Utakarra

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Utakarra's population is estimated at around 1,584 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 117 people (8.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,467 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,576 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 3 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 321 persons per square kilometer. Utakarra's 8.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (7.5%), along with the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by natural growth that 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 growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Moving forward, demographic trends suggest a population increase just below the median of regional areas across the nation, with the suburb expected to grow by 164 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 11.1% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Utakarra according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Utakarra has had minimal residential development activity with 3 dwelling approvals annually over the past five years (18 approvals total). This low level of development is typical in rural areas where housing needs are modest and construction activity is limited by local demand and infrastructure capacity. It should be noted that due to the small number of approvals, individual projects can significantly impact annual growth statistics.

Compared to Rest of WA, Utakarra has shown significantly less construction activity. The development pattern here is also well below national averages. Recent building activity has consisted entirely of detached dwellings, reflecting rural living preferences for space and privacy. With approximately 264 people per approval, Utakarra's population growth rate reflects a transitioning market.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Utakarra is projected to add 175 residents by 2041. Development activity appears to be keeping pace with projected growth, but buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

Utakarra has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 3rdth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly affect an area's performance like modifications to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects expected to impact this area. Notable projects include Geraldton Green Connect Project, Geraldton Youth Precinct Masterplan Development, Dongara-Geraldton-Northampton Route (DGN Route), WA Police Satellite Technology Upgrade. 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.

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

Utakarra has a balanced workforce with representation across white and blue collar jobs, notably in lifestyle and retail sectors. Its unemployment rate is 9.2%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, there are 640 residents employed while the unemployment rate stands at 6.0% above Rest of WA's rate of 3.2%. Workforce participation in Utakarra is lower than the regional average at 55.5%, compared to Rest of WA's 59.4%. Key industries for employment among residents are retail trade, health care & social assistance, and transport, postal & warehousing. Retail trade has a particularly notable concentration with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average.

Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with only 1.2% of employment compared to the regional average of 9.3%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, Utakarra's labour force decreased by 2.9%, with employment decreasing by 2.7%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of WA saw employment rise by 1.1% and the labour force grow by 0.5%, resulting in a drop in unemployment by 0.6 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Utakarra's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, although this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022 shows Utakarra had a median taxpayer income of $48,779 and an average income of $60,677. These figures are lower than the national averages of $57,323 and $71,163 respectively for Rest of WA. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, estimated median and average incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $55,706 and $69,293 respectively. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Utakarra fall between the 15th and 23rd percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that the largest segment comprises 31.0% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, with 491 residents falling into this category. This aligns with the regional trend where this cohort also represents 31.1%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Utakarra, 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

Dwelling structure in Utakarra, as evaluated at the latest Census held in 2016, comprised 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 87.5% houses and 12.5% other dwellings during the same period. Meanwhile, home ownership in Utakarra stood at 25.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.8% and rented dwellings at 34.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Utakarra was $1,300 as of 2016, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $240, compared to Non-Metro WA's $1,517 for mortgages and $250 for rents during the same period. Nationally, Utakarra's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863 as of 2016, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375 during the same year.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 28.9%, with lone person households at 24.6% and group households comprising 3.2%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Rest of WA average of 2.4.

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 presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common 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, including 14.7% in primary, 12.5% in secondary, and 1.6% in tertiary education. Educational facilities are located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

Transport analysis shows 15 active stops in Utakarra. These are mixed-use bus stops. They are serviced by one route collectively offering 55 weekly passenger trips.

Accessibility is rated good with residents typically 350 meters from nearest stop. Service frequency averages seven trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately three weekly trips per stop.

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

Utakarra faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 51% of Utakarra's total population (~812 people), slightly lower than the Rest of WA average of 53.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 10.5% and 10.0% of residents respectively. Conversely, 63.5% of Utakarra residents report no medical ailments, compared to 66.8% in Rest of WA. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 12.9% (204 people), compared to the Rest of WA average of 18.3%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Utakarra are comparable to those in 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 shows lower cultural diversity, with 82.6% being citizens, 89.4% born in Australia, and 92.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 44.9%. The category 'Other' is overrepresented at 1.0%, compared to the regional average of 0.5%.

Top ancestry groups are Australian (30.3%), English (26.0%), and Australian Aboriginal (18.0%), significantly higher than the regional average of 6.9%. Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Maori at 0.8% (regional average 0.7%), Lebanese at 0.4% (vs 0.0%), Filipino at 1.6% (regional average 1.0%).

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

Utakarra's median age is 33 years, which is lower than the Rest of WA average of 40 and substantially under the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Rest of WA, Utakarra has a higher percentage of residents aged 15-24 (15.5%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (9.9%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 25 to 34 has grown from 12.7% to 14.6%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 11.9% to 10.2% and the 55 to 64 group has dropped from 11.5% to 9.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Utakarra's age profile will change significantly. The 25 to 34 cohort is projected to grow by 49%, adding 112 residents to reach 344. Conversely, both the 55 to 64 and 85+ age groups are expected to decrease in number.