Wagin

Wagin has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Wagin is around 1,525. This reflects an increase from the 2021 Census figure of 1,448 people, marking a rise of 77 individuals (5.3%). The latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 indicates a resident population of 1,495 for Wagin and its surrounding areas, with an additional 33 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this growth. This results in a population density of 6.1 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade (2015-2025), Wagin has shown consistent growth patterns, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.1%. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 51% of overall population gains during this period.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024, using the 2022 base year for SA2 areas covered by this data. For areas not covered and post-2032 growth estimation, AreaSearch uses ABS Greater Capital Region projections from 2023 based on 2022 data. Future population projections indicate a median increase of national regional areas, with the suburb expected to grow by 88 persons to reach a total population of 1,613 by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 5% over this 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Wagin according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Wagin averaged approximately 4 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 23 homes were approved, with 1 so far in FY-26. On average, about 2.4 people moved to the area per new home constructed over these years.

New homes had an average construction cost value of $381,000, aligning with regional trends. This financial year, $4.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered. Compared to Rest of WA, Wagin had 11.0% more development per person over the past five years, supporting property values and offering good buyer choice. However, building activity has slowed recently, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints.

All recent building activity consists of detached houses, maintaining Wagin's traditional low density character focused on family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 504 people. By 2041, Wagin is projected to gain 77 residents. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth.

Wagin has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 6thth percentile nationally

No factors influence a region's performance more than modifications to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects expected to impact this area. Key projects are Regional Road Infrastructure Upgrades, South West Interconnected System Transformation, Western Australia Agricultural Supply Chain Improvements, and WA Police Satellite Technology Upgrade. The following list details those most relevant:.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment performance in Wagin has been broadly consistent with national averages

Wagin has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, diverse industry representation, an unemployment rate of 2.9% as of June 2025, and estimated employment growth of 1.9% over the past year. This is based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

The unemployment rate in Wagin is 0.3% lower than Rest of WA's rate of 3.2%, while workforce participation lags at 48.9%. Leading industries for residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is particularly strong with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level. Mining, however, is under-represented at 3.2% compared to Rest of WA's 11.7%.

Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data. During the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.9%, while labour force decreased by 2.2%, reducing the unemployment rate by 3.9 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of WA had employment growth of 1.1% and labour force growth of 0.5%, with a 0.6 percentage point drop 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 Wagin's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.5% over five years and 12.0% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022 shows Wagin's median income among taxpayers is $42,923. The average income in Wagin during this period was $53,191. Nationally, the median income was higher at $67,898 with an average of $85,820. In Rest of WA, the median income was $57,323 and the average was $71,163. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $49,018 (median) and $60,744 (average). Census data indicates household, family and personal incomes in Wagin fall between the 6th and 14th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows 29.6% of individuals in Wagin earn between $400 - 799 annually, compared to broader area trends where 31.1% earn between $1,500 - 2,999. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 89.4% income retention, total disposable income ranks at the 11th percentile nationally.

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

Wagin's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 92.8% houses and 7.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro WA's figures of 95.1% houses and 4.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wagin stood at 44.8%, with mortgaged properties at 30.9% and rented ones at 24.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $932, significantly lower than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,105. Median weekly rent in Wagin was recorded at $195, compared to Non-Metro WA's figure of $200. Nationally, Wagin's mortgage repayments were much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Wagin features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 60.2% of all households, including 15.6% couples with children, 32.4% couples without children, and 10.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for 39.8%, with lone person households at 37.7% and group households comprising 2.9%. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Rest of WA average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 13.1%, 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 10.4%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.4%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 33.5% of residents aged 15 and above holding them, including advanced diplomas (6.1%) and certificates (27.4%).

Educational participation is high at 25.2%, with 10.4% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 0.7% pursuing tertiary education. Wagin District High School serves the local area with an enrollment of 205 students. The school offers integrated K-12 education for continuity throughout students' academic journey.

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

Transport analysis shows one active transport stop operating in Wagin, serving a mix of buses. This stop is served by three individual routes that collectively offer 18 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 929 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages two trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 18 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Wagin is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Wagin faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, at approximately 48% (~736 people), compared to 52.7% across Rest of WA and a national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.6%) and mental health issues (8.2%).

Notably, 59.0% of residents report having no medical ailments, lower than the 65.6% in Rest of WA. Wagin has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 28.6% (436 people), compared to 21.7% in Rest of WA. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are challenging but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

Wagin ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Wagin's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 80.4% of its population being citizens born in Australia who speak English only at home. The majority religion is Christianity, comprising 46.4%. The most notable overrepresentation is in the 'Other' category, which makes up 1.0%, compared to 0.4% regionally.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (35.4%), Australian (31.9%), and Scottish (6.8%). There are significant differences in the representation of Maori (2.3% vs 0.8%), New Zealand (1.6% vs 0.9%), and Dutch (1.8% vs 1.3%) groups compared to regional averages.

Wagin ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Wagin's median age at 50 years is significantly higher than the Rest of WA average of 40 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 years are particularly prominent, making up 16.7% of the population, while the 35-44 year-olds make up 9.9%, which is smaller than in Rest of WA. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is well above the national average of 9.4%. Since 2021, there has been a rejuvenation with the median age falling from 51 to 50 years. Key changes include the growth of the 25 to 34 age group from 9.9% to 12.3%, and the increase of the 15 to 24 cohort from 7.9% to 9.0%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 17.2% to 14.9%, and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 10.7% to 9.1%. By 2041, Wagin is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition, with the 25 to 34 age cohort projected to grow steadily by 69 people (37%), from 187 to 257. In contrast, the 75 to 84 and 65 to 74 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.