Utakarra

Population growth drivers in Utakarra are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, Utakarra's population is estimated at around 1,595, reflecting an increase of 128 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 1,467. This change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 1,586 following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and additional validation of five new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 323 persons per square kilometer. Utakarra's growth rate of 8.7% since the 2021 census exceeded both SA4 region (8.1%) and SA3 area, marking it as a regional growth leader. Natural growth contributed approximately 75.0% of overall population gains 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 ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data to estimate growth post-2032. Future population trends suggest a median increase for regional areas nationally by 2041, with Utakarra expected to increase by 164 persons, reflecting a total increase of 10.0% over the 17 years.

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

Utakarra had 2 dwelling approvals annually between 2016 and 2020 inclusive, totaling 14 approvals over this five-year period. This low development level is typical of rural areas where housing needs are modest and construction activity is limited by local demand and infrastructure capacity. It should be noted that with such low approval numbers, yearly growth figures and relativities can vary considerably based on individual projects.

Utakarra's development activity is much lower compared to the Rest of WA and below national patterns. Recent building activity in Utakarra consists entirely of detached dwellings, aligning with rural living preferences for space and privacy. With approximately 264 people per approval, Utakarra reflects a transitioning market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Utakarra is forecasted to gain 159 residents by 2041.

At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Utakarra has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally

No local infrastructure changes or major projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could impact the area. Key projects include the Geraldton Green Connect Project, Geraldton Youth Precinct Masterplan Development, Dongara-Geraldton-Northampton Route (DGN Route), and WA Police Satellite Technology Upgrade.

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

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

Utakarra has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs, with significant representation in lifestyle and retail sectors. The unemployment rate is 9.6%. Employment stability has been relatively consistent over the past year, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025659 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 6.3%, higher than Rest of WA's rate of 3.3%. Workforce participation is lower at 60.5% compared to Rest of WA's 67.2%. According to Census responses, only 3.6% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key employment sectors include retail trade, health care & social assistance, and transport, postal & warehousing.

Retail trade has a notable concentration with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with only 1.2% of employment compared to the regional average of 9.3%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Utakarra's labour force increased by 0.4% while employment decreased by 0.2%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of WA where employment rose by 1.4% and unemployment fell by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that while overall employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Utakarra's employment mix indicates a potential local employment increase of 6.0% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows Utakarra had a median taxpayer income of $48,779 and an average of $60,677. Nationally, the averages were $59,973 (median) and $74,392 (average). By September 2025, estimates suggest these figures would be approximately $53,472 (median) and $66,514 (average), based on a 9.62% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. According to 2021 Census data, Utakarra's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 15th and 23rd percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that the largest segment comprises 31.0% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (494 residents). Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.8% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 25th percentile nationally.

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

In Utakarra, as per the latest Census evaluation, dwelling structures consisted of 94.1% houses and 5.9% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Non-Metro WA's 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Utakarra stood at 25.2%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (40.8%) or rented (34.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Non-Metro WA's average of $1,560 and Australia's national figure of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Utakarra was recorded at $240, lower than Non-Metro WA's $265 and the national average of $375.

Utakarra has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 71.1% of all households, including 22.8% couples with children, 24.8% couples without children, and 22.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 28.9%, with lone person households at 24.6% and group households comprising 3.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Rest of WA average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 5.0%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 3.1%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.0%) and postgraduate qualifications (0.9%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 47.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (8.2%) and certificates (39.1%).

Educational participation is high, with 36.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.7% in primary education, 12.5% 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

The analysis of public transportation in Utakarra shows that there are 15 active transport stops currently operating, all of which serve buses. These stops are served by a single route collectively providing 55 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 350 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward daily. The car remains the dominant mode of transport at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census data, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions, only 3.6% of residents work from home. Service frequency averages 7 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 3 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Utakarra is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Utakarra faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A variety of health conditions impact both younger and older age groups, with a relatively low private health cover rate of approximately 51% (around 818 people), compared to 56.4% in the rest of WA.

Mental health issues affect 10.5% of residents, while asthma impacts 10.0%. Conversely, 63.5% claim to have no medical ailments, compared to 69.3% in the rest of WA. The working-age population experiences notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. Utakarra has 12.1% of residents aged 65 and over (192 people), lower than the 19.2% in the rest of WA. Health outcomes among seniors present additional challenges, with national rankings higher than those of the general population.

Utakarra is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Utakarra's population showed lower cultural diversity, with 82.6% being citizens, 89.4% born in Australia, and 92.5% speaking English only at home as of the survey conducted on 30th March 2021. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 44.9%. The 'Other' category stood out with 1.0%, compared to Rest of WA's 0.7%.

In terms of ancestry, Australians topped Utakarra's list at 30.3%, followed by English at 26.0% (lower than the regional average of 31.3%), and Australian Aboriginal at 18.0% (substantially higher than the regional average of 6.1%). Notably, Maori were overrepresented at 0.8% compared to the region's 1.0%, Lebanese at 0.4% (versus 0.0% regionally), and Filipino at 1.6% versus 1.2%.

Utakarra hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Utakarra's median age is 33 years, which is considerably lower than the Rest of WA average of 40 years and substantially under the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of WA, Utakarra has a higher concentration of residents aged 15-24 (15.6%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (9.8%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 25 to 34 has grown from 12.7% to 15.5%, while the 0 to 4 cohort increased from 6.7% to 7.8%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 11.9% to 9.8%, and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 11.5% to 9.8%. Demographic modeling suggests Utakarra's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041, with the 25 to 34 cohort projected to grow by 36%, adding 89 residents to reach 337. In contrast, both the 55 to 64 and 75 to 84 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.