Waggrakine

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

The population of the Waggrakine statistical area (Lv2) is estimated to be around 2,978 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 299 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,679 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 2,968 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 15 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 95 persons per square kilometer. The Waggrakine (SA2) experienced an 11.2% growth since the 2021 census, exceeding the SA3 area's 7.7% and the SA4 region's growth rate, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 57.99999999999999% of overall population gains during recent periods for the area, with other drivers such as natural growth and overseas migration also being positive factors.

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, with the area expected to grow by 559 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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Waggrakine has seen around 23 new homes approved each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 119 homes were approved, with another 11 approved so far in FY-26. On average, this results in about 3.4 new residents per year for every home built during these years.

This indicates a significant demand exceeding supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction value of new properties is around $407,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. There have been $162,000 in commercial approvals this financial year, predominantly reflecting residential development activity. Compared to the Rest of WA, Waggrakine records 107% more development activity per person.

Recent building activity consists solely of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 161 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Future projections estimate Waggrakine will add around 600 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. 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 10thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. A single project has been identified by AreaSearch as potentially influential: 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 are key projects, with the following list focusing on those most relevant.

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

Waggrakine has a balanced workforce encompassing white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent.

The unemployment rate is 3.4%, with stable employment conditions over the past year, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of September 2025, 1,491 residents are employed, aligning with Rest of WA's 3.3% unemployment rate and 59.4% workforce participation rate. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Notably, transport, postal & warehousing has a strong presence, at 1.7 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing is limited to 2.4%.

Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population counts. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 0.4% and labour force by 0.8%, leading to a 0.4 percentage point unemployment rise. In contrast, Rest of WA saw employment growth of 1.4%, labour force growth of 1.2%, and a 0.2 percentage point unemployment decrease. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 indicate overall employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across sectors. 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, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows Waggrakine had a median income among taxpayers of $49,602 and an average income of $61,312. This is lower than national averages, which stood at $59,973 and $74,392 for Rest of WA respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated median income in September 2025 would be approximately $54,374, with average income around $67,210. Census data indicates household, family and personal incomes rank modestly in Waggrakine, between the 40th and 41st percentiles. Income distribution shows that 33.3% of residents (991 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, similar to regional levels at 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

In Waggrakine, as per the latest Census data, 95.9% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 4.1% comprising semi-detached properties, apartments, and other dwelling types. This contrasts with Non-Metro WA's figures of 87.5% houses and 12.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Waggrakine stood at 32.3%, with mortgaged dwellings making up 43.4% and rented properties accounting for 24.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,540, exceeding Non-Metro WA's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure for Waggrakine was recorded at $290, compared to Non-Metro WA's $250. Nationally, Waggrakine's mortgage repayments were lower 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 2.4.

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%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 47.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas account for 9.8% while certificates make up 38.1%.

Educational participation is 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.

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

Transport analysis indicates 18 active transport stops operating within Waggrakine, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by two distinct routes, together facilitating 125 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed excellent, with residents situated on average 181 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 17 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately six 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 Waggrakine residents have relatively positive health outcomes, with common conditions seen across both young and old age groups. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 52% (1,534 people), compared to 55.0% in Rest of WA.

The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 8.9 and 7.6% respectively. 67.9% reported no medical ailments, compared to 66.8% in Rest of WA. 14.2% of residents are aged 65 and over (422 people), lower than the 18.3% in Rest of WA. Overall, health profiles align with general population trends.

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 below average, with 85.1% citizens, 87.9% born in Australia, and 95.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominated as the main religion, comprising 46.7%. The 'Other' category showed overrepresentation at 0.6%, compared to 0.5% regionally.

For ancestry, Australian was highest at 32.9%, followed by English at 29.6%, and Australian Aboriginal at 10.3%. Polish, French, and Filipino groups were notably overrepresented in Waggrakine: Polish at 0.9% (vs regional 0.4%), 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 also under the national average of 38 years. The 15-24 cohort makes up 12.7% of the population in Waggrakine, notably higher than 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 14.2%, and the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 12.3% to 13.4%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 13.4% to 11.2%, and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 16.9% to 15.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Waggrakine, with the 25 to 34 age group expected to grow by 52% (219 people), reaching 642 from 422. Meanwhile, both the 75 to 84 and 85+ age groups are projected to see reduced numbers.