Merredin

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of Merredin as of Nov 2025 is around 2800. This reflects an increase of 196 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2604 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2776 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional two validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 11.2 persons per square kilometer. Merredin's growth rate of 7.5% since census positions it within 1.4 percentage points of the national average of 8.9%, demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 81.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth across all areas 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. With demographic trends indicating above median population growth for Australia's non-metropolitan areas, the suburb of Merredin is projected to grow by 487 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 17.9% in total over the 17 years.

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

Merredin had an average of less than one dwelling approval per year between 2016 and 2020, with a total of four dwellings approved during this period. This low level of development activity reflects the rural nature of the area, where housing needs are typically specific to local demand rather than broader market trends. The small number of approvals means that individual projects can significantly impact annual growth figures.

Compared to the rest of Western Australia and national patterns, Merredin has shown less construction activity. All new constructions in Merredin between 2016 and 2020 were detached dwellings, with a focus on family homes suited for those seeking rural lifestyles. The estimated population density per dwelling approval was approximately 1390 people during this period, indicating a quiet and low-activity development environment.

Merredin has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 9thth percentile nationally

No changes can influence a region's performance more than modifications to its local infrastructure, significant projects, or planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are expected to impact this area. Notable projects include Western Australia Agricultural Supply Chain Improvements, South West Interconnected System Transformation, WA Police Satellite Technology Upgrade, and Regional And Rural Wa Road Network Safety Improvements. The following list details those considered most relevant.

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

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The labour market in Merredin shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Merredin has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, diverse sector representation, and an unemployment rate of 1.8% as of June 2025. This is based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

Over the past year, there was estimated employment growth of 1.0%. As of June 2025, 1,503 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.3%, lower than Rest of WA's rate of 3.2%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of WA at 59.4%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training.

The area specializes in wholesale trade, with an employment share 3.5 times the regional level. Conversely, mining has lower representation at 3.5% compared to the regional average of 11.7%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited based on Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.0%, while labour force decreased by 1.5%, causing unemployment rate to fall by 2.4 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of WA recorded employment growth of 1.1%, labour force growth of 0.5%, with unemployment falling 0.6 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Merredin. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Merredin's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.4% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Merredin had a median income among taxpayers of $50,711 and an average level of $62,932. Nationally, the median was $57,323 and the average was $71,163. By September 2025, adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 14.2%, Merredin's estimated median income is approximately $57,912 and average is $71,868. Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Merredin rank modestly, between the 28th and 39th percentiles. Income analysis shows that 31.9% of Merredin residents earn within the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, mirroring the broader area where 31.1% fall into this category. Housing costs are manageable with 88.7% retained, but disposable income is below average at the 34th percentile.

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

Merredin's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.5% houses and 5.5% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro WA had 95.6% houses and 4.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Merredin stood at 32.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.2% and rented ones at 34.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,074, lower than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,425. The median weekly rent in Merredin was $220, compared to Non-Metro WA's $231. Nationally, Merredin's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,074 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Merredin features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 64.1% of all households, including 25.0% couples with children, 28.5% couples without children, and 10.5% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 35.9%, with lone person households at 32.9% and group households making up 2.8%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which aligns with the Rest of WA average.

Educational outcomes in Merredin fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area has university qualification rates at 13.1%, 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 prevalent at 9.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 40.6% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 7.4% and certificates at 33.2%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary (12.3%), secondary (10.6%), and tertiary (2%) levels. The area has two schools serving 640 students - Merredin College and St Mary's School. These schools provide balanced educational opportunities, with an ICSEA score of 972. The educational mix includes one primary school and one K-12 school. As an education hub, the area offers 22.9 school places per 100 residents, higher than the regional average of 12.1, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Merredin has two active public transport stops currently operating. These stops offer a mix of bus services, with two individual routes providing a total of 12 weekly passenger trips combined. The accessibility of these transport services is limited, as residents in Merredin typically live 959 meters away from the nearest stop.

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

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

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

The rate of private health cover in Merredin is approximately 52%, leading that of the average SA2 area, covering around 1,461 people. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, impacting 9.2% and 8.7% of residents respectively. 66.1% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 64.7% across Rest of WA. As of the latest data (not specified), 16.9% of Merredin's residents are aged 65 and over, numbering around 473 people, which is lower than the 21.7% in Rest of WA. Health outcomes among seniors in Merredin are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

Merredin ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Merredin's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 84.9% of its population being Australian citizens, 86.4% born in Australia, and 94.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Merredin, making up 46.8% of people, compared to 49.0% across the rest of WA. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (33.4%), English (32.1%), and Scottish (7.1%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented at 4.1%, New Zealand was equally represented at 0.8%, and Italian was also higher than average at 4.0%.

Merredin's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Merredin was 39 years as of the 2021 Census, similar to Rest of WA's average of 40 years and closely aligned with Australia's median age of 38 years. The 15-24 age group made up 14.6% of Merredin's population, higher than Rest of WA's percentage. Meanwhile, the 45-54 cohort constituted 9.5%, lower compared to Rest of WA. Post-2021 Census data shows a decrease in median age from 40 years to 39 years. The 15-24 age group grew from 11.5% to 14.6%, and the 25-34 cohort increased from 12.7% to 14.1%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 12.0% to 9.5%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 13.9% to 11.7%. By 2041, Merredin's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to increase significantly, growing by 319 people (81%) from 394 to 714. Conversely, population declines are anticipated for the 75-84 and 85+ cohorts.