Katanning

Katanning has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of Nov 2025, Katanning's estimated population is around 3902. This reflects an increase of 265 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3637. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 3866 following examination of the latest ERP data release by ABS (June 2024) and an additional 27 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 28 persons per square kilometer. Katanning's growth rate of 7.3% since census positions it within 0.6 percentage points of the SA3 area (7.9%). Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 56% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises growth rates by age cohort provided by ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Moving forward, demographic trends suggest a population increase just below the median of non-metropolitan areas nationally. The suburb is expected to increase by 234 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 5.2% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Katanning recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Katanning has received approximately 6 dwelling approvals annually, with 34 approved between financial years FY21-FY25 and 5 in FY26. Each year, around 4.1 people have moved to the area per dwelling built from FY21 to FY25. Commercial approvals totalled $3.2 million in FY26.

Compared to Rest of WA, Katanning had significantly less development activity, 69.0% below the regional average per person as of FY26. Recent development has been exclusively detached dwellings, maintaining low-density housing with an estimated 407 people per dwelling approval. AreaSearch forecasts indicate Katanning will gain 202 residents by 2041, potentially increasing buyer competition. Construction pace is reasonable but may face growing pressure as population grows.

Population forecasts indicate Katanning will gain 202 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers could encounter growing competition as population increases.

Katanning has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 5thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified six projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include the Katanning Energy Project, Piesse Lake Structure Plan and Residential Development, Katanning Industrial Expansion Structure Plan (SPN/2029), and Katanning Supertown Heritage Centre Project. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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The labour market in Katanning demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Katanning has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent.

The unemployment rate was 2.6% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.0%. As of June 2025, 2,027 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.5% below Rest of WA's rate of 3.2%. Workforce participation was 57.0%, slightly below the regional average of 59.4%. Manufacturing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade are the main employment sectors in Katanning, with a strong specialization in manufacturing (3.2 times the regional level).

Mining employs only 0.9% of local workers, compared to Rest of WA's 11.7%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.0%, while labour force decreased by 1.6%, resulting in a 2.4 percentage point drop in unemployment. In contrast, Rest of WA saw employment rise by 1.1%, labour force grow by 0.5%, and unemployment fall by 0.6 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Katanning's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.9% over five years and 11.4% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

Katanning's median income among taxpayers was $49,411 in financial year 2022, according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. The average income stood at $59,259 during the same period. These figures compare to Rest of WA's median and average incomes of $57,323 and $71,163 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Katanning would be approximately $56,427 (median) and $67,674 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Katanning all fall between the 20th and 28th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 32.7% of residents (1,275 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, mirroring the surrounding region where 31.1% occupy this bracket. While housing costs are modest with 89.0% of income retained, total disposable income ranks at just the 27th percentile nationally.

Katanning is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Katanning's dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 89.6% houses and 10.4% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro WA had 92.1% houses and 8.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Katanning was at 33.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.1% and rented at 33.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,005, below Non-Metro WA's average of $1,490. Median weekly rent in Katanning was $200, compared to Non-Metro WA's $280. Nationally, Katanning's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,005 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Katanning features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 65.8 percent of all households, including 23.9 percent couples with children, 29.6 percent couples without children, and 10.5 percent single-parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 34.2 percent, with lone person households at 30.6 percent and group households making up 3.8 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of WA.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 11.8%, 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 9.0%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.6%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.2%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 34.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 6.0% and certificates at 28.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.2% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 1.5% pursuing tertiary education. Katanning's 5 schools have a combined enrollment of 774 students. The area has varied educational conditions, with an ICSEA score of 906. Education provision is balanced, with 3 primary and 2 secondary schools serving distinct age groups. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs (19.8 places per 100 residents vs 16.0 regionally), indicating the area serves as an educational center for the broader region. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to parent campus.

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

Katanning has two active public transport stops operating, both of which offer bus services. These stops are served by three different routes that together provide 13 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as limited, with residents typically located 933 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there is one trip per day across all routes, resulting in about six weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Katanning faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~1,979 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.8% and 7.5% of residents respectively. 68.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 64.7% across Rest of WA. As of the latest data (2016), 17.7% of residents are aged 65 and over (690 people), which is lower than the 21.0% in Rest of WA. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Katanning was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Katanning's population showed notable diversity, with 25.9% born overseas and 24.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 47.1%. Islam was overrepresented compared to regional averages, comprising 10.6% of Katanning's population.

In terms of ancestry, Australian (26.5%) and English (26.0%) were the top groups, though English was lower than the regional average of 34.5%. The 'Other' category stood at 16.2%, substantially higher than the regional average of 4.8%. Some ethnic groups showed significant divergences: Maori at 2.5% (vs regional 0.5%), South African at 0.9% (vs regional 0.6%), and Australian Aboriginal at 7.0% (vs regional 2.6%).

Katanning's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Katanning's median age is 38 years, which is slightly below the Rest of WA average of 40 but aligns with Australia's median age of 38. The 25-34 cohort in Katanning is notably higher at 15.2% compared to the Rest of WA average, while the 45-54 cohort is lower at 11.2%. According to the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group has increased from 13.3% to 15.2%, and the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 12.5% to 11.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Katanning's age profile. The 25-34 cohort is projected to grow by 27%, adding 160 residents to reach 754. Meanwhile, both the 5-14 and 85+ age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.