Spalding (WA)

Spalding has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for Spalding, as of November 2025 its population is estimated at around 1989 people. This reflects a decrease of 3 people since the Census in 2021, which reported a population of 1992 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of Spalding's resident population at 1983 people following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024, and an additional validated new address since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 447 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and for areas not covered, they're using ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, Spalding is expected to grow by 265 persons to reach a total population of 2254 by 2041, reflecting an increase of 17.7% over the 17 years.

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

Spalding has averaged three development approvals per year over the past five years, totalling 15. This low level of activity reflects the rural nature of the area, with development primarily driven by local housing needs rather than broader market demand. The small number of approvals can significantly impact annual growth and relativity statistics.

Spalding has seen less construction activity compared to the Rest of WA and national averages. All new constructions have been detached houses, catering to families seeking rural lifestyles and space. With an estimated 518 people per dwelling approval, Spalding's development environment is quiet and low-activity. By 2041, AreaSearch estimates show Spalding adding 352 residents.

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

Spalding has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 6thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely impacting the area. Key projects include Geraldton Heights Estate, Geraldton Youth Precinct Masterplan Development, Geraldton Green Connect Project, and Dongara-Geraldton-Northampton Route (DGN Route). Relevant details are listed below.

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.

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

Spalding's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with notable representation in lifestyle and retail sectors. The unemployment rate as of June 2025 was 8.6%.

AreaSearch data shows that while 820 residents are employed, the unemployment rate is 5.4% higher than Rest of WA's rate of 3.2%. Workforce participation 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. Retail trade has a particularly strong presence, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 3.3%, compared to the regional average of 9.3%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work, as indicated by Census data on working population versus local population. In the 12-month period ending Sep-22, labour force decreased by 2.5% and employment by 3.8%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 1.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of WA's employment growth of 1.1% and labour force growth of 0.5%, along with a fall in unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts 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 this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022 shows Spalding had a median income among taxpayers of $44,216. The average income level stood at $55,273. This was lower than the national average and compared to levels of $57,323 and $71,163 across Rest of WA respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $50,495 (median) and $63,122 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Spalding all fall between the 5th percentile nationally. The data shows that the $800 - 1,499 income bracket dominates with 27.7% of residents (550 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, comprised 86.3% houses and 13.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Non-Metro WA had 87.5% houses and 12.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Spalding was 35.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.5% and rented at 32.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,211, below Non-Metro WA's average of $1,517. Median weekly rent in Spalding was $220, compared to Non-Metro WA's $250. Nationally, Spalding's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,211 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for 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 the most common 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 them, including advanced diplomas (7.3%) and certificates (36.4%). Educational participation is high, with 34.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 13.5% in primary, 11.0% in secondary, and 1.6% in tertiary education.

Schools appear to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access them in neighboring areas.

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

Transport analysis shows 19 active stops operating in Spalding, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are served by three individual routes, offering 149 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 206 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 21 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately seven weekly trips per 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% (~977 people) have private health cover, lower than the Rest of WA's 53.7% and the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, impacting 10.2% and 9.5% of residents respectively.

However, 58.6% report no medical ailments, compared to Rest of WA's 66.8%. The area has a lower proportion of seniors (13.6%, or 270 people) than the Rest of WA (18.3%). Senior health outcomes align with the general population's profile but present some challenges.

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 below average in cultural diversity, with 79.4% being citizens, 88.0% born in Australia, and 92.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 46.1%. Islam was overrepresented at 2.6%, compared to 1.3% regionally.

For ancestry, Australian was highest at 30.4%, followed by English at 25.8%, and Australian Aboriginal at 15.9%, significantly higher than the regional average of 6.9%. Other ethnic groups with notable divergences were Maori at 0.9% (vs 0.7%), Vietnamese at 0.9% (vs 0.3%), and Samoan at 0.2% (vs 0.1%).

Spalding's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Spalding is 39 years, similar to Rest of WA's average of 40 and closely aligned with Australia's 38 years. The 15-24 age group comprises 13.4% of the population compared to Rest of WA's figure. The 75-84 cohort represents a lesser proportion at 2.8%. Post-2021 Census data reveals that the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 11.0% to 13.5%, while the 75 to 84 cohort has decreased from 4.5% to 2.8%. The 85+ group has seen a significant decline, from 1.4% to 0.1%. Population forecasts for Spalding in 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes. Notably, the 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 55%, reaching 417 people from its current figure of 268. Conversely, both the 85+ and 15-24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.