Margaret River (WA)

Margaret River is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of November 2025, Margaret River's population is estimated at around 41,194. This reflects an increase of 2,480 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 38,714. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 10,310 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 112 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 671 persons per square kilometer. Margaret River's 6.4% growth since census positions it within 2.5 percentage points of the national average (8.9%). Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, with natural growth and interstate migration playing minimal roles.

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 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 Australian non-metropolitan areas like Margaret River. The suburb is expected to grow by 4,175 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 11.4% in total over the 17 years.

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

Margaret River averaged approximately 181 new dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 906 homes were approved, with an additional 41 in FY-26 thus far. On average, each dwelling constructed over the past five financial years accommodated about 1.9 new residents per year. However, this figure has increased to 5.2 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing demand and potential undersupply.

The average construction value of development projects in Margaret River is $857,000, indicating a focus on premium market segments. In FY-26, there have been $52.6 million in commercial approvals, predominantly residential. Compared to the rest of WA, Margaret River has significantly lower building activity, at 54.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically enhances demand and prices for existing properties. New development consists primarily of standalone homes (90.0%) with a smaller proportion of attached dwellings (10.0%), preserving the area's traditional low-density character.

However, this differs significantly from the current housing mix, which is predominantly houses (190.0%). The estimated population per dwelling approval in Margaret River is 744 people, reflecting its quiet development environment. With a stable or declining population expected, pressure on housing should remain relatively low, potentially presenting buying opportunities.

Margaret River has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 36thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects likely impacting the region. Notable ones include the Margaret River Net-Positive Circular Hotel, Goldfields Group Darch Road Development, Margaret River WA 6285, and Witchcliffe Ecovillage. Relevant projects are detailed below.

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

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The exceptional employment performance in Margaret River places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Margaret River has a highly educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 1.7% as of June 2025, with an employment growth rate of 2.0% over the past year.

This is based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of June 2025, there were 17,223 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.5%, compared to Rest of WA's rate of 3.2%. Workforce participation was at 118.4%, exceeding the Rest of WA average of 59.4%. Key employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

Notably, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs 7.0 times more residents than the regional average, while rental, hiring & real estate employs only 0.8% of local workers, below Rest of WA's 1.2%. The area functions as an employment hub with a ratio of 1.1 workers per resident, attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 2.0%, while labour force grew by 0.7%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of WA experienced employment growth of 1.1% and a 0.6 percentage point drop in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Margaret River. These projections estimate that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Margaret River's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.7% over five years and 10.9% over ten years.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ended June 2022 shows median income in Margaret River is $107,270 and average income is $133,316. This compares to Rest of WA's median income of $57,323 and average income of $71,163. Using Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year ended June 2022, estimated current incomes are approximately $122,502 (median) and $152,247 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows individual earnings at the 92nd percentile nationally ($1,548 weekly), but household income ranks lower at the 46th percentile. Income analysis reveals that 59.6% of individuals in Margaret River earn between $1,500 and $2,999 per week (24,551 individuals). This is similar to the surrounding region where 31.1% fall into this earnings bracket. Income distribution shows polarization with 58.8% in lower brackets (<$800/week) and 32.2% in higher brackets (>$3,000/week). After housing costs, residents retain 182.6% of income, indicating strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Margaret River, as per the latest Census, consisted of 190.2% houses and 9.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro WA had 89.8% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Margaret River stood at 96.2%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (54.2%) or rented (49.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,210, higher than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,733. Weekly rent in Margaret River was recorded at $400, compared to Non-Metro WA's $360. Nationally, Margaret River's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 134.2% of all households, including 49.2% couples with children, 67.4% couples without children, and 16.0% single parent families. Non-family households comprise -34.2%, with lone person households at 61.2% and group households making up 4.4%. The median household size is 4.6 people, larger than the Rest of WA average of 2.5.

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

Educational attainment in Margaret River is notably higher than broader benchmarks. Specifically, 30.8% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 17.6% in the rest of WA and 18.0% in the SA4 region. This educational advantage positions the area favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 24.8%, followed by graduate diplomas (3.2%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.8%).

Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 75.0% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas comprise 18.2% while certificates make up 56.8%. Educational participation is high, with 55.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 25.6% in primary education, 15.8% in secondary education, and 3.6% pursuing tertiary education. Margaret River's five schools have a combined enrollment of 2,487 students and demonstrate typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1048) with balanced educational opportunities. The area functions as an education hub with 28.6 school places per 100 residents – significantly above the regional average of 16.4 – attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Margaret River has 74 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by eight different routes that together offer 76 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is limited, with residents typically living 10,048 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are ten trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately one weekly trip per individual stop.

Margaret River's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Margaret River. Both young and old age cohorts have low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 105% of the total population, which consists of 43,434 people.

This compares to 52.6% across Rest of WA, with a national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 20.8% and 15.8% of residents respectively. Notably, 131.2% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.5% across Rest of WA. The area has 43.4% of residents aged 65 and over, totaling 17,861 people, which is higher than the 20.0% in Rest of WA. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Margaret River's cultural diversity was above average, with 10.6% speaking a language other than English at home and 30.0% born overseas. Christianity dominated Margaret River's religion, comprising 98.0%, compared to 39.9% across Rest of WA. Ancestry showed English as the top group in Margaret River at 69.0%, substantially higher than the regional average of 35.4%.

Australian ancestry was also high at 65.6%, surpassing the regional average of 28.3%. Scottish ancestry stood at 15.0%, significantly higher than the regional average of 7.9%. Notable differences included Maori representation at 1.6% in Margaret River versus 0.4% regionally, New Zealand at 1.8% versus 1.0%, and South African at 1.2% versus 0.6%.

Margaret River ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Margaret River has a median age of 90, which is notably higher than the Rest of WA figure of 40 and substantially exceeds the national norm of 38. Its demographic profile closely reflects the broader Rest of WA pattern, with a concentration in the 55-64 age group that is well above the national average of 11.2%. According to the 2021 Census, Margaret River's median age fell from 92 to 90 years, indicating a rejuvenation of its population. Specifically, the 25 to 34 age group grew from 20.0% to 24.5%, and the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 17.8% to 19.5%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 26.8% to 23.7%, and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 30.8% to 28.8%. By 2041, Margaret River is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition, with the strongest projected growth in the 85+ cohort (-75%), adding approximately -1,321 residents to reach around 442. In contrast, both the 85+ and 0 to 4 age groups are projected to have reduced numbers.