Sunset Beach

Population growth drivers in Sunset Beach are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Sunset Beach's population, as of Nov 2025, is estimated at around 1,817. This reflects an increase of 259 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,558. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 1,809 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release (June 2024), along with an additional two validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 1,015 persons per square kilometer. Sunset Beach's growth rate of 16.6% since the 2021 census exceeded both its SA3 area (7.7%) and SA4 region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 58% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and post-2032 growth estimation, AreaSearch uses 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 for non-metropolitan areas. The Sunset Beach statistical area (Lv2) is expected to increase by 372 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 17.9% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Sunset Beach among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows that Sunset Beach has received around 6 dwelling approvals per year on average over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 34 homes. As of FY26, 6 approvals have been recorded. This translates to approximately 6.7 new residents arriving annually per dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25. However, supply is lagging demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

The average construction cost value for new homes in the area is $407,000, indicating a focus on premium properties. This financial year has seen $53,000 in commercial approvals, reflecting Sunset Beach's residential nature. Compared to the Rest of WA, Sunset Beach has similar development levels per person, maintaining market equilibrium with surrounding areas despite recent acceleration in building activity.

All new construction consists of standalone homes, preserving the area's traditional suburban character and appealing to families seeking space. With around 125 people per dwelling approval, Sunset Beach exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Sunset Beach is projected to add 326 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

Sunset Beach has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 10thth percentile nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified 0 relevant projects. Key initiatives are Glenfield Commercial Retail Hub, Geraldton Heights Estate, Geraldton Youth Precinct Masterplan Development, and Geraldton Green Connect Project. The following details these projects in order of relevance.

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

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

Sunset Beach has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 1.1% as of September 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.4%. The area's unemployment rate is 2.2% lower than Rest of WA's rate of 3.3%, and workforce participation stands at 63.1%. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Sunset Beach specializes in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 1.8% of local workers, below Rest of WA's 9.3%. Employment opportunities appear limited locally, as indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. From September 2024 to September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.4%, and labour force grew by 1.5%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 3.7%. In contrast, Rest of WA experienced employment growth of 1.4% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with a 0.2 percentage point drop in unemployment to 3.1%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Sunset Beach's employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows median income in Sunset Beach suburb is $58,032 and average income is $71,733. This compares to Rest of WA's median income of $59,973 and average income of $74,392. Assuming a 9.62% increase based on Wage Price Index growth since June 2023, estimated median income as of September 2025 would be approximately $63,615 and average income $78,634. According to the 2021 Census, personal income ranks at the 65th percentile ($888 weekly) and household income at the 49th percentile. Income brackets indicate that 38.1% of residents earn between $1,500 - 2,999 (692 individuals), consistent with broader area trends showing 31.1% in this category. After housing costs, residents retain 87.3% of their income.

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

The dwelling structure in Sunset Beach, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 93.0% houses and 7.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro WA had 87.5% houses and 12.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sunset Beach was at 33.2%, with the rest being mortgaged (33.7%) or rented (33.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, aligning with Non-Metro WA's average. The median weekly rent figure was $310, compared to Non-Metro WA's $250. Nationally, Sunset Beach's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,517 versus Australia's average of $1,863. Rents in Sunset Beach were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Sunset Beach has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 72.3% of all households, including 25.3% couples with children, 31.3% couples without children, and 12.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 27.7%, with lone person households at 25.2% and group households comprising 3.1%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the average in the Rest of WA.

Sunset Beach demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 18.5%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This indicates a need for targeted educational initiatives to improve this figure. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 42.5% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications.

This includes advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (31.7%). Educational participation is high, with 30.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (11.1%), secondary education (7.7%), and tertiary education (3.2%).

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

Transport analysis indicates 23 active public transport stops in Sunset Beach. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with two individual routes operating collectively providing 99 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 155 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 14 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 4 weekly trips per stop.

Health outcomes in Sunset Beach are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Sunset Beach shows below-average health outcomes, with common conditions slightly more prevalent across both younger and older age groups compared to average.

Private health cover is very high at approximately 56%, covering around 1,011 people. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (9.6%) and mental health issues (8.7%). A total of 68.1% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly higher than the Rest of WA's 66.8%. Sunset Beach has 15.0% of residents aged 65 and over (272 people), lower than the Rest of WA's 18.3%, aligning with general population health profiles.

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

Sunset Beach had a cultural diversity level below average, with 85.0% citizens, 81.7% born in Australia, and 90.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the primary religion, comprising 48.6%. Islam's representation was higher than the regional average, at 2.3% compared to 1.3%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (31.1%), English (29.3%), and Scottish (6.6%). Notable differences existed for New Zealanders (1.2% vs 0.6%), South Africans (1.1% vs 0.6%), and Maori (1.0% vs 0.7%) in Sunset Beach compared to the regional averages.

Sunset Beach's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Sunset Beach is 36 years, which is lower than the Rest of WA average of 40 years and also under the national average of 38 years. The 25-34 cohort makes up 16.1% of Sunset Beach's population, notably higher than the Rest of WA average, while those aged 65-74 comprise only 8.2%, which is lower compared to the Rest of WA average. According to data from the 2021 Census, the proportion of people aged 25 to 34 has increased from 14.6% to 16.1%, while those aged 35 to 44 have risen from 11.9% to 13.0%. Conversely, the percentage of individuals aged 45 to 54 has decreased from 13.5% to 11.0%, and the proportion of children aged 5 to 14 has dropped from 13.3% to 12.1%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 suggest significant demographic changes in Sunset Beach, with the 25-34 age group expected to grow by 50%, reaching 439 people from its current level of 292. Meanwhile, both the 15-24 and 75-84 age groups are projected to have reduced numbers.