Harvey

Harvey has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of Harvey is around 3,757, reflecting an increase of 295 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents an 8.5% rise from the previous figure of 3,462 inhabitants. The current resident population estimate of 3,677 by AreaSearch is based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 35 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 57 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Harvey has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.3%, outpacing the SA3 area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 51.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas 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 and to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch utilises the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for non-metropolitan areas including Harvey, with an expected increase of 663 persons to reach a total of 4,420 inhabitants by 2041, reflecting a 19.4% increase over the 17-year period.

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

Harvey has received approximately 27 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 136 homes. In FY-26, 10 approvals have been recorded to date. The area has seen an average of 2.6 people moving in per new home constructed over these five years, indicating strong demand that supports property values. New homes are being built at an average construction cost value of $461,000, reflecting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This financial year has seen $969,000 in commercial approvals registered, highlighting the area's residential nature. Compared to the rest of WA, Harvey has experienced slightly more development, at 28.0% above the regional average per person over this period, balancing buyer choice while supporting current property values. All new construction has been detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character and appealing to those seeking space for families.

The location currently has approximately 135 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Harvey is forecasted to gain 729 residents by 2041. Existing development levels appear aligned with future requirements, helping maintain stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Harvey has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 22ndth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, major undertakings, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 0 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Bunbury Regional Hospital Redevelopment, Additional Australind Trains Procurement, South West Interconnected System Transformation, and WA Police Satellite Technology Upgrade, with the following list detailing 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 Harvey exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Harvey has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs, with strong representation from manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate is 3.0%, and there was an estimated employment growth of 6.7% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 1,977 residents are employed with an unemployment rate of 0.3% lower than Rest of WA's rate of 3.3%.

Workforce participation is similar to Rest of WA's 67.2%. Census responses indicate that only 4.2% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries among residents include manufacturing, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and health care & social assistance. Manufacturing has a particularly notable concentration with employment levels at 5.9 times the regional average.

Conversely, mining has limited presence with 5.9% employment compared to the regional average of 11.7%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 6.7%, while labour force increased by 6.3%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.3 percentage points. This compares to Rest of WA where employment grew by 1.4%, labour force expanded by 1.2%, and unemployment fell by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insight into potential future demand within Harvey. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, suggest that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Harvey's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 3.8% over five years and 10.0% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ended June 2023 shows median income in Harvey suburb is $56,016 and average income is $68,073. This contrasts with Rest of WA's median income of $59,973 and average income of $74,392. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% from July 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income in Harvey would be approximately $61,405 and average income would be around $74,622 by that date. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Harvey rank modestly between 30th and 37th percentiles. The earnings profile indicates largest segment is 31.7% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (1,190 residents), similar to broader regional trends of 31.1%. After housing costs, 86.5% of income remains for other expenses.

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

The latest Census evaluation revealed that Harvey's dwelling structure comprised 93.0% houses and 7.0% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro WA had 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Harvey stood at 39.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.3% and rented ones at 30.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, lower than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,560. The median weekly rent in Harvey was $280, compared to Non-Metro WA's $265. Nationally, Harvey's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,517 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Harvey has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 69.3% of all households, including 28.4% couples with children, 29.0% couples without children, and 10.3% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 30.7%, with lone person households at 28.4% and group households making up 2.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of WA.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 15.1%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 12.3%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.6%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 37.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.0%) and certificates (29.8%). Educational participation is high at 25.0%, with 10.8% in primary education, 8.4% in secondary education, and 1.0% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.8% in primary education, 8.4% in secondary education, and 1.0% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Harvey faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is fairly high at approximately 54% of the total population (around 2,037 people), compared to 56.4% in the rest of Western Australia. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 10.0 and 7.1% of residents respectively. However, 67.3% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.3% in the rest of Western Australia. Working-age residents show a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions than average. The area has 21.9% of residents aged 65 and over (822 people), which is higher than the 19.2% in the rest of Western Australia. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Harvey's population is more diverse than most local markets, with 29.1% born overseas and 22.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Harvey, making up 62.7%, compared to 44.6% across Rest of WA. The top three ancestry groups are English (28.2%), Australian (24.7%), and Italian (11.9%), significantly higher than regional averages.

Notably, Filipino representation is overrepresented at 9.5% in Harvey versus 1.2% regionally, New Zealand at 0.9% compared to the same percentage regionally, and Maori at 0.8% versus 1.0%.

Harvey hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Harvey is 43 years, which is slightly higher than Rest of WA's average of 40 years and well above Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of WA average, Harvey has a notably higher proportion of individuals aged 25-34 (15.7%) and a lower proportion of those aged 5-14 (10.5%). Between the 2021 Census and present day, the population share of the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 12.7% to 15.7%, while the 15 to 24 cohort has risen from 9.2% to 10.3%. Conversely, the proportion of individuals aged 5 to 14 has decreased from 12.4% to 10.5%. By 2041, Harvey's population is projected to see significant demographic changes. The 25 to 34 age cohort is expected to expand by 263 people (45%), growing from 589 to 853 individuals. Meanwhile, the populations of those aged 85+ and 15 to 24 are anticipated to decline.