Geographe

Population growth drivers in Geographe are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the population of Geographe is estimated at around 4,073 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 451 people (12.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,622 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,953 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 713 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Geographe's 12.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (8.9%), along with the non-metro area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that 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, 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). Anticipating future population dynamics, an above median population growth of Australian non-metropolitan areas is projected, with the suburb expected to increase by 579 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 9.2% in total over the 17 years.

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

Geographe averaged approximately 60 new dwelling approvals annually, with about 303 homes approved between financial years FY21 and FY25, and an additional 12 approved so far in FY26. This results in around one new resident per year per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years. The average construction value of new homes is approximately $576,000, which is moderately higher than regional levels.

There have been $37.0 million in commercial approvals during this financial year. Compared to Rest of WA, Geographe shows moderately higher construction activity, with 21.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. New development consists primarily of standalone homes (98.0%) and a smaller portion of medium and high-density housing (2.0%), preserving the area's low density nature. With around 58 people per dwelling approval, Geographe exhibits characteristics of a growth area.

Population forecasts indicate an estimated gain of 376 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Geographe has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 9thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified zero projects predicted to impact this region. Notable projects include City of Busselton Local Planning Scheme No. 22, Yalyalup Mineral Sands Project at Millwood, and Embark Busselton. The following list details those likely most 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 conditions in Geographe remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Geographe has a skilled workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.9% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 6.1%. Residents' employment rate is 0.7% higher than Rest of WA's, at 3.2%, with workforce participation at 53.8%, compared to Rest of WA's 59.4%. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. The area has a specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 2.7%, compared to the regional average of 9.3%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited, as indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 6.1% and labour force grew by 5.2%, reducing unemployment by 0.8 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of WA, where employment rose by 1.1%, labour force grew by 0.5%, and unemployment fell by 0.6 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Sep-22 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

Geographe's median income among taxpayers was $46,443 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $61,336 during the same period. These figures compare to Rest of WA's median income of $57,323 and average income of $71,163 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Geographe would be approximately $53,038 (median) and $70,046 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Geographe fall between the 22nd and 24th percentiles nationally. In Geographe, 27.4% of the population (1,116 individuals) have income within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, similar to metropolitan regions where this cohort represents 31.1%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Geographe, with only 82.9% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 21st percentile nationally. 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

In Geographe, as per the latest Census data, 91.8% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 8.1% being semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is similar to Non-Metro WA's dwelling structure, which was 89.8% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Geographe had a higher rate of home ownership at 40.1%, compared to the mortgaged (30.1%) and rented (29.8%) properties in the area. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Geographe was $1,733, aligning with Non-Metro WA's average. The median weekly rent in Geographe was recorded at $360, which is also the same as Non-Metro WA's figure. 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%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 12.8%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.5%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.3%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 42.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 12.0% and certificates at 30.1%.

Educational participation is high, with 25.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.0% in primary, 8.4% in secondary, and 2.0% in tertiary education. Busselton Primary School serves the area, enrolling 203 students as of a specific date. The school's ICSEA score is 907, indicating varied educational conditions. It focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available nearby due to limited local capacity (5.0 places per 100 residents vs 16.4 regionally).

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, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by a single route that collectively offers 21 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents typically located 266 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 3 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 0 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 approximately 52% of the total population (~2,099 people), slightly lagging that of the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.7 and 9.0% of residents respectively. 63.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.5% across Rest of WA. As of the latest data (2016), 24.5% of residents are aged 65 and over (997 people), which is higher than the 20.0% in Rest of WA. Health outcomes among seniors in Geographe perform 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 population is predominantly Australian-born, with 78.6% having been born there. Citizenship is also high at 87.4%. The majority of residents speak English only at home, at 94.1%.

Christianity is the dominant religion in Geographe, practiced by 46.9% of its population. Islam's representation is notably higher than the regional average, making up 1.0% compared to 0.4%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (35.9%), Australian (27.2%), and Scottish (8.7%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: French residents are slightly more represented in Geographe at 0.8%, South African residents at 0.7%, and Dutch residents at 1.6%.

Geographe ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Geographe has a median age of 49, which is higher than Rest of WA's figure of 40 and significantly greater than Australia's national norm of 38. The age group of 65-74 shows strong representation in Geographe at 14.1%, compared to Rest of WA. However, the 5-14 cohort is less prevalent at 10.3%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 8.9% to 10.7% of Geographe's population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 9.9% to 11.1%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 16.2% to 14.1%, and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 11.4% to 10.3%. By 2041, Geographe is expected to experience notable shifts in its age composition. The 25 to 34 group is projected to grow by 47% (203 people), reaching 639 from 435. Meanwhile, the 65 to 74 and 85+ cohorts are expected to see population declines.