Wagin

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

The population of the Wagin statistical area (Lv2) is estimated to be around 1,527 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 79 people from the 2021 Census total of 1,448, indicating a growth rate of approximately 5.5%. The current population estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and analysis of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, which reported a resident population of 1,501. This level of population results in a density ratio of 6.1 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Wagin has exhibited a compound annual growth rate of 0.1%, outperforming its SA3 area. Overseas migration contributed significantly to this growth, accounting for approximately 51.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

However, all drivers of population growth, including interstate migration and natural growth, were positive factors. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, to estimate future growth trends. For areas not covered by this data and to project post-2032 growth, AreaSearch uses the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). According to these projections, the Wagin (SA2) is expected to experience a population increase of just below the median for national regional areas by 2041. Specifically, the area is projected to grow by 90 persons over this period, reflecting an overall increase of approximately 5.0%.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis, Wagin averaged approximately four new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 23 homes were approved, with two more approved in FY-26.

This reflects robust demand, with around 2.4 people moving to the area per new home constructed over these five years. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $381,000, slightly above the regional average. Compared to the Rest of WA, Wagin has seen 11.0% more development per person over this period, maintaining good buyer choice and supporting property values. However, this activity is lower than the national average, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints.

Recent building activity consists solely of detached houses, preserving the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes. With around 302 people per dwelling approval, Wagin exhibits characteristics of a low-density area. Looking ahead, Wagin is projected to grow by 77 residents by 2041, and current development patterns indicate that new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

Wagin has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 15thth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has pinpointed 0 projects that could impact this area. Notable projects comprise Regional Road Infrastructure Upgrades, Ambrosia Wind Farm, South West Interconnected System Transformation, and Western Australia Agricultural Supply Chain Improvements. The following list highlights those most pertinent:.

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Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.9%, Wagin has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Wagin has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The unemployment rate in the area is 3.9%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, there are 710 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.5% compared to Rest of WA's 3.3%. Workforce participation stands at 48.9%, lower than Rest of WA's 59.4%. Key employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Notably, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs 1.8 times more residents than the regional average, while mining is under-represented at 3.2% compared to Rest of WA's 11.7%.

Between September 2024 and September 2025, Wagin's labour force decreased by 5.0%, with employment down by 3.4%, leading to a drop in unemployment of 1.6 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of WA saw employment grow by 1.4% and labour force grow by 1.2%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wagin's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 5.5% over five years and 12.0% over ten years, assuming no changes in 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 for financial year 2023 shows Wagin had a median taxpayer income of $42,923 and an average of $53,191. This is lower than national averages. Rest of WA had a median of $59,973 and an average of $74,392. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median income will be approximately $47,052 and the average $58,308, based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023. Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Wagin fall between the 6th and 14th percentiles nationally. The $400-$799 earnings band captures 29.6% of Wagin's community (451 individuals), unlike broader trends where 31.1% earn within the $1,500-$2,999 range. Housing costs are modest, with 89.4% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just the 11th percentile nationally.

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

In Wagin, as per the latest Census evaluation, 92.8% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 7.2% being other types such as semi-detached and apartments. This is compared 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 making up 30.9% and rented dwellings accounting for 24.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $932, significantly lower than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,105 and the national figure of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Wagin was recorded at $195, substantially below Non-Metro WA's $200 and the national average 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 comprise the remaining 39.8%, with lone person households at 37.7% and group households at 2.9%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is 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%. 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+ 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.

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.4% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 0.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates one active public transport stop operating within Wagin. This stop serves a mix of bus routes, with three individual routes providing service. Collectively, these routes offer 18 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility in the area 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, resulting in 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 stands at approximately 48%, covering around 737 people, which is lower than the Rest of WA's 55.2% and the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.6%) and mental health issues (8.2%).

Conversely, 59.0% report being free from medical ailments, compared to 65.6% in Rest of WA. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 28.6% or 436 people, compared to the Rest of WA's 21.7%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are generally positive, performing better than the overall population on 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 Australian citizens, born in Australia (80.3%), and speaking English only at home (94.9%). Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 46.4% of Wagin's population. Notably, the 'Other' category comprised 1.0%, higher than the Rest of WA's 0.4%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (35.4%), Australian (31.9%), and Scottish (6.8%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: Maori at 2.3% (regional average 0.8%), New Zealand at 1.6% (regional average 0.9%), and Dutch at 1.8% (regional average 1.3%).

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 and exceeds the national average of 38 by a substantial margin. The age profile indicates that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent, making up 16.7% of the population, while the 35-44 group is comparatively smaller at 9.9%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and the present, a rejuvenation trend is evident as the median age has fallen from 51 to 50 years. Key changes include the growth of the 25 to 34 age group from 9.9% to 12.3%, and an increase in 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. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, expanding by 70 people (37%) from 187 to 258. In contrast, the 75 to 84 and 65 to 74 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.