Waggrakine

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

Waggrakine has a population estimated at 3,031 as of May 2026, according to analysis of ABS population updates for the wider region alongside newly validated addresses by AreaSearch since the Census. Compared to the 2,679 individuals recorded in the 2021 Census, this indicates an expansion of 352 people (13.1%). This change is derived from an estimated resident population of 3,025 calculated by AreaSearch using the ABS ERP release from June 2025, combined with 17 validated new addresses identified since the Census. The resulting population density stands at 97 persons per square kilometer, which suggests a spacious living environment and room for future construction. The 13.1% rate of growth in the suburb of Waggrakine since the 2021 Census outpaced the broader SA4 region (8.2%) and the SA3 area, establishing it as a frontrunner for growth locally. Interstate migration was the primary driver of these gains, accounting for approximately 57.99999999999999% of the growth, although other factors such as natural increase and overseas migration also made positive contributions.

Projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024 (using 2022 as a base year) are utilized for each SA2 area. For areas lacking this data, and to project trends beyond 2032, growth rate projections by age cohort from the 2023 Greater Capital Region release (based on 2022 data) are applied. Future population forecasts suggest that the suburb of Waggrakine will experience growth exceeding the national non-metropolitan median, with combined SA2 projections indicating an increase of 493 residents by 2041, which represents a total rise of 16.1% over the 16 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Waggrakine when compared nationally

An analysis of ABS building approvals shows that Waggrakine typically sees about 21 homes approved annually, with 107 dwellings approved over the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, and 16 approvals recorded so far in FY-26. Each new dwelling has averaged 3 new residents over the 5 financial years between FY-21 and FY-25, pointing to healthy demand that supports property values. The average cost of these new builds is $407,000, which highlights developer activity in the higher-end market. Conversely, commercial approvals have totaled only $162,000 this financial year, reflecting a minimal level of business-related construction.

Waggrakine generates 84.0% more development activity per capita than the Rest of WA, offering home buyers a wide selection, even though recent building activity has slowed down. All recent construction approvals have been for detached dwellings, maintaining the low-density feel of the area which draws in buyers looking for space. The ratio of residents to new home approvals stands at approximately 214 people per dwelling approval, showing a growing market.

The suburb of Waggrakine is projected to add 487 residents by 2041, based on the latest quarterly calculations. Current building trends suggest that housing supply is on track to satisfy demand, creating favorable buyer conditions and potentially helping the area exceed current population forecasts.

Waggrakine has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 5thth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure projects, planning choices, and development initiatives are key drivers of regional performance. A single project has been identified as likely to influence the local area. Relevant projects include the Dongara-Geraldton-Northampton Route (DGN Route), Geraldton Heights Estate, the Square Kilometre Array Low Frequency Telescope, and the North West Coastal Highway Upgrades (Oakajee Strategic Industrial Area Access).

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The employment environment in Waggrakine shows above-average strength when compared nationally

The local workforce is split between white-collar and blue-collar roles, with a solid footprint in industrial and manufacturing sectors. The unemployment rate sits at 3.2%, and employment grew by an estimated 2.4% over the previous year. As of March 2026, 1,485 local residents are employed. The unemployment rate is 0.3% lower than the 3.5% rate seen in Regional WA, while the participation rate is very close to the Regional WA average of 65.6%. Census data indicates that a minor 4.4% of the workforce worked from home, though this figure may have been influenced by pandemic lockdowns.

Local jobs are largely concentrated in retail trade, construction, and health care & social assistance. The transport, postal & warehousing sector is particularly prominent, employing residents at 1.7 times the regional average rate. By comparison, agriculture, forestry & fishing represents only 2.4% of employment, which is lower than the Regional WA figure of 9.3%. The balance between the local working population and resident workers suggests that nearby employment opportunities are relatively limited.

Based on analysis of SALM and ABS statistics for the 12 months ending March 2026, local employment grew by 2.4% while the overall labor force expanded by 2.7%, leading to a 0.2 percentage point rise in the unemployment rate. Over the same timeframe, Regional WA saw employment fall by 0.1% and its labor force grow by 0.3%, resulting in a 0.4 percentage point increase in unemployment. Industry-specific national forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (released May-25) have been applied to the local workforce structure to model future employment trends over five and ten years. Nationally, employment is predicted to rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with performance varying by sector. Applying these trends to the local industry mix suggests employment for residents could grow by 6.0% over five years and 12.7% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Tax office data for the financial year 2023 indicates that local incomes are lower than the national average, with a median of $49,602 and an average of $61,312. These figures are below the Regional WA median of $59,973 and average of $74,392. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index increase of 10.93% since the financial year 2023, the figures are estimated at approximately $55,023 for the median and $68,013 for the average as of March 2026. In Waggrakine, household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly, placing between the 40th and 41st percentiles. A concentration of 33.3% of the population (1,009 residents) falls into the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, which is comparable to the 31.1% of residents in this bracket regionally. Households retain 86.0% of their income for non-housing costs.

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

At the time of the latest Census, Waggrakine's housing stock was dominated by separate houses at 95.9%, with other housing types (including apartments, semi-detached properties, and alternative options) making up 4.1%. This compares to 88.5% houses and 11.6% other properties in Regional WA. Homeownership in the suburb stands at 32.3%, slightly lower than the Regional WA average, while the remaining homes are mortgaged (43.4%) or rented (24.3%). The median mortgage repayment of $1,540 per month is lower than the Regional WA average of $1,560, while the median weekly rent of $290 is higher than the regional average of $265. Locally, mortgage costs are much lower than the national median of $1,863, and rents are also well below the national median of $375.

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

Families make up 75.9% of all local households, consisting of 31.9% couples with children, 27.7% couples without children, and 15.5% single-parent households. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 24.1% of households, with lone person households representing 21.0% and group housing representing 3.0%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is slightly larger than the Regional WA average of 2.5.

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

Educational attainment levels present an opportunity for improvement, as the university qualification rate of 9.9% is significantly below the national benchmark of 30.4%. Among these qualifications, bachelor degrees represent 7.4%, postgraduate degrees represent 1.4%, and graduate diplomas account for 1.1%. Vocational and technical training is common, with 47.9% of residents aged 15 and over holding a qualification, including 9.8% with advanced diplomas and 38.1% with certificates.

Enrolment rates are high, with 34.2% of the local population engaged in formal study. This student population includes 14.9% in primary school, 9.4% in high school, and 1.5% in tertiary studies.

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

There are 18 active public transport bus stops located within Waggrakine, which are served by 2 routes that generate 125 weekly trips. Public transport accessibility is strong, with residents living an average of 181 meters from their nearest stop. Given the residential nature of the suburb, most workers commute outside the area, and private cars remain the dominant mode of travel at 94%. Households average 1.8 vehicles, which is above the regional average. A low 4.4% of residents worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.

Public transport routes average 17 daily trips in total, which translates to roughly 6 weekly services per individual transit stop.

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

Analysis of mortality rates and the prevalence of chronic illnesses suggests the area faces notable health challenges, with common medical conditions affecting both older and younger age groups. Private health insurance coverage is relatively low, held by approximately 52% of the population (~1,562 people), compared to 56.4% across Regional WA.

Asthma and mental health conditions are the most prevalent issues, affecting 8.9% and 7.6% of residents respectively. Conversely, 67.9% of residents reported having no chronic health conditions, which is slightly below the Regional WA average of 69.3%. Health trends for the working-age cohort are average. Residents aged 65 and over make up 14.5% of the local population (439 people), which is lower than the Regional WA benchmark of 19.2%.

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

Cultural diversity metrics are below average, with citizens making up 85.1% of the population, 87.9% born in Australia, and 95.2% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 46.7% of the community. The most distinct variance is in the Other religious category, which accounts for 0.6% of the population, compared to 0.7% across Regional WA.

The top three ancestral backgrounds reported are Australian at 32.9%, English at 29.6%, and Australian Aboriginal at 10.3%. Certain backgrounds show higher representation locally compared to the region, including Polish at 0.9% (compared to 0.5% regionally), French at 0.6% (compared to 0.4% regionally), and Filipino at 1.7% (compared to 1.2% regionally).

Waggrakine's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age of 36 years in the suburb of Waggrakine is younger than the Regional WA average of 40 and slightly below the national median of 38. The 5 - 14 age group is larger than the regional average, representing 15.4% of the population, while the 65 - 74 age group is smaller at 8.6%. Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 cohort grew from 12.3% to 14.0% and the 25 to 34 cohort rose from 12.7% to 13.9%. Over the same period, the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 13.4% to 10.8%, and the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 16.9% to 15.4%. By 2041, demographic projections suggest the 25 to 34 age group will increase by 42% (176 people) to reach 598 from 421, while the 85+ and 15 to 24 cohorts are expected to decrease.