Waggrakine

Population growth drivers in Waggrakine are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Waggrakine is around 2,984. This figure reflects an increase of 305 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,679. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 2,968 residents following examination of the ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024, along with an additional 15 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 95 persons per square kilometer. The suburb's 11.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (8.1%) and the SA3 area, making it a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 57.99999999999999% 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). An above median population growth of regional areas nationally is projected for the suburb, with an expected increase of 565 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 20.1% over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis, Waggrakine has seen approximately 23 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 119 homes were approved, with an additional 11 approved in FY-26. On average, each home built over the past five financial years accommodates about 3.4 new residents.

This has led to a significant demand exceeding supply, typically resulting in price growth and increased buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $407,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. Commercial approvals this financial year totalled $162,000, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the Rest of WA, Waggrakine records 106.0% more development activity per person.

Building activity has slowed recently, but it consists entirely of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes. As of now, there are approximately 161 people per dwelling approval in the location, indicating an expanding market. Future projections estimate Waggrakine to add 601 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Waggrakine has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 12thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. One major project is identified by AreaSearch as potentially influencing this region. Notable 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 relevant:.

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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.

AreaSearch analysis indicates Waggrakine maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Waggrakine has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are strongly represented. The unemployment rate was 3.4% in the past year with an estimated employment growth of 0.5%.

As of September 2025, 1,490 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.3%, similar to Rest of WA's rate. Workforce participation was also broadly similar at 67.2%. Only 4.4% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Transport, postal & warehousing has a strong presence with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 2.4%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 0.5% while labour force increased by 1.0%, leading to an unemployment rise of 0.5 percentage points. Rest of WA recorded higher employment growth of 1.4% and a fall in unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Waggrakine's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.7% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released on 30 June 2023, the suburb of Waggrakine had a median income among taxpayers of $49,602 and an average income of $61,312. These figures are lower than the national averages of $59,973 (median) and $74,392 (average), and also lower than the Rest of WA's averages. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% from financial year 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income in Waggrakine would be approximately $54,374 and average income would be around $67,210 by that date. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Waggrakine rank modestly, between the 40th and 41st percentiles. Income distribution shows that 33.3% of residents (993 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, which is similar to the regional level of 31.1%. After housing expenses, 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 latest Census evaluated dwelling structures in Waggrakine as 95.9% houses and 4.1% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro WA had 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Waggrakine was at 32.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 43.4% and rented ones at 24.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,540, below Non-Metro WA's average of $1,560. The median weekly rent in Waggrakine was $290, compared to Non-Metro WA's $265. Nationally, Waggrakine's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,540 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below 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 constitute 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, larger than the Rest of WA average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 9.9%, 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 common at 7.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.1%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 47.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (9.8%) and certificates (38.1%).

Educational participation is high, with 34.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 14.9% in primary, 9.4% in secondary, and 1.5% in tertiary education.

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

Waggrakine has 18 operational public transport stops, all serving buses. These are covered by two routes offering a combined total of 125 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents on average located 181 meters from the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most commutes are outward-bound, with cars being the primary mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, exceeding regional norms. Only 4.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census).

Service frequency averages 17 trips daily across all routes, translating to roughly six weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Waggrakine is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Waggrakine faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 52% of the total population (~1,537 people), compared to 56.4% across Rest of WA. The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 8.9 and 7.6% of residents respectively, while 67.9% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.3% across Rest of WA. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 13.7% of residents aged 65 and over (408 people), which is lower than the 19.2% in Rest of WA.

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

Waggrakine was found to have below average cultural diversity, with 85.1% of its population being citizens, 87.9% born in Australia, and 95.2% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Waggrakine is Christianity, comprising 46.7% of the population. Notably, the 'Other' category comprises 0.6% of Waggrakine's population, compared to 0.7% across the rest of WA.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Australian (32.9%), English (29.6%), and Australian Aboriginal (10.3%). There are also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Polish is overrepresented at 0.9%, French at 0.6%, and Filipino at 1.7% compared to regional averages of 0.5%, 0.4%, and 1.2% respectively.

Waggrakine's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Waggrakine is 35 years, which is notably lower than Rest of WA's average of 40 and modestly under Australia's median of 38. Compared to Rest of WA, Waggrakine has a higher proportion of 5-14 year-olds at 15.1% but fewer 65-74 year-olds at 8.3%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 25-34 age group has grown from 12.7% to 14.8%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 12.3% to 13.9%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 13.4% to 10.7% and the 5-14 group dropped from 16.9% to 15.1%. By 2041, Waggrakine's age composition is expected to change notably. The 25-34 group will grow by 46%, reaching 645 people from 441 currently. Meanwhile, the 85+ group is projected to decrease by 2 residents.