Usher

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

Based on research into ABS population updates for the wider region and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, the resident count for the suburb of Usher is estimated to be approximately 2,344 as of May 2026. This represents a gain of 207 people (9.7%) from the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 2,137 people. This shift is derived from the resident population of 2,339, which was estimated by AreaSearch using the latest ABS ERP data release (June 2025) and an additional 45 validated new addresses since the Census date. Such a population size corresponds to a density ratio of 608 persons per square kilometer, offering substantial space for each resident and potential capacity for future growth. The 9.7% expansion rate in the suburb of Usher since the 2021 census went past the national average (9.3%), placing it among the growth leaders in the region. Population gains in the area were largely propelled by overseas migration, which made up roughly 55.00000000000001% of all population increases during recent times.

AreaSearch incorporates ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, which were published in 2024 using 2022 as the baseline year. For any SA2 regions lacking this data, and to project expansion across all areas beyond 2032, AreaSearch applies the growth rates by age cohort set out by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (published in 2023, utilizing 2022 data). Looking at upcoming population trends, a growth rate exceeding the median for national regional areas is projected, with the suburb of Usher expected to grow by 450 persons to 2041 according to compiled SA2-level projections, showing a total increase of 19.0% over the 16 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Usher recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

According to AreaSearch's evaluation of ABS building approval figures allocated from statistical area records, the suburb of Usher has averaged approximately 6 new residential approvals annually, with an estimated 33 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25) and 7 so far during FY-26. With an average of 4.3 new residents per year for each home constructed over the past 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25), demand is outstripping new supply, which typically causes prices to rise and increases buyer competition, while new dwellings are built at an average value of $313,000.

In comparison to the Rest of WA, building activity in the suburb of Usher is substantially lower, sitting at 50.0% below the regional average per capita. This restricted new supply generally provides support for stronger demand and values among existing properties. This rate is also below the nationwide average, reflecting the mature state of the area and suggesting possible planning barriers. New construction consists of 71.0% detached houses and 29.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the low-density character of the area with a focus on detached homes that draw in buyers seeking space. This represents a significant shift from the current housing stock (which is currently 88.0% houses), reflecting a decline in available development sites and responding to changing lifestyle preferences and affordability needs. The estimated ratio of 422 people in the area for every dwelling approval highlights its quiet, low-intensity development climate.

Future forecasts indicate the suburb of Usher will add 445 residents by 2041 (derived from the most recent AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development paces persist, the supply of housing may fail to match population growth, which could heighten competition among buyers and support stronger price gains.

Usher has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 29thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects and planning initiatives. In total 6 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Usher Residential Land Release, Flynnwood Estate, Dalyellup Beach Estate - Wildwood Precinct, and Dalyellup College, with the below list detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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

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Employment drivers in Usher are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

The suburb of Usher has a balanced workforce distributed between white and blue collar jobs, with a strong presence of manufacturing and industrial sectors, an unemployment rate of 5.7%, and an estimated job growth rate of 1.9% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's compiled statistical area data. As of March 2026, there are 1,207 residents employed, while the unemployment rate is 2.2% higher than the Regional WA rate of 3.5%, and labor force participation is typical (68.1% compared to Regional WA's 65.6%). According to Census responses, a low 2.0% of residents worked from home, although the impacts of Covid-19 lockdowns should be taken into account.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. The area displays a particularly prominent concentration in manufacturing, with employment levels at 2.0 times the regional average. On the other hand, agriculture, forestry & fishing has a small footprint with 1.6% employment compared to 9.3% regionally. The area appears to provide limited local job opportunities, as shown by the comparison of Census working population to resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data aggregated from broader statistical regions, the 12-month period experienced a 1.9% rise in employment alongside a 1.9% expansion of the labor force, keeping unemployment virtually unchanged. This stands in contrast to Regional WA, where employment decreased by 0.1%, the labor force expanded by 0.3%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia as of May-25 can provide additional perspective on potential future demand in the suburb of Usher. These forecasts, spanning five and ten-year intervals, have been aligned with the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates vary widely across different industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific forecasts to the employment mix in the suburb of Usher indicates local employment is projected to rise by 5.5% over five years and 12.2% over ten years (note that this is a basic weighted extrapolation for demonstration purposes and does not incorporate local population forecasts).

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

According to the most recent postcode level ATO data released by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023, the suburb of Usher's median taxpayer income is $48,319, with an average of $62,111. This sits below the national average and compares to a median of $59,973 and average of $74,392 in Regional WA. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since the financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $53,600 (median) and $68,900 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income records indicate that household, family, and personal incomes all rank modestly in the suburb of Usher, falling between the 25th and 27th percentiles. The data shows the largest segment comprises 33.0% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (773 residents), aligning with the region where this cohort likewise represents 31.1%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 26th percentile.

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

The structure of dwellings in the suburb of Usher at the time of the latest Census consisted of 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional WA's breakdown of 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the home ownership rate in the suburb of Usher was lower than that of Regional WA, sitting at 24.0%, while the remaining properties were mortgaged (42.5%) or rented (33.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional WA average at $1,351, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $300, compared to Regional WA's $1,560 and $265. Locally, the suburb of Usher's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Usher has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 67.0% of all households, comprising 23.5% couples with children, 25.9% couples without children, and 17.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 33.0%, with lone person households at 29.4% and group households comprising 3.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people is smaller than the Regional WA average of 2.5.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (9.5%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 7.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.0%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 41.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (6.1%) and certificates (35.7%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.4% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 1.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 20 active transport stops operating within the suburb of Usher comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 3 individual routes, collectively providing 216 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 173 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 92%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling, below the regional average. A relatively low 2.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 30 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 10 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Usher is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing the suburb of Usher, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts , and the rate of private health cover found to be relatively low at approximately 52% of the total population (~1,215 people). This compares to 56.4% across Regional WA.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 11.8 and 10.3% of residents, respectively, while 60.9% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.3% across Regional WA. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 14.2% of residents aged 65 and over (332 people), which is lower than the 19.2% in Regional WA. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

The suburb of Usher was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 86.6% of its population being citizens, 81.9% born in Australia, and 92.7% speaking English only at home. The main religion in the suburb of Usher was found to be Christianity, which makes up 40.0% of people in the suburb of Usher. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Islam, which comprises 1.3% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Regional WA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in the suburb of Usher are English, comprising 31.1% of the population, Australian, comprising 29.6% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 7.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maori is notably overrepresented at 1.6% of the suburb of Usher (vs 1.0% regionally), Welsh at 0.7% (vs 0.6%) and Filipino at 2.2% (vs 1.2%).

Usher's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

At 38 years, the suburb of Usher's median age is marginally below the Regional WA average of 40 though in line with the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Regional WA average, the 15 - 24 cohort is notably over-represented (13.3% locally), while 75 - 84 year-olds are under-represented (3.3%). Following the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 13.9% to 15.6% of the population. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 11.3% to 9.8% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 13.4% to 12.0%. Demographic modeling suggests the suburb of Usher's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 46%, adding 136 residents to reach 434. On the other hand, both 15 to 24 and 85+ age groups will see reduced numbers.