Mount Barker (WA)

Mount Barker has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Mount Barker's population, as of November 2025, is estimated to be around 3,127 people. This represents an increase of 9.5% since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,855 people. The latest resident population estimate by AreaSearch, following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024, is 3,024 people. This includes 29 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 6.4 persons per square kilometer. Mount Barker's growth rate exceeded that of its SA3 area (8.7%) and SA4 region, making it a growth leader in the region.

Interstate migration contributed approximately 76.0% 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. For areas not covered by this data, 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. Projected demographic shifts indicate that the Mount Barker (WA) statistical area (Lv2) is expected to grow by approximately 9.1% to reach a population of around 3,689 people by 2041.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Mount Barker recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Mount Barker has recorded around 12 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years ending June 30th, totalling an estimated 64 homes. So far in the financial year 2025-26 (FY-26), 11 approvals have been recorded. This results in an average of approximately 3.2 new residents per year for every home built over this period, indicating a significant demand outpacing supply. Consequently, this typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers.

The average expected construction cost value of new homes being built is around $293,000. Additionally, $4.9 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded during FY-26, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature. When compared to the rest of Western Australia (WA), Mount Barker has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person, while it places among the 56th percentile of areas assessed nationally.

All new construction in Mount Barker over this period has been comprised of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 276 people per dwelling approval, Mount Barker shows a developing market. Future projections from AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate suggest that Mount Barker will add approximately 283 residents by 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Mount Barker has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 13thth percentile nationally

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

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

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AreaSearch assessment positions Mount Barker ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Mount Barker has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, with essential services sectors well-represented. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 2.3%.

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data, 1,495 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.0% lower than Rest of WA's rate of 3.3%. Workforce participation in Mount Barker is at 51.0%, compared to Rest of WA's 59.4%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is particularly strong, with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level.

Conversely, mining employs only 3.2% of local workers, below Rest of WA's 11.7%. The area may have limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, labour force decreased by 4.6% and employment decreased by 3.5%, resulting in an unemployment rate fall of 1.0 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of WA recorded employment growth of 1.4% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with a 0.2 percentage point decrease in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mount Barker's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.2% over five years and 11.7% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released on 30 June 2023, Mount Barker had a median income among taxpayers of $42,665 and an average income of $51,918. These figures are lower than the national averages of $59,973 and $74,392 respectively for Rest of WA. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated median income in Mount Barker as of September 2025 would be approximately $46,769, with average income at around $56,913. The 2021 Census data shows that household, family and personal incomes in Mount Barker fall between the 7th and 12th percentiles nationally. In Mount Barker, 30.7% of the population (959 individuals) have incomes ranging from $400 to $799, contrasting with the surrounding region where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 31.1%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 86.7% income retention, total disposable income in Mount Barker ranks at just the 11th percentile nationally.

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

Mount Barker's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.7% houses and 4.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro WA's figures of 92.1% houses and 8.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mount Barker stood at 42.9%, similar to Non-Metro WA, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (31.5%) or rented (25.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,226, lower than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,490. Median weekly rent in Mount Barker was recorded at $225, compared to Non-Metro WA's $280. Nationally, Mount Barker's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Mount Barker has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households comprise 70.0% of all households, including 25.2% couples with children, 34.2% couples without children, and 9.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 30.0%, with lone person households at 27.6% and group households making up 1.8% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which matches the average for the Rest of WA.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 14.6%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.5%) and certificates (31.6%). Educational participation is high, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes primary education (11.8%), secondary education (9.4%), and tertiary education (2.0%).

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

Mount Barker has one active public transport stop operating within its boundaries. This stop serves a mix of bus routes. There are two individual routes that collectively provide 24 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of these services is limited, with residents typically located 839 meters from the nearest transport stop. On average, service frequency across all routes is 3 trips per day, equating to approximately 24 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Mount Barker is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Mount Barker faces significant health challenges, as indicated by health data. Both younger and older age groups have a notable prevalence of common health conditions. Only approximately 48% (~1,495 people) of Mount Barker's total population has private health cover, which is lower than the Rest of WA's 50.0% and the national average of 55.7%.

Arthritis and mental health issues are the most prevalent medical conditions in Mount Barker, affecting 10.5% and 9.8% of residents respectively. However, 62.1% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 64.7% across Rest of WA. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 24.2% (756 people), compared to the Rest of WA's 21.0%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Mount Barker are somewhat challenging but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

In terms of cultural diversity, Mount Barker records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Mount Barker's cultural diversity aligns with the broader region, with 82.7% being citizens, 78.2% born in Australia, and 90.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Mount Barker, accounting for 42.8%. Islam is overrepresented compared to the rest of WA, comprising 4.2% versus 1.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (35.6%), Australian (29.7%), and Scottish (8.5%). Welsh, Dutch, and Australian Aboriginal groups show notable divergences: Welsh at 0.7% (versus 0.7% regionally), Dutch at 1.6% (versus 2.3%), and Australian Aboriginal at 3.1% (versus 2.6%).

Mount Barker hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Mount Barker's median age of 48 years is notably higher than Rest of WA's 40 years and considerably older than the national norm of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of WA average, Mount Barker has a notably over-represented 65-74 cohort at 14.7%, while its 35-44 year-olds are under-represented at 9.8%. This 65-74 concentration is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, Mount Barker's 15 to 24 age group has grown from 9.9% to 11.2%, while its 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 16.0% to 15.3%. Demographic modeling suggests that by 2041, Mount Barker's age profile will evolve significantly. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to expand notably, increasing by 130 people (44%) from 293 to 424. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 15 to 24 and 85+ cohorts.