Geraldton

An assessment of population growth drivers in Geraldton reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Geraldton's population, based on ABS updates and AreaSearch validation, is estimated at around 3,868 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 622 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,246. The change was inferred from the resident population of 3,853 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 5 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 865 persons per square kilometer. Geraldton's 19.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (7.5%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration.

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 to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch utilises growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Future population dynamics anticipate a median increase for non-metropolitan areas, with the suburb expected to increase by 389 persons to 2041, reflecting a decline of 3.0% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Geraldton shows around 11 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 58 homes. So far in FY-26, 13 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.6 new residents arrive per year for each new home built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating a balanced supply and demand. However, this has moderated to -0.5 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting an improved balance. New homes are approved at an average value of $600,000, reflecting quality-focused development.

This year, $15.0 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development compared to other areas. Geraldton records 18.0% less building activity per person than the rest of WA and ranks among the 62nd percentile nationally, indicating a mature market with possible planning constraints. New development consists of 71.0% detached dwellings and 29.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character. With approximately 240 people per approval, Geraldton reflects a transitioning housing market.

Given expected population stability or decline, reduced pressure on housing is anticipated, potentially creating buying opportunities.

Geraldton has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 6thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects expected to influence the region. Notable ones are the Geraldton Green Connect Project, a 7-Eleven Service Station at Durlacher Street in Geraldton, expansion of the Geraldton Homemaker Centre, and development of the Geraldton Youth Precinct Masterplan. The following list details those 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.

The labour market performance in Geraldton lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Geraldton's workforce is skilled with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate as of June 2025 was 5.6%.

AreaSearch aggregated statistical area data shows 1,476 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.4% higher than Rest of WA's rate of 3.2%. Workforce participation in Geraldton was 50.6%, significantly lower than Rest of WA's 59.4%. Leading employment industries among residents included health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Health care & social assistance had notably high concentration with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average.

Mining employed only 5.4% of local workers, below Rest of WA's 11.7%. As per Census data, there were 1.3 workers for every resident, indicating Geraldton functioned as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.6% combined with a 3.2% decrease in employment, leading to a 0.6 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of WA experienced employment growth of 1.1% and labour force growth of 0.5%, with a 0.6 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer insight into potential future demand within Geraldton. These projections suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Geraldton's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes not accounting for localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Geraldton's median income among taxpayers was $53,108 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $66,389 during the same period. These figures compare to $57,323 and $71,163 respectively for the Rest of WA. By September 2025, current estimates project Geraldton's median income to be approximately $60,649 and average income around $75,816, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Geraldton fall between the 9th and 18th percentiles nationally. The income bracket capturing 25.9% of Geraldton's community is $400 - $799 (1,001 individuals), differing from the surrounding region where $1,500 - $2,999 dominates with 31.1%. After housing costs, 85.0% of income remains in Geraldton, ranking at the 12th percentile nationally.

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

Geraldton's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 64.5% houses and 35.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro WA's 87.5% houses and 12.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Geraldton stood at 32.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 22.2% and rented ones at 45.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,400, lower than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,517. Median weekly rent in Geraldton was $220, compared to Non-Metro WA's $250. Nationally, Geraldton's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,400 versus Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Geraldton features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 55.3 percent of all households, including 15.9 percent that are couples with children, 26.7 percent that are couples without children, and 11.0 percent that are single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 44.7 percent, with lone person households at 41.0 percent and group households making up 3.6 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Rest of WA average of 2.4.

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

The area has university qualification rates at 19.6%, which is substantially below 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 13.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 39.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 11.2% and certificates at 28.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.6% in secondary education, 8.2% in primary education, and 3.3% pursuing tertiary education. There are six schools operating within Geraldton, educating approximately 3,022 students. The area has varied educational conditions (ICSEA: 930) and offers a mix of two primary, three secondary, and one K-12 school. It functions as an education hub with 78.1 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 16.8, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Transport analysis shows 38 active public transport stops in Geraldton, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by 13 individual routes, offering a total of 506 weekly passenger trips. The average distance to the nearest stop for residents is 183 meters.

Service frequency averages 72 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 13 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Geraldton is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Geraldton faces significant health challenges, affecting both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 54% (~2,071 people) of Geraldton's total population has private health cover. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, impacting 10.8 and 10.1% of residents respectively. In comparison, 59.2% of Geraldton residents report no medical ailments, lower than the 66.8% reported across the rest of WA. Geraldton has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 25.1% (970 people), compared to the rest of WA's 18.3%. Health outcomes among seniors in Geraldton generally align with those of the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Geraldton was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Geraldton's population shows cultural diversity with 20.9% born overseas and 11.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 51.5%. Islam is overrepresented compared to the rest of WA, making up 2.3% versus 1.3%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (27.9%), Australian (27.3%), and Irish (9.0%). Notable divergences include Australian Aboriginal at 6.6% in Geraldton versus 6.9% regionally, South African at 0.6% each, and Hungarian at 0.3% versus 0.1%.

Geraldton hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Geraldton's median age is 46, which is higher than the Rest of WA figure of 40 and above the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 85 and above make up 5.9%, while those aged 5-14 comprise 9.4%. Since the 2021 Census, Geraldton's median age has decreased by one year to 46, indicating a shift towards a younger demographic. Changes since then include an increase in the 25 to 34 age group from 10.9% to 13.6%, and the 35 to 44 cohort from 11.2% to 12.5%. Conversely, the 85+ cohort has declined from 7.2% to 5.9%, and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 11.0% to 9.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Geraldton's age profile will change significantly. The 25 to 34 cohort is projected to grow by 30%, adding 157 residents to reach 684. Meanwhile, the 5 to 14 and 65 to 74 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.