of WA. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, with national rankings even higher than 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

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 dominant religion in Geographe, comprising 46.9% of people. However, Islam was overrepresented compared to Rest of WA, making up 1.0% versus 0.8%.

Top ancestry groups were English (35.9%), Australian (27.2%), and Scottish (8.7%). Notably, French (0.8%) South African (0.7%), and Dutch (1.6%) ethnicities were slightly overrepresented in Geographe compared to regional averages of 0.4%, 0.6%, and 1.5% respectively.

Geographe ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Geographe's median age was 49 in the 2021 Census, higher than Rest of WA's figure of 40 and significantly above the national norm of 38. The 65-74 age group made up 13.8% of Geographe's population compared to Rest of WA, while the 5-14 cohort was less prevalent at 10.3%. Post-Census data showed a median age decrease from 50 to 49 years, indicating rejuvenation. The 25-34 age group grew from 8.9% to 11.6%, and the 35-44 cohort increased from 9.9% to 11.9%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort declined from 16.2% to 13.8%, and the 75-84 group dropped from 8.6% to 7.3%. By 2041, Geographe's age composition is projected to shift notably. The 25-34 age group is expected to grow steadily, increasing by 174 people (37%) from 470 to 645. In contrast, both the 85+ and 15-24 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.