Margaret River (WA)

Margaret River lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Margaret River (WA) is around 11,261. This figure reflects an increase of 2,343 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,918. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 10,215 in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 183 persons per square kilometer. Margaret River's growth rate of 26.3% since the 2021 census exceeded both the national average (9.9%) and the Rest of WA, indicating significant population growth in the area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 46.0% to 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 post-2032 growth estimation, AreaSearch uses ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Projected demographic shifts indicate above median population growth for Australian non-metropolitan areas, with the suburb of Margaret River (WA) expected to grow by 2,306 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 11.2% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Margaret River was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Margaret River averaged approximately 123 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 617 homes were approved, with an additional 67 approved in FY-26 so far. Each dwelling built resulted in an average of 2.3 new residents over the past five financial years.

The average construction value was $485,000, indicating a focus on premium properties. This year, there have been $6.3 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited commercial development activity compared to residential. Despite similar construction rates per person as the rest of WA, Margaret River has a higher rate than the national average, reflecting strong developer confidence. Detached dwellings accounted for 94.0% of new developments, with medium and high-density housing making up the remaining 6.0%, preserving the area's low density nature.

There are approximately 77 people per dwelling approval in Margaret River. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the location is expected to grow by 1,264 residents through to 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Margaret River has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 16thth percentile nationally

Ten projects identified by AreaSearch are likely to impact the area significantly. These include Margaret River Net-Positive Circular Hotel, Goldfields Group Darch Road Development, Margaret River WA 6285, and Witchcliffe Ecovillage. The following list details those expected to be most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Margaret River rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Margaret River has a highly educated workforce with tourism and hospitality being prominent sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.0% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 6.5%.

Residents in work numbered 6,203 while the unemployment rate was 1.3% lower than Rest of WA's rate of 3.3%. Workforce participation was high at 77.5%, compared to Rest of WA's 67.2%. Census data showed that 11.9% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment is concentrated in accommodation & food, retail trade, and construction sectors.

Notably, employment levels in accommodation & food are at 2.0 times the regional average. Mining employs just 6.7% of local workers, below Rest of WA's 11.7%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 6.5% while labour force grew by 6.3%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Margaret River's employment should increase by 5.5% over five years and 11.9% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows median income in Margaret River suburb is $46,818, average income stands at $62,404. 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% since financial year ending June 2023, estimated current incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $51,322 (median) and $68,407 (average). Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Margaret River cluster around the national median. Income analysis reveals 35.7% of population (4,020 individuals) fall within $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring surrounding region where 31.1% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.4% of income remaining, ranking at the national 44th percentile. Area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

Margaret River is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Margaret River's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, comprised 92.4% houses and 7.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro WA's 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Margaret River stood at 29.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 42.9% and rented ones at 27.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,694, higher than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,560. Median weekly rent in Margaret River was recorded at $380, compared to Non-Metro WA's $265. Nationally, Margaret River's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Margaret River features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 72.1% of all households, including 32.3% couples with children, 27.0% couples without children, and 12.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 27.9%, with lone person households at 22.5% and group households comprising 5.2%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Rest of WA average of 2.5.

Margaret River shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Margaret River's residents aged 15+ have a higher percentage with university qualifications (28.8%) compared to the broader Rest of WA region (17.6%) and SA4 region (18.0%). Bachelor degrees are most common at 21.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 40.4% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (12.7%) and certificates (27.7%). Educational participation is notably high in Margaret River, with 30.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 12.6% in primary education, 9.2% in secondary education, and 2.2% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.6% in primary education, 9.2% in secondary education, and 2.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Margaret River has one active public transport service operating within it, consisting of a mix of bus routes. This service is composed of one route that collectively offers 22 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to this transport service is rated as limited, with residents typically located 1957 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outward for work or other purposes. Cars are the dominant mode of transportation, used by 88% of residents, while walking and cycling account for 5% and 2% respectively. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling in Margaret River.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 11.9% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages three trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 22 weekly trips per individual stop.

Margaret River's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Margaret River. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were very low across all age groups.

Private health cover was approximately 52% of the total population (~5,853 people), slightly lagging behind the average SA2 area's 56.4%. The most common medical conditions were mental health issues (7.4%) and asthma (6.2%). A total of 75.9% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Rest of WA's 69.3%. Working-age residents had low chronic condition prevalence. Margaret River had 13.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,475 people), lower than Rest of WA's 19.2%. Health outcomes among seniors were particularly strong, ranking higher than the general population nationally.

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

Margaret River's cultural diversity was found to be above average, with 10.8% speaking a language other than English at home and 26.9% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Margaret River, comprising 27.5%. Notably, Judaism, which makes up 0.1%, is overrepresented compared to the Rest of WA where it is 0%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (33.1%), Australian (25.4%), and Irish (7.9%). Some ethnic groups show notable divergences: French at 1.2% (regional average 0.4%), New Zealand at 1.2% (vs regional 0.9%), and Welsh at 0.8% (vs regional 0.6%).

Margaret River's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Margaret River is 39 years, similar to Rest of WA's average of 40 years and aligned with Australia's median age of 38 years. The age group of 35-44 has a strong representation at 17.5% compared to Rest of WA, while the 75-84 cohort is less prevalent at 3.6%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 12.3% to 14.4% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 15.3% to 13.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Margaret River. The 25 to 34 age group is expected to grow by 27%, reaching 2,059 people from 1,621. Conversely, the 5 to 14 and 85+ cohorts are projected to experience population declines.