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

As of Feb 2026, the population of Sunset Beach is estimated at around 1,822 people. This reflects an increase of 264 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,558 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 1,809, following their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and validation of six new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 1,017 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Sunset Beach's growth of 16.9% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (8.1%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 57.99999999999999% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration being positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. 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 2023, based on 2022 data). Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth of regional areas nationally is projected for Sunset Beach. The suburb is expected to increase by 371 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 17.4% 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 allocated from statistical area data indicates Sunset Beach averaged around 6 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 34 homes. As of FY26, 6 approvals have been recorded. Between FY21 and FY25, an average of 6.7 new residents arrived per year per dwelling constructed, suggesting supply lagged demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. Developers focused on the premium market with high-end developments, reflected in an average construction cost value of $407,000 per dwelling.

This financial year, $53,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Rest of WA, Sunset Beach showed comparable building activity per person, preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. Recent development comprised entirely detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

The location had approximately 125 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Future projections from AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate suggest Sunset Beach will add 318 residents by 2041. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Sunset Beach has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 12thth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like modifications to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch that may impact this area. Notable projects include Glenfield Commercial Retail Hub, Geraldton Heights Estate, Geraldton Youth Precinct Masterplan Development, and Geraldton Green Connect Project. The following list details those most likely to be 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 Sunset Beach performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Sunset Beach has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 1.1%, lower than the Rest of WA's 3.3%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.3%.

As of September 2025929 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.2% below the Rest of WA's rate, and workforce participation is similar at 67.2%. Census responses indicate that only 3.6% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. The area has a notable concentration in health care & social assistance, with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 1.8% of Sunset Beach's workforce compared to 9.3% in Rest of WA. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 1.3%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable at 1.1%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Sunset Beach's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years.

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

Sunset Beach suburb's median taxpayer income is $58,032 and average is $71,733 according to latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is higher than national averages of $59,973 (median) and $74,392 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated median income as of September 2025 would be approximately $63,615, with average being around $78,634. Census data indicates personal income ranks at the 65th percentile ($888 weekly), while household income is at the 49th percentile. The earnings profile shows that 38.1% of residents (694 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, similar to regional levels where 31.1% occupy this range. 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

Dwelling structure in Sunset Beach, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 93.0% houses and 7.0% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro WA had 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sunset Beach was 33.2%, similar to Non-Metro WA's figure. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 33.7% and rented dwellings were 33.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,517, lower than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,560. Median weekly rent in Sunset Beach was $310, compared to Non-Metro WA's $265. Nationally, Sunset Beach's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,517 versus the Australian average of $1,863. Rents in Sunset Beach were substantially below the national figure of $375 at $310.

Sunset Beach has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average 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 make up 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 is smaller than the Rest of WA average of 2.5.

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 has university qualification rates of 18.5%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 12.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 42.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (31.7%).

Educational participation is high, with 30.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.1% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 3.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Sunset Beach has 23 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two routes that together offer 99 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically residing 155 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards, with cars being the dominant mode at 93%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, only 3.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 14 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 4 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Sunset Beach is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Sunset Beach faces notable health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Common health conditions are prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is high at approximately 56% (~1,014 people). The most common medical conditions are asthma (9.6%) and mental health issues (8.7%). 68.1% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 69.3% across Rest of WA. Working-age residents have a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions than average. 14.5% of residents are aged 65 and over (264 people), lower than the 19.2% in Rest of WA. National rankings for this age group are even higher than the general population.

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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 85.0% of its population being citizens, 81.7% born in Australia, and 90.3% speaking English only at home. The majority religion in Sunset Beach was Christianity, comprising 48.6%. Islam was overrepresented compared to the rest of WA, making up 2.3% versus 0.8%.

For ancestry, Australian was the largest group at 31.1%, followed by English at 29.3% and Scottish at 6.6%. Notably, New Zealanders were overrepresented at 1.2% compared to 0.9% regionally, South Africans at 1.1% versus 0.6%, and Maori at 1.0% matching regional figures.

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

The median age in Sunset Beach is 36 years, which is lower than Rest of WA's average of 40 years and also under the national average of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of WA average, the 25-34 cohort is notably higher at 17.0% locally, while the 65-74 year-olds are lower at 7.8%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 14.6% to 17.0%, and the 35 to 44 cohort has risen from 11.9% to 13.4%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 13.5% to 10.4%, and the 5 to 14 group has dropped from 13.3% to 11.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Sunset Beach, with the 25 to 34 group expected to grow by 42% (129 people), reaching 439 from 309. Meanwhile, both the 15 to 24 and 5 to 14 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.