Spalding (WA)

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

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population for the Spalding (WA) statistical area (Lv2) is around 2,082, reflecting a 90-person increase (4.5%) since the 2021 Census which reported 1,992 people. This change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 2,054 in Jun 2024, based on ABS ERP data and one validated new address since the Census date. The population density is 467 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration primarily drove this growth. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and ABS Greater Capital Region projections from 2023 based on 2022 data for areas not covered by the first dataset.

By 2041, the Spalding (WA) (SA2) is projected to grow by 303 persons, reflecting a 14.2% increase over 17 years, indicating above median population growth for regional areas nationally.

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

Spalding has seen limited development activity over the past five years, with an average of two approvals per year totalling 13. This low level reflects its rural nature, where development is driven by local housing needs rather than broad market demand. The small number of approvals means individual projects can significantly impact annual growth statistics.

Spalding has less construction activity than the rest of WA and below national averages. All new constructions have been detached houses, suited for families seeking a rural lifestyle. The area has an estimated 829 people per dwelling approval. By 2041, Spalding is projected to add 295 residents according to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate.

If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Spalding has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally

"Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified one major project likely influencing this region: Geraldton Heights Estate, Geraldton Youth Precinct Masterplan Development, Geraldton Green Connect Project, and Dongara-Geraldton-Northampton Route (DGN Route). Key projects are listed below.".

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

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Employment conditions in Spalding face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Spalding has a diverse workforce with representation from both white and blue collar jobs, notably in lifestyle and retail sectors. The unemployment rate is 8.9%, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of September 2025, there are 821 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 5.6% higher than Rest of WA's rate of 3.3%. Workforce participation in Spalding lags at 46.8%, compared to Rest of WA's 59.4%. Dominant employment sectors include retail trade, health care & social assistance, and accommodation & food services. Retail trade is particularly strong, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 3.3% compared to the regional average of 9.3%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work, as indicated by Census working population data. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, Spalding's labour force increased by 0.2%, while employment decreased by 1.3%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 1.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of WA saw employment rise by 1.4% and unemployment fall by 0.2%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Spalding's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.3% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released on 1 July 2023, the suburb of Spalding had a median income among taxpayers of $44,216 with the average level standing at $55,273. This is lower than average nationally and compares to levels of $59,973 and $74,392 across Rest of WA respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $48,470 (median) and $60,590 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Spalding all fall between the 5th and 5th percentiles nationally. The data shows that the $800 - 1,499 income bracket dominates with 27.7% of residents (576 people), unlike trends in the surrounding region where 31.1% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. After housing costs, 84.9% of income remains, ranking at only the 7th percentile nationally.

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

Spalding's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 86.3% houses and 13.6% other dwellings. In Non-Metro WA, this was 87.5% houses and 12.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Spalding stood at 35.7%, similar to Non-Metro WA's figure. Dwellings were either mortgaged (31.5%) or rented (32.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,211, below Non-Metro WA's average of $1,517 and the national average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Spalding was $220, lower than Non-Metro WA's $250 and the national figure of $375.

Spalding features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 64.1% of all households, including 20.4% couples with children, 24.2% couples without children, and 16.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 35.9%, with lone person households at 33.9% and group households comprising 3.4%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of WA average of 2.4.

The educational profile of Spalding exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 6.2%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common among residents with higher education qualifications at 4.4%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.4%) and postgraduate qualifications (0.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.7% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (7.3%) and certificates (36.4%). Educational participation is high, with 34.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 13.5% in primary, 11.0% in secondary, and 1.6% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 34.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.5% in primary education, 11.0% in secondary education, and 1.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Spalding has 19 active public transport stops operating currently, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by three distinct routes that together facilitate 149 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transports is deemed good, with residents residing on average 206 meters from the nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 21 trips across all routes, which translates to approximately seven weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Spalding is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Spalding faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Approximately 49% (~1,023 people) have private health cover, lower than the Rest of WA's 55.0% and the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common conditions, impacting 10.2% and 9.5% respectively.

Conversely, 58.6% report no medical ailments, compared to 66.8% in Rest of WA. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 13.6% (283 people), compared to Rest of WA's 18.3%. Senior health outcomes largely align with the general population's profile.

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

Spalding's population was found to be predominantly culturally homogeneous, with 79.4% being Australian citizens, 88.0% born in Australia, and 92.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the most prevalent religion, accounting for 46.1% of Spalding's population. Notably, Islam was overrepresented compared to the rest of Western Australia (WA), comprising 2.6% of Spalding's population versus 1.3% regionally.

In terms of ancestry, Australian heritage dominated at 30.4%, followed by English at 25.8%, and Australian Aboriginal at 15.9%. This latter figure was substantially higher than the regional average of 6.9%. Other ethnic groups with notable divergences included Maori (0.9% in Spalding vs 0.7% regionally), Vietnamese (0.9% vs 0.3%), and Samoan (0.2% vs 0.1%).

Spalding's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Spalding is 39 years, 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 makes up 13.3% of Spalding's population compared to Rest of WA, while the 75-84 cohort constitutes 2.8%. Post-census data from 2021 shows that the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 11.0% to 13.5% of Spalding's population. Conversely, the 75 to 84 cohort has decreased from 4.5% to 2.8%, and the 85+ group has dropped from 1.4% to 0.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Spalding. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 50%, reaching 422 people from 281. Conversely, the 85+ and 15-24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.