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 Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Spalding (WA) is around 2,083. This reflects an increase of 91 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,992 people. The change was inferred from the resident population of 2,054 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 2 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 468 persons per square kilometer. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered, 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). Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected nationally for regional areas. The suburb of Spalding (WA) is expected to grow by 312 persons to reach a total population of 2,495 by 2041, reflecting an increase of 14.3% 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 two approvals per year for the past five years, totaling 13. This low development activity reflects its rural nature, with housing needs driving development rather than broad market demand. The small number of approvals can significantly impact annual growth statistics.

Spalding shows less construction activity than Rest of WA and is below national averages. All new constructions have been detached houses, suited for families seeking rural lifestyles. There are an estimated 829 people per dwelling approval in the area. By 2041, Spalding is projected to add 297 residents.

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 31stth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one project likely impacting this area: Geraldton Heights Estate, Geraldton Youth Precinct Masterplan Development, Geraldton Green Connect Project, and Dongara-Geraldton-Northampton Route (DGN Route). The following projects are most relevant.

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 balanced workforce with representation across white and blue collar jobs, notably in lifestyle and retail sectors. The unemployment rate is 8.9%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, there are 814 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 5.7% above Rest of WA's rate of 3.3%.

Workforce participation in Spalding lags at 56.5%, compared to Rest of WA's 67.2%. Census responses show a low 2.2% of residents work from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Dominant employment sectors include retail trade, health care & social assistance, and accommodation & food. Retail trade is particularly strong at 1.7 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing is lower at 3.3% compared to the regional average of 9.3%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, Spalding's labour force remained stable at 0%, with employment decreasing by 1.6%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 1.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of WA where employment rose by 1.4% and unemployment fell by 0.2%. 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 simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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 2023 indicates that Spalding had a median income among taxpayers of $44,216. The average income in this period was $55,273. Both figures are lower than national averages of $59,973 and $74,392 for Rest of WA respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates suggest median income in Spalding is approximately $48,470 as of September 2025, with average income estimated at around $60,590 during the same period. According to the 2021 Census figures, incomes in Spalding fall between the 5th and 5th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The data shows that 27.7% of residents (576 people) earn within the $800 - $1,499 bracket, unlike surrounding regions where 31.1% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. After accounting for housing costs, 84.9% of income remains in Spalding, ranking at the 7th percentile nationally.

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

Spalding's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 86.3% houses and 13.6% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro WA had 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Spalding was 35.7%, with the rest either mortgaged (31.5%) or rented (32.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,211, lower than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,560. The median weekly rent figure in Spalding was $220, compared to Non-Metro WA's $265. Nationally, Spalding's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,211 versus the Australian 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 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 make up 35.9%, consisting of 33.9% lone person households and 3.4% group households. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of WA average of 2.5.

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%. This discrepancy presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 4.4%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.4%) and postgraduate qualifications (0.4%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 43.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 7.3% and certificates at 36.4%.

Educational participation is 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

Public transport analysis shows 19 active transport stops in Spalding, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by three individual routes, offering a total of 149 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 206 meters from the nearest stop. In this primarily residential area, most commuters travel outward. The dominant mode of transport is car at 92%, with cycling at 2%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 2.2% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 21 trips per day across all routes, equating 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, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A variety of health conditions impact both younger and older age cohorts, with approximately 49% (~1,023 people) having private health cover, compared to 56.4% across the rest of WA and a national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in Spalding, affecting 10.2 and 9.5% of residents respectively.

However, 58.6% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.3% across the rest of WA. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Spalding has 13.0% (270 people) of residents aged 65 and over, which is lower than the 19.2% in the rest of WA. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 less diverse culturally, with 79.4% being citizens, 88.0% born in Australia, and 92.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 46.1%. Islam was overrepresented compared to the rest of WA, making up 2.6% versus 0.8%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (30.4%), English (25.8%), and Australian Aboriginal (15.9%). Notably, Maori (0.9%) and Vietnamese (0.9%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 1.0% and 0.1%, respectively. Samoan representation was also higher at 0.2%.

Spalding's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Spalding was 39 years as of the 2021 Census, similar to Rest of WA's average of 40 years and aligned with Australia's median age of 38 years. The 15-24 age group constituted 13.1% of Spalding's population compared to Rest of WA. The 75-84 cohort made up 2.2% of the population, lower than Rest of WA's percentage. Post-2021 Census data shows Spalding's median age decreased by 1 year to 39 from 40 between the previous census years. Specifically, the 25-34 age group grew from 11.0% to 14.3%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 11.8% to 12.9%. Conversely, the 75-84 cohort declined from 4.5% to 2.2%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 13.0% to 11.3%. By 2041, Spalding's population projections show notable shifts in age composition. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to grow by 125 people (42%) from 297 to 423. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 75-84 and 15-24 cohorts.