Katanning

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

Katanning's population is estimated at around 3,898 as of February 2026. This reflects an increase of 261 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,637. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,879 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 28 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 28 persons per square kilometer. Katanning's 7.2% growth since census positions it within 1.8 percentage points of the SA3 area (9.0%). Population growth for the suburb 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 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). Moving forward with demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of non-metropolitan areas nationally is expected. The suburb is expected to increase by 233 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 5.3% 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 experienced around 7 dwelling approvals per year based on AreaSearch analysis. Between FY21-FY25, approximately 37 homes were approved, with 9 more in FY26 as of the current date. Each year, an average of 3.8 people moved to the area for each dwelling built during this period.

This indicates substantial demand outpacing supply, leading to potential buyer competition and pricing pressures. Developers target the premium market segment, constructing new properties at an average value of $432,000. Katanning has seen $4.9 million in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting a residential character. Compared to the Rest of WA, Katanning has significantly less development activity, 66.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction may reinforce demand and pricing for existing dwellings.

However, building activity has accelerated recently. Nationally, development activity is lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent development comprised entirely of detached dwellings preserves Katanning's low-density nature, attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated 368 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet development environment. AreaSearch forecasts indicate Katanning will gain 206 residents by 2041. Existing development levels seem aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Katanning has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects likely to influence 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 most relevant.

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

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While Katanning retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.5%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Katanning has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors, and an unemployment rate of 3.5% as per AreaSearch's statistical aggregation. By September 2025, there were 1,947 employed residents, with an unemployment rate at 3.7%, slightly higher than Rest of WA's 3.3%. Workforce participation was lower at 64.5% compared to Rest of WA's 67.2%.

Census data showed that only 3.1% worked from home. Dominant sectors include manufacturing, healthcare & social assistance, and retail trade. Manufacturing had particularly high employment levels at 3.2 times the regional average, while mining employed just 0.9%, below Rest of WA's 11.7%. The area may have limited local job opportunities as indicated by working population vs resident population count.

Between September 2024 and 2025, labour force decreased by 4.6% with employment declining by 3.9%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.6 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of WA's employment growth of 1.4%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Katanning's employment mix suggests local employment should grow 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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Katanning had a median taxpayer income of $49,411 and an average of $59,259. This is lower than the national average. Rest of WA had a median of $59,973 and an average of $74,392 during this period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $54,164 (median) and $64,960 (average). Census 2021 income data indicates Katanning's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 20th and 28th percentiles nationally. The $1,500 - $2,999 income bracket dominates with 32.7% of residents (1,274 people), consistent with surrounding regions at 31.1%. Housing costs are modest, with 89.0% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at 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 dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 89.6% houses and 10.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro WA's 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Katanning was at 33.0%, similar to Non-Metro WA, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.1% and rented ones at 33.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,005, lower than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,560. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $200, compared to Non-Metro WA's $265. Nationally, Katanning's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 65.8% of all households, consisting of 23.9% couples with children, 29.6% couples without children, and 10.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 34.2%, with lone person households at 30.6% and group households comprising 3.8%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Rest of WA average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 11.8%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.0%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.6%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 34.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (6.0%) and certificates (28.5%). Educational participation is high at 29.4%, with 12.2% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 1.5% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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.

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

The transport analysis indicates two active stops operating within Katanning, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by three unique routes, collectively offering 13 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 933 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward, with car being the dominant mode at 89%, while 5% walk. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 3.1% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages one trip per day across all routes, equating to approximately six weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Katanning is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Katanning faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notably high across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~1,977 people), compared to 56.4% in the rest of WA and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 9.8% of residents) and mental health issues (7.5%), while 68.5% claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.3% in the rest of WA. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 17.6% of residents aged 65 and over (686 people), lower than the 19.2% in the rest of WA. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings generally aligned with the broader population.

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

Katanning's population shows higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 25.9% born overseas and 24.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Katanning, accounting for 47.1%. Islam is notably overrepresented at 10.6%, significantly higher than the Rest of WA average of 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry, Australian and English are the top groups at 26.5% and 26.0% respectively, with Other at 16.2%, all differing from regional averages. Divergences include Maori at 2.5% (vs 1.0%), South African at 0.9% (vs 0.6%), and Australian Aboriginal at 7.0% (vs 6.1%).

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

Katanning has a median age of 37, which is lower than the Rest of WA figure of 40 and nearly matches Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of WA average, the 25-34 cohort is notably over-represented in Katanning at 15.7%, while the 45-54 year-olds are under-represented at 10.8%. Between 2021 and present, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 13.3% to 15.7% of Katanning's population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 11.8% to 13.0%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 12.5% to 11.4%. Demographic modeling suggests that by 2041, Katanning's age profile will evolve significantly. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to expand notably, increasing by 142 people (23%) from 611 to 754. Conversely, both the 5 to 14 and 85+ age groups are projected to see reduced numbers.