Harvey

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

According to ABS demographic updates and quarterly residential address checks from AreaSearch since the Census, Harvey's population is estimated to have reached approximately 3,792 by May 2026. This represents a gain of 330 residents (9.5%) relative to the 2021 Census, when the count stood at 3,462 people. This shift is calculated from a resident base of 3,721, calculated by AreaSearch using the latest ABS ERP figures from June 2025 alongside 36 validated new addresses registered post-Census. With these numbers, the local density stands at 57 persons per square kilometer, indicating a spacious residential environment. The suburb's 9.5% growth rate since the 2021 census paced ahead of the nationwide mark of 9.3%, placing it among the faster-growing regional localities. The population expansion was mostly underpinned by domestic relocation from other states, which made up roughly 51.0% of the net gains, though net overseas migration and natural increase also contributed positively.

AreaSearch incorporates regional demographic projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia published in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For locations lacking this specific data, or to project trends beyond 2032, growth rates by age bracket from the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections (using 2022 data) are applied. Based on these expected shifts, the community is anticipated to grow faster than the median rate for regional areas nationwide, expanding by 563 residents by 2041 under combined SA2 estimates, which translates to a total increase of 13.0% over the 16 years.

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

AreaSearch evaluations of building approvals allocated from statistical areas show that Harvey averages about 25 residential development approvals per year, resulting in approximately 126 new homes over the last 5 financial years. In the current period of FY-26, 21 approvals have been logged so far. An average ratio of 1.5 new residents for every completed dwelling between FY-21 and FY-25 points to balanced supply and demand conditions. However, this has risen to 3.6 people per dwelling over the last 2 financial years, pointing to a faster rate of absorption and scarcer stock. Approved building projects average $461,000 in construction costs, showing a developer focus on higher-end, premium housing. Additionally, commercial approvals worth $969,000 have been logged this financial year, reinforcing the residential focus of local building activity.

Relative to the Rest of WA, building activity in Harvey is elevated, running 20.0% higher than the regional average per capita over the 5 year period, offering buyer options while underpinning existing real estate values, despite a recent slowdown in starts. All residential approvals during this period were for single-family detached houses, preserving the low-density neighborhood style preferred by families. With a ratio of roughly 337 residents for each home approval, Harvey's residential market is in a development phase.

Long-term forecasts suggest Harvey's population will grow by 492 residents by 2041 based on recent quarterly monitoring. Current construction trends suggest the local building pipeline can comfortably accommodate this growth, supporting buyer options and potentially allowing for even higher population gains.

Harvey has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 18thth percentile nationally

Local development is closely tied to planning and infrastructure decisions. Currently, no major projects have been identified by AreaSearch as having a direct local impact. Key regional initiatives include the Additional Australind Trains Procurement, South West Interconnected System Transformation, WA Police Satellite Technology Upgrade, and Western Australia Agricultural Supply Chain Improvements.

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 has been broadly consistent with national averages

The local economy supports a diverse mix of blue-collar and professional roles, with a strong manufacturing footprint, a low unemployment rate of 2.9%, and employment growth estimated at 0.9% over the past year. In March 2026, the employed resident count stood at 1,879, with the jobless rate tracking 0.6% below the Regional WA average of 3.5%. Participation in the labor force is slightly lower than typical, standing at 61.5% compared to 65.6% for Regional WA. Census records show only 4.2% of the workforce worked from home, though this figure reflects the timing of pandemic-related restrictions.

Key industries for local workers include manufacturing, agriculture, forestry & fishing, along with healthcare & social assistance. The suburb shows a strong industrial specialization, with the manufacturing workforce share reaching 5.9 times the regional average. Conversely, mining accounts for only 5.9% of local employment, compared to 11.7% across Regional WA. A comparison between local jobs and the resident workforce suggests many residents travel outside the area for employment.

Based on SALM and ABS data for the broader statistical area, employment rose by 0.9% and the labor force grew by 0.6% during the year ending March 2026, leading to a 0.2 percentage point reduction in the unemployment rate. Over the same period, Regional WA saw employment fall by 0.1% and the labor force grow by 0.3%, resulting in a 0.4 percentage point increase in joblessness. National forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia released in May-25 provide a benchmark for future demand in Harvey, showing five and ten-year projections mapped to local industry concentrations. While national employment is projected to rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, trends vary by sector. Weighting these projections against the local industry mix suggests Harvey's employment could grow by 3.8% over five years and 10.0% over ten years, assuming local trends mirror national industry patterns.

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

ATO data for the financial year 2023 shows local incomes align closely with national averages, with a median of $56,016 and an average of $68,073. This is slightly lower than the Regional WA figures, which show a median of $59,973 and an average of $74,392. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index increase of 10.93% since financial year 2023 suggests updated March 2026 figures of approximately $62,139 for median income and $75,513 for average income. In the 2021 Census, local household, family, and individual incomes ranked in the modest 30th to 37th percentiles. The weekly earnings bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 accounts for 31.7% of the community (1,202 individuals), matching the wider regional trend of 31.1% in this bracket. Discretionary income after housing costs is estimated at 86.5% of total earnings.

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

According to the Census, housing in Harvey is comprised of 93.0% detached houses and 7.0% other dwelling types like townhouses and apartments, compared to Regional WA's mix of 88.5% houses and 11.6% other properties. Home ownership rates are high, with 39.0% of residents owning their homes outright, while 30.3% have mortgages and 30.7% rent. The median monthly mortgage cost of $1,517 is lower than the Regional WA median of $1,560, while the weekly rent median of $280 is slightly higher than the regional average of $265. Locally, both mortgage payments and rents are lower than the national averages of $1,863 and $375 respectively.

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

Families make up 69.3% of households, consisting of couples with children at 28.4%, couples without children at 29.0%, and single parents at 10.3%. The remaining 30.7% are non-family households, including lone-person households at 28.4% and group living situations at 2.2%. The average household size matches the Regional WA median of 2.5 people.

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

Tertiary educational attainment is relatively low, with 15.1% of residents holding a university degree compared to the national average of 30.4%. Among degree holders, bachelor degrees represent 12.3%, graduate diplomas 1.6%, and postgraduate degrees 1.2%. Technical training is more common, with 37.8% of residents aged 15+ holding a vocational qualification, including 8.0% with advanced diplomas and 29.8% with certificates.

Enrolment in education is high, with 25.0% of the community participating in study. Primary school students make up 10.8% of the population, secondary students 8.4%, and tertiary students 1.0%.

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

Local health and mortality trends indicate some challenges, though private health coverage is relatively high at roughly 54% of the population, representing about 2,056 residents. This is slightly lower than the Regional WA average of 56.4%.

Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most common reported diagnoses, affecting 10.0% and 7.1% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 67.3% of the population reported no chronic conditions, compared to 69.3% across Regional WA. Chronic conditions are slightly elevated among the working-age population. Residents aged 65 and over make up 24.1% of the population (913 people), which is higher than the Regional WA average of 19.2%. Senior health outcomes align with broader national averages.

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

The local population displays high cultural diversity, with 29.1% of residents born outside Australia and 22.2% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the dominant religion at 62.7%, which is higher than the Regional WA average of 44.6%.

The top ancestries reported are English at 28.2%, Australian at 24.7%, and Italian at 11.9%, which is higher than the regional average of 3.0%. Other distinct demographic groups include Filipino residents at 9.5% (compared to 1.2% regionally), New Zealanders at 0.9% (compared to 0.9%), and Maori residents at 0.8% (compared to 1.0%).

Harvey hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age of 44 years is higher than the Regional WA average of 40 and the national average of 38. The population aged 85+ is well represented at 4.4%, while children aged 5 - 14 are less common at 10.2%. Since the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age bracket increased from 12.7% to 14.8%, while the 5 to 14 cohort decreased from 12.4% to 10.2%. Projections to 2041 suggest the 25 to 34 cohort will grow by 37%, adding 209 residents to reach 771, while the 75 to 84 and 85+ cohorts are expected to decrease.