Waggrakine

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

As of November 2025, the population of Waggrakine is estimated to be around 2,956 people. This figure reflects an increase of 277 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,679 people in the suburb. The current population estimate was inferred from AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024). This resulted in an estimated resident population of 2,945 plus an additional 15 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 94 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential room for further development. Waggrakine's growth rate of 10.3% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA3 area (7.5%) and the SA4 region, positioning it as a growth leader in the area.

The primary driver of population growth was interstate migration, contributing approximately 57.99999999999999% of overall population gains during recent periods. However, all factors including natural growth and overseas migration were positive contributors. 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 the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Future population trends project an above median growth for regional areas nationally. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, Waggrakine is expected to grow by 554 persons to reach the year 2041, reflecting a total increase of 20.9% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Waggrakine among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Waggrakine had approximately 23 new homes approved annually. Between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, around 118 homes were approved, with an additional 8 approved in FY-26 so far. Each home built over these five years is estimated to have added about 3.4 new residents on average.

This has led to a significant demand exceeding supply, which typically results in price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction value of new properties was around $407,000, aligning with broader regional development trends. In FY-26, there have been $950,000 in commercial approvals, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the Rest of WA, Waggrakine has recorded 105.0% more development activity per person.

Despite this, building activity has slowed recently. All recent building activity consists of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character and appealing to those seeking family homes with space. The location currently has approximately 157 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Waggrakine is projected to add 617 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

Waggrakine has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 2ndth percentile nationally

Infrastructure projects significantly impact an area's performance. One major project has been identified by AreaSearch as potentially affecting this region. Key projects include Geraldton Heights Estate, North West Coastal Highway Upgrades (Oakajee Strategic Industrial Area Access), Dongara-Geraldton-Northampton Route (DGN Route), and Square Kilometre Array Low Frequency Telescope. The following details those most likely to be relevant.

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The employment landscape in Waggrakine presents a mixed picture: unemployment remains low at 3.2%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

Waggrakine's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent, with an unemployment rate of 3.2% as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation in June 2025.

There are 1,438 employed residents, matching Rest of WA's 3.2% unemployment rate and 59.4% workforce participation rate. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Transport, postal & warehousing stands out with a 1.7 times higher share than the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 2.4%. Labour force levels decreased by 2.3% in Waggrakine over the year to June 2025, along with a 2.6% employment decline, causing unemployment to rise by 0.3 percentage points.

By contrast, Rest of WA saw employment growth of 1.1%, labour force growth of 0.5%, and a 0.6 percentage point decrease in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Waggrakine's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2022, Waggrakine had a median income among taxpayers of $49,602 with the average level standing at $61,312. This is lower than national averages which were $57,323 and $71,163 for Rest of WA respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% from financial year ended June 2022 to September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $56,645 and average income would be around $70,018 as of September 2025. Census data indicates household, family and personal incomes in Waggrakine rank modestly, between the 40th and 41st percentiles. Income distribution shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 33.3% of residents (984 people), similar to regional levels where 31.1% occupy this bracket. After housing costs, 86.0% of income remains for other expenses.

Waggrakine is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

The dwelling structure in Waggrakine, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 95.9% houses and 4.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro WA's 87.5% houses and 12.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Waggrakine stood at 32.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 43.4% and rented ones at 24.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,540, exceeding Non-Metro WA's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure in Waggrakine was $290, higher than Non-Metro WA's $250. Nationally, Waggrakine's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,540 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $290 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 75.9% of all households, including 31.9% couples with children, 27.7% couples without children, and 15.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 24.1%, with lone person households at 21.0% and group households comprising 3.0%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Rest of WA average of 2.4.

Waggrakine faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 9.9%, significantly below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 7.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.1%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 47.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.8%) and certificates (38.1%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 34.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.9% in primary education, 9.4% in secondary education, and 1.5% pursuing tertiary education. Waggrakine Primary School provides local educational services within Waggrakine, with an enrollment of 396 students as of the most recent data. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. School places per 100 residents stand at 13.4, falling below the regional average of 16.8, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

Waggrakine has 18 active public transport stops. These are served by buses only. There are 2 routes in total, offering 125 weekly passenger trips combined.

Residents' access to transport is excellent, with an average distance of 181 metres to the nearest stop. On average, there are 17 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 6 weekly trips per individual stop.

Waggrakine's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health data shows that Waggrakine residents have relatively positive health outcomes, with common conditions seen across both young and old age groups. Private health cover is present in approximately 52% of the total population (~1,523 people), which is slightly lower than the average SA2 area's rate of 53.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (8.9%) and mental health issues (7.6%). A majority, 67.9%, report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 66.8% in Rest of WA. The area has 14.2% of residents aged 65 and over (419 people), which is lower than the 18.3% seen in Rest of WA. Overall, Waggrakine's health profile aligns with that of the general population.

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

Waggrakine's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 85.1% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (87.9%), and speaking English only at home (95.2%). Christianity is the predominant religion in Waggrakine, making up 46.7% of its population. Notably, the 'Other' category comprises 0.6% of the population, slightly higher than the 0.5% regional average.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Australian (32.9%), English (29.6%), and Australian Aboriginal (10.3%). Some ethnic groups show significant representation differences: Polish at 0.9% in Waggrakine compared to 0.4% regionally, French at 0.6% vs 0.3%, and Filipino at 1.7% vs 1.0%.

Waggrakine's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Waggrakine is 36 years, which is lower than Rest of WA's average of 40 years and under the national average of 38 years. The 5-14 cohort is notably over-represented in Waggrakine at 15.2%, compared to the Rest of WA average, while the 65-74 age group is under-represented at 8.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 12.7% to 14.3%, and the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 12.3% to 13.4%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.4% to 11.2%, and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 16.9% to 15.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Waggrakine, with the 25 to 34 age group projected to grow by 52% (219 people), reaching 642 from 422. Meanwhile, both the 75 to 84 and 85+ age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.