Utakarra

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of November 2025, Utakarra's estimated population is around 1,594. This reflects an increase of 127 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,467. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 1,586 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional three validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 323 persons per square kilometer. Utakarra's growth rate of 8.7% since the 2021 census exceeded that of the SA3 area (7.7%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. 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 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). According to aggregated SA2-level projections, the Utakarra statistical area is expected to grow by 164 persons to reach a population of around 1,758 by 2041. This reflects an increase of approximately 10.3% over the 17-year period.

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 14 dwelling approvals over five years, averaging two annually. This low activity is typical of rural areas with modest housing needs and limited construction due to local demand and infrastructure capacity. Notably, the small number of approvals can significantly impact annual growth statistics.

Compared to Rest of WA and national averages, Utakarra shows much less construction activity. Recent building activity consists solely 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 the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Utakarra is projected to add 165 residents by 2041.

If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

No infrastructure changes are likely to impact the area, as AreaSearch has identified zero relevant projects. Key initiatives include Geraldton Green Connect Project, Geraldton Youth Precinct Masterplan Development, Dongara-Geraldton-Northampton Route (DGN Route), and WA Police Satellite Technology Upgrade.

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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 with representation across white and blue collar jobs, notably in lifestyle and retail sectors. The unemployment rate was 9.5% as of September 2025.

This is 3.1 percentage points higher than the Rest of WA's rate of 6.4%. Workforce participation in Utakarra was 55.5%, compared to the Rest of WA's 59.4%. Leading employment industries among residents include retail trade, health care & social assistance, and transport, postal & warehousing. Retail trade is particularly strong, with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence, at 1.2% compared to the regional average of 9.3%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels remained stable (0.0% change), while labour force increased by 0.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, the Rest of WA saw employment grow by 1.4%, labour force expand by 1.2%, and unemployment fall by 0.2 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase in employment over five years and 13.7% over ten years nationally. Applying these projections to Utakarra's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 6.0% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ended June 30, 2023 shows income in Utakarra is lower than average nationally. The median income is $48,779 and the average is $60,677. This contrasts with Rest of WA's median income of $59,973 and average of $74,392. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since June 30, 2023, current estimates for Utakarra are approximately $53,472 (median) and $66,514 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Utakarra fall between the 15th and 23rd percentiles nationally. Income distribution reveals that 31.0% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999, aligning with the broader area at 31.1%. 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, 94.1% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 5.9% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. This compares to Non-Metro WA's composition of 87.5% houses and 12.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Utakarra stood at 25.2%, with mortgaged dwellings making up 40.8% and rented properties accounting for 34.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, lower than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,517. Weekly rent in Utakarra was recorded at $240, compared to Non-Metro WA's figure of $250. Nationally, Utakarra's median monthly mortgage repayment of $1,300 is significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and its weekly rent figure of $240 is substantially below the national average of $375.

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, which is 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 the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 3.1%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.0%) and postgraduate qualifications (0.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 47.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.2%) and certificates (39.1%). Educational participation is high at 36.3%, comprising 14.7% in primary education, 12.5% in secondary education, and 1.6% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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

Transport analysis shows 15 active stops operating within Utakarra, offering mixed bus services. These stops are served by one route, collectively providing 55 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 350 meters from the nearest stop.

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

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

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Utakarra, with common conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 51%, covering about 817 people, which is lower than the Rest of WA's 55.0%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent, impacting 10.5% and 10.0% respectively. About 63.5% report no medical ailments, compared to 66.8% in Rest of WA. Utakarra has 12.9%, or about 205 people aged 65 and over, lower than the Rest of WA's 18.3%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Utakarra's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 82.6% of its population being citizens born in Australia speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 44.9% of Utakarra's population. Notably, the 'Other' religious category represents 1.0%, higher than the Rest of WA's 0.5%.

In terms of ancestry, Australians make up 30.3%, English 26.0%, and Australian Aboriginal 18.0%, substantially higher than the regional average of 6.9%. Certain ethnic groups show notable divergences: Maori at 0.8% (vs regional 0.7%), Lebanese at 0.4% (vs none regionally), and Filipino at 1.6% (vs regional 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 Rest of WA, Utakarra has a higher concentration of residents aged 15-24 (15.4%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (10.0%). Between the 2021 Census and now, 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 10.0%. Demographic modeling suggests Utakarra's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 cohort is projected to grow strongly at 48%, adding 111 residents to reach 344. In contrast, both the 85+ and 55 to 64 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.