Somerville (WA)

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

Based on analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates for Somerville, WA, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Somerville's population is estimated at around 4,231 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 66 people (1.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,165 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,162 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest Estimated Residential Population data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 22 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 927 persons per square kilometer. Population growth for Somerville was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 58% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in June 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch utilises growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in December 2023, based on 2022 data). Future population trends indicate a population increase just below the median of non-metropolitan areas nationally, with Somerville expected to increase by 467 persons to reach an estimated total of 4,718 by 2041, reflecting a gain of 11.8% in total over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Somerville is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Somerville had around 13 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years ending FY26. This totals an estimated 66 homes. By FY26, two approvals have been recorded so far. Population decline in the area suggests new supply has likely kept up with demand, offering good choice to buyers.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $246,000, below regional norms, reflecting more affordable housing options. In FY26, $51.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to the Rest of WA, Somerville records 85% more building activity per person, though development activity has moderated recently. This level is below average nationally, suggesting maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 75% detached houses and 25% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 853 people, reflecting its quiet development environment. AreaSearch estimates Somerville will grow by 501 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current projections.

Somerville has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 7thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects potentially affecting this region. Notable ones are Goldfields Pipeline Renewal (Stage 1), Fabric Street Temporary Workforce Accommodation, KCGM 800-Bed Workers Accommodation Camp, and Lot 505 Kalgoorlie Industrial Area. The following list details those likely most relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Somerville performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Somerville's workforce is skilled with strong manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate was 1.2% as of June 2025, based on AreaSearch data aggregation.

In this month, 2,538 residents were employed at a rate 2.0% lower than Rest of WA's 3.2%. Workforce participation in Somerville was 75.2%, surpassing Rest of WA's 59.4%. Leading industries for employment among residents are mining, education & training, and health care & social assistance. Mining had an employment share 2.5 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing was under-represented with only 0.0% of Somerville's workforce compared to Rest of WA's 9.3%. The area appears to have limited local employment opportunities based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Between June 2024 and June 2025, the labour force decreased by 2.4% while employment declined by 2.3%, leaving unemployment broadly flat in Somerville. Meanwhile, Rest of WA saw employment growth of 1.1% and labour force growth of 0.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Somerville. Over five years, national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6%, with local employment estimated to increase by 5.1%. Over ten years, national employment is projected to grow by 13.7%, while Somerville's employment is expected to rise by 11.7%. These projections are based on simple weighting extrapolations and do not consider localised population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

Somerville has a median taxpayer income of $87,215 and an average income of $101,052 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is notably higher than the national averages of $57,323 (median) and $71,163 (average) in Rest of WA. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $99,600 (median) and $115,401 (average). Census data shows that income levels in Somerville rank highly nationally, between the 96th and 97th percentiles. The predominant income bracket spans 32.8% of locals, with 1,387 people earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly. This is similar to the regional average where 31.1% fall within this bracket. Economic strength in Somerville is evident through 49.9% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, which supports elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 88.2% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Somerville is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure in Somerville, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 72.4% houses and 27.7% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro WA had 82.9% houses and 17.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Somerville was 15.8%, with dwellings either mortgaged (46.5%) or rented (37.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,123, higher than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,517. Median weekly rent in Somerville was $330, compared to Non-Metro WA's $280. Nationally, Somerville's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,123 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially lower at $330 compared to the national figure of $375.

Somerville has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 75.7% of all households, including 42.3% couples with children, 26.2% couples without children, and 6.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 24.3%, with lone person households at 21.3% and group households comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Rest of WA average of 2.5.

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

Educational qualifications in Somerville show that 22.1% of residents aged 15 and above have university degrees, compared to 30.4% nationally. This indicates potential for further educational development and skill enhancement. Bachelor degrees are the most common (15.0%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 42.7% of residents holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 9.0% and certificates at 33.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 34.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.2% in primary education, 9.6% in secondary education, and 2.7% pursuing tertiary education. Somerville's three schools have a combined enrollment of 1,093 students as of the reported date. The area has varied educational conditions, with an ICSEA score of 942. The educational mix includes two primary schools and one K-12 school. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs, with 25.8 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 17.6, suggesting that Somerville serves as an educational hub for the broader region.

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

Transport analysis in Somerville shows 15 active public transport stops operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with two individual routes providing service. The combined weekly passenger trips across these routes total 126.

Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 299 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 18 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 8 weekly trips per stop.

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

Health outcomes data shows excellent results across Somerville, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 67% of the total population (2,847 people), compared to 62.3% across Rest of WA and a national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 5.5 and 5.0% of residents respectively, while 81.5% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 74.9% across Rest of WA.

The area has 5.3% of residents aged 65 and over (224 people), lower than the 9.2% in Rest of WA. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Somerville 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

Somerville's cultural diversity exceeds that of most local markets, with 16.6% speaking a language other than English at home and 28.4% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Somerville, comprising 47.6%. Hinduism is overrepresented compared to the rest of WA, making up 2.8% versus 1.3%.

Top ancestry groups are Australian (26.5%), English (26.4%), and Other (10.4%). Notable diversions exist in New Zealand representation at 1.9% (versus regional 1.5%), Maori at 3.0% (versus 3.3%), and South African at 1.3% (versus 0.9%).

Somerville's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

Somerville's median age of 32 years is significantly younger than Rest of WA's 40 and considerably younger than the national average of 38 years. The age group of 25-34 shows strong representation at 18.6% compared to Rest of WA, while the 65-74 cohort is less prevalent at 4.3%. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has grown from 15.6% to 18.6% of the population. Conversely, the 5-14 age group has declined from 15.8% to 14.5%, and the 45-54 age group has dropped from 15.1% to 14.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Somerville, with the 25-34 age cohort projected to increase significantly by 287 people (36%), from 786 to 1,074. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 75-84 and 65-74 cohorts.