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

The population of the Margaret River (WA) statistical area (Lv2), as estimated by AreaSearch based on ABS population updates and new addresses validated since Nov 2025, is around 11,245. This represents an increase of 2,327 people (26.1%) from the 2021 Census figure of 8,918. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population 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. The Margaret River (WA) (SA2) saw a higher growth rate than the national average of 9.7% between the 2021 Census and Nov 2025, making it a growth leader in its region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 46.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and growth rates by age cohort from the ABS's Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for areas not covered. According to these projections, the Margaret River (WA) (SA2) is expected to grow by 2,288 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 11.3% over the 17-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Margaret River has averaged around 123 new dwelling approvals each year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 617 homes were approved, with a further 67 approved in FY-26 so far. Each year, on average, 2.3 new residents have been gained for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25.

The average construction value of these dwellings is $485,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, there have been $6.3 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited commercial development focus compared to residential. When compared to Rest of WA, Margaret River maintains similar construction rates per person, reflecting consistent market balance. This rate is above average nationally, indicating strong developer confidence in the area.

New development consists predominantly of detached dwellings (94.0%), with medium and high-density housing making up 6.0%, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 77 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Margaret River is expected to grow by 1,269 residents through to 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Margaret River has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 14thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Margaret River Net-Positive Circular Hotel, Goldfields Group Darch Road Development, Margaret River WA 6285, and Witchcliffe Ecovillage. 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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Employment conditions in Margaret River rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Margaret River has a well-educated workforce with tourism and hospitality sectors prominent. The unemployment rate as of September 2025 is 2.0%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 6.6%, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. There are 6,209 residents in work currently, with an unemployment rate of 1.3% below Rest of WA's rate of 3.3%. Workforce participation is high at 66.9%, compared to Rest of WA's 59.4%. 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 only 6.7% of local workers, below Rest of WA's 11.7%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 6.6% while labour force grew by 6.3%, causing a 0.2 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Margaret River. These projections estimate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with significant variations between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Margaret River's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.5% over five years and 11.9% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2023 shows median income in Margaret River at $46,818 and average income at $62,404. This is below Rest of WA's median income of $59,973 and average income of $74,392. By September 2025, estimates suggest median income will be approximately $51,322 and average income $68,407, based on a 9.62% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census data indicates incomes in Margaret River are around the 50th percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals 35.7% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, similar to surrounding regions at 31.1%. Housing affordability is severe; only 83.4% of income remains after housing costs, ranking at the 44th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

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

In Margaret River, as per the latest Census data, 92.4% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 7.6% consisting of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types of dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro WA's 89.8% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Margaret River stood at 29.7%, with mortgaged properties making up 42.9% and rented dwellings accounting for 27.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,694, lower than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure in Margaret River was recorded at $380, compared to Non-Metro WA's $360. Nationally, Margaret River's mortgage repayments were below 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 account for 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, 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+ show high educational attainment, with 28.8% having university qualifications compared to 17.6% in Rest of WA and 18.0% in the SA4 region. 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 them, including advanced diplomas (12.7%) and certificates (27.7%). Educational participation is high, at 30.6%, with 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

The analysis shows one active public transport stop in Margaret River. This stop offers mixed bus services, with one route operating daily. It facilitates 22 weekly passenger trips in total.

The accessibility of these services is limited, as residents are typically located 1957 meters away from the nearest stop. On average, buses arrive every hour and a half at each stop, resulting in approximately 22 weekly trips per stop.

Margaret River's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Margaret River shows excellent health outcomes across all age groups, with very low prevalence rates for common health conditions.

Private health cover stands at approximately 52% of the total population (~5,845 people), slightly lower than the average SA2 area. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in the region, affecting 7.4 and 6.2% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 75.9%, report having no medical ailments, higher than the Rest of WA's 69.5%. The proportion of seniors aged 65 and over is 13.7%, lower than the 20.0% in Rest of WA. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are strong, aligning with the overall population's health profile.

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 above average, with 10.8% speaking a language other than English at home and 26.9% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 27.5%. Judaism was overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to 0.1% across Rest of WA.

The top three ancestry groups were English (33.1%), Australian (25.4%), and Irish (7.9%). French (1.2%) and New Zealand (1.2%) were notably overrepresented, while Welsh was slightly higher at 0.8%.

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 and closely aligned with Australia's median age of 38. The age group of 35-44 has a strong representation at 17.3% compared to Rest of WA, while the 55-64 cohort is less prevalent at 10.3%. According to data from the post-2021 Census, the population aged 25 to 34 has grown from 12.3% to 14.0%. Conversely, the age group of 5 to 14 has declined from 15.3% to 13.5%, and the 55-64 cohort has dropped from 11.4% to 10.3%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Margaret River. Notably, the age group of 25 to 34 is expected to grow by 31% (an increase of 481 people), reaching a total of 2,056 from its current figure of 1,574. Conversely, the age groups of 65-74 and 85+ are projected to experience population declines.