Merriwa (WA)

An assessment of population growth drivers in Merriwa reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of November 2025, the estimated population of Merriwa is around 6,020. This reflects an increase of 433 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,587. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 6,018 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional validated new address since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,628 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Merriwa's growth rate of 7.8% since the census positions it within 1.1 percentage points of the national average (8.9%). Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 67.0% 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 post-2032, AreaSearch utilises the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Future population trends project an above median growth for national areas, with the suburb expected to increase by 1,400 persons to reach a total of approximately 7,420 by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 25.1% over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Merriwa averaged approximately 3 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 19 homes. In the current financial year FY-26, 5 approvals have been recorded to date. Historically, each home built has resulted in an average of 24 new residents per year between FY-21 and FY-25.

This demand significantly exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $323,000, which is below regional norms, indicating more affordable housing options for purchasers. Compared to Greater Perth, Merriwa has had significantly less development activity, 94.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. However, development activity has picked up in recent periods.

Nationally, this is also below average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New construction in Merriwa has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, preserving the area's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (76.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. With around 674 people per dwelling approval, Merriwa reflects a highly mature market. Future projections show Merriwa adding 1,512 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Merriwa has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 40thth percentile nationally

Eleven projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area, with key ones including Brighton Estate Master Planned Community, Claytons Mindarie Beachfront, Butler District Planning Scheme Amendment No. 212, and Quinns Rocks - Gumblossom Community Centre - Upgrade.

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

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AreaSearch assessment indicates Merriwa faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Merriwa's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector stands out with a high representation, an unemployment rate of 8.2%, and estimated employment growth of 5.0% in the past year (AreaSearch data).

As of June 2025, 2,672 residents are employed, but the unemployment rate is higher than Greater Perth's at 4.4%. Workforce participation is lower at 50.7%. Key employment sectors include construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Construction has a particularly high concentration with levels at 1.5 times the regional average.

Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation at 4.2% compared to the regional average of 8.2%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data. In the year ending June 2025, employment increased by 5.0%, labour force grew by 4.1%, and unemployment fell by 0.8 percentage points (AreaSearch analysis). This contrasts with Greater Perth where employment grew by 3.7% and unemployment rose slightly. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Merriwa's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.7% 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 aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 30, 2022 shows Merriwa had a median income among taxpayers of $48,955 with the average level standing at $61,471. This is lower than national averages which were $58,380 and $78,020 for Greater Perth respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year ended June 30, 2022, current estimates would be approximately $55,907 (median) and $70,200 (average) as of September 2025. According to the Census conducted in August 2021, household, family and personal incomes in Merriwa all fall between the 16th and 17th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals 29.8% of the population, equating to 1,793 individuals, fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, closely mirroring the region where 32.0% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Merriwa, with only 78.1% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 12th percentile nationally.

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

Merriwa's dwelling structure, as recorded in the latest Census, comprised 76.0% houses and 24.0% other dwellings. In contrast, Perth metro had 92.2% houses and 7.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Merriwa was at 19.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 51.2% and rented ones at 29.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,500, lower than Perth metro's average of $1,898. The median weekly rent figure was $330 compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Merriwa's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,500 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375 at $330.

Merriwa has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 68.7% of all households, including 24.8% couples with children, 25.8% couples without children, and 16.9% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 31.3%, with lone person households at 28.6% and group households making up 2.4%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.8.

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

The area's university qualification rate is significantly lower than the Australian average at 10.8% compared to 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent qualification type with 7.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prominent among residents aged 15+, with 43.8% holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (10.9%) and certificates (32.9%).

Educational participation is notably high at 29.3%, comprising primary education (11.5%), secondary education (8.6%), and tertiary education (3.0%). Merriwa's four schools have a combined enrollment of 784 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions with balanced educational opportunities. These include two primary schools, one secondary school, and one K-12 school.

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

Merriwa has 23 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by three different routes that together facilitate 863 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from a resident's location to the nearest transport stop is 182 meters.

On average, there are 123 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 37 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Merriwa is well below average with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Merriwa faces significant health challenges, as indicated by health data. Both younger and older age groups are affected by various conditions.

Private health cover stands at approximately 52% of Merriwa's total population (~3,106 people), slightly lower than Greater Perth's average of 53.8%. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are arthritis (affecting 10.0% of residents) and mental health issues (9.6%). Conversely, 60.3% of Merriwa residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 73.0% across Greater Perth. Merriwa has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 25.2% (1,517 people), compared to Greater Perth's 13.6%. The health outcomes among seniors in Merriwa are broadly consistent with the general population's health profile.

Merriwa was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Merriwa had a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 13.3% of residents speaking a language other than English at home and 36.5% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Merriwa, comprising 45.4% of its population. Notably, Judaism was slightly overrepresented compared to Greater Perth, making up 0.1% of Merriwa's population.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (33.8%), Australian (23.9%), and Other (8.6%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences in representation: Maori was higher at 2.0% compared to the regional average of 1.3%, South African was lower at 1.4% versus 1.8%, and New Zealand was slightly higher at 1.3% against a regional average of 1.1%.

Merriwa's median age exceeds the national pattern

Merriwa has a median age of 40, which is higher than Greater Perth's figure of 37 and Australia's figure of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth's average, Merriwa has an over-representation of the 85+ cohort at 7.3%, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 11.2%. The 85+ concentration in Merriwa is well above the national figure of 2.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 55 to 64 age group has grown from 8.4% to 9.8% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 13.8% to 12.3%, and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 11.4% to 10.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Merriwa's age profile will evolve significantly. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to grow by 460 people (80%), from 571 to 1,032. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 75% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.