Chart Color Schemes
This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
Find a Recent Sale
Sales Detail
Wagin has an estimated 1,531 residents, up from 1,448 at the 2021 Census — a change of 83 people, or 5.7%. Growth has averaged 0.8% a year over five years. Overseas migration accounts for 51.0% of that increase. Fewer than ten people live on each square kilometre, across a boundary that takes in surrounding rural land. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Based on demographic evaluations from official updates for the surrounding region, combined with fresh locations confirmed by AreaSearch after the Census, the suburb of Wagin has an estimated population of 1,531 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 83 people (5.7%) compared to the 2021 Census, which counted 1,448 people. This calculation is derived from a resident count of 1,531, calculated by AreaSearch using the ABS June 2025 release of estimated resident population figures alongside an extra 31 validated new addresses identified after the Census date. This population level translates to a density of 6.1 persons per square kilometer, offering significant space per resident.
The 5.7% growth rate for the suburb of Wagin since the 2021 census was higher than the SA3 area (5.6%), making it a leading growth locality in the region. Growth was mostly supported by arrivals from abroad, which represented roughly 51.0% of total population increases recently, though other contributors like arrivals from other states and natural increases also remained positive. Projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024 with a 2022 baseline are utilized for each SA2 region. For any SA2 regions lacking this coverage, and to calculate growth in the years following 2032, growth rates across age cohorts from the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections (using 2022 data) are applied. Future outlooks indicate a population expansion rate trailing slightly behind the median for regional Australia, with projections at the SA2 level suggesting the suburb of Wagin will add 75 residents by 2041, representing a total expansion of 4.9% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Property development in the suburb of Wagin is quiet, with an average of 3 new dwellings approved each year, representing 16 approvals over a five-year timeframe. These modest building volumes align with the rural setting, where residential construction is generally prompted by specific local housing requirements rather than broader market demand. The small count of approvals means that single construction projects can significantly alter annual growth measures and relative comparisons. Residential building volumes in the suburb of Wagin are substantially lower than those observed across the Rest of WA. This level of building is also below typical national trends.
Additionally, recent construction consists solely of standalone houses, reinforcing the rural setting characterized by expansive properties and open space. The ratio of 1520 people for every single dwelling approval highlights this quiet, low-development setting. Looking forward, the population of the suburb of Wagin is projected to rise by 75 residents by 2041 according to the latest quarterly estimate. Current construction volumes seem to align well with projected demand, supporting stable real estate conditions without upward pressure on prices.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Wagin
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 36 current infrastructure and development projects close to Wagin, worth an estimated $7.82 billion. 10 are already under construction and 15 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans communities, precincts & urban renewal, manufacturing and residential development. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, major works, and urban planning decisions represent key influences on regional performance. In total, no developments have been highlighted as having an impact on the immediate area. Key regional projects include Regional Road Infrastructure Upgrades, Ambrosia Wind Farm, South West Interconnected System Transformation, and Western Australia Agricultural Supply Chain Improvements, with the list below detailing those of highest local relevance.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Narrogin Solar Farm & BESS
Approved 200 MW DC solar farm with a co-located 200 MW / 800 MWh four-hour battery energy storage system on private land south of Narrogin. The project will connect to the Narrogin South Substation and export electricity into Western Australia's Wholesale Electricity Market. The site is intended to retain agricultural use, including sheep grazing among the solar panels. Development approval was granted by the Regional Development Assessment Panel in June 2025; the project is awaiting critical project status approval from Western Power, with construction currently indicated by the Shire as about 18 months from February 2028.
Narrogin Biodiesel Plant
A proposed commercial-scale renewable diesel biorefinery in the Narrogin Renewable Energy Zone. The earlier EPA assessment for the initial site was terminated in March 2025 after the original site was no longer pursued, but FutureEnergy Australia has stated the WA Future Energy Park remains active, with a new site selection process and a potential 50 percent scale increase from about 17-19 million litres to about 25 million litres of renewable fuel per year. The project is expected to produce renewable diesel plus biochar and wood vinegar by-products and support regional jobs and biomass supply chains.
Narrogin Health Service Redevelopment
A $50 million major redevelopment of the Narrogin Health Service, officially opened in October 2019. The project delivered a new outpatient building, two new birthing rooms, an inpatient ward, theatre, and sterilising department. It also introduced new dental and chemotherapy services. The facility is notable for its chequerboard facade designed by Silver Thomas Hanley to represent stacked hay bales.
Piesse Lake Structure Plan and Residential Development
The Piesse Lake Structure Plan, approved by the WAPC, provides a framework for medium-density residential and aged persons accommodation. The 17.7 hectare site encompasses approximately 50 residential lots, an aged and dependent persons site, and nearly 11 hectares of public open space centered around the revitalised Piesse Park and Lake.
Katanning to Kojonup Pipeline Replacement
Replacement of 2.2 kilometres of a 60-year-old pipeline section between Katanning and Kojonup to enhance water supply security and reliability for over 530 homes and businesses in Kojonup and farmland in the Great Southern region. The project was jointly funded by the Federal and WA Governments through the National Water Grid Fund and delivered by Water Corporation and Benang Energy.
Katanning Energy Project
Community-led renewable energy initiative by Katanning Energy Pty Ltd providing tailored solar energy and battery solutions for local residents and businesses. The project aims to establish a localised micro-grid with intra-community trading and transition all 1,465 sites within the town boundary.
Katanning Supertown Heritage Centre Project
A comprehensive community development initiative in Katanning, WA, aimed at fostering growth and amenity. The project includes the Master Plan, the Welcome Precinct (All Ages Playground and Changing Places facility), Town Centre revitalisation (Cultural Precinct/Austral Terrace), Piesse Lake Residential Sub-Division, and Piesse Lake Park. Components like the Welcome Precinct, the KAARL Yarning Place, and the Shire Administration/Civic Building are completed.
Katanning Industrial Expansion Structure Plan (SPN/2029)
The Katanning Industrial Expansion Structure Plan (SPN/2029) is an approved structure plan that provides the statutory framework for staged industrial development east of the Katanning townsite. The precinct is intended to support industrial expansion associated with the Katanning Regional Sheep Saleyards and existing rural service industries. The structure plan remains operative and available through the Shire of Katanning and WA Government planning portals, with development expected to occur progressively as demand and subdivision proposals arise.
677 residents of Wagin are employed, from a labour force of 723. Unemployment sits at 6.4%, with participation at 55.3%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.5% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 1,209, about 79% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The labor force comprises a balanced mix of professional and manual roles across diverse industries, with an unemployment rate of 6.4% based on aggregated figures. There are 677 residents employed as of March 2026, while the unemployment rate is 2.9% higher than the Regional WA benchmark of 3.5%, and the participation rate is notably lower at 55.3% compared to 65.6% for Regional WA. Census records indicate that a minor 6.4% of employees worked from home, although the influence of pandemic restrictions should be kept in mind. The primary sectors employing residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.
There is a particularly high concentration of workers in agriculture, forestry & fishing, representing 1.8 times the regional average. Conversely, mining is underrepresented, employing 3.2% of workers compared to the regional average of 11.7%. The relationship between the census working population and resident population suggests that local employment opportunities are somewhat limited. According to labor market data, the labor force shrank by 5.6% and the number of employed residents fell by 8.8% over the 12-month period, which led to a 3.2 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate. In contrast, Regional WA saw a minor employment reduction of 0.1%, labor force expansion of 0.3%, and a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. National forecasts from May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia provide further context on potential demand. These five and ten-year forecasts have been aligned with local industries to project employment trends. Nationally, employment is projected to grow 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 among residents could rise by 5.5% over five years and 12.0% over ten years, representing a simple weighted extrapolation that does not incorporate local population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Wagin is $1,073 a week (about $56,000 a year), with median personal income at $621 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $42,923 a year against an average of $53,191. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
According to tax data from financial year 2023, taxpayers in this area earn less than the national average. The median income for taxpayers is $42,923, while the average income is $53,191, compared to Regional WA figures of $59,973 and $74,392. Adjusting for Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023 yields estimated values of approximately $47,614 for the median and $59,005 for the average as of March 2026. Census findings place household, family, and individual incomes between the 6th and 14th percentiles across Australia. Income brackets show 29.6% of taxpayers (453 individuals) earning between $400 - 799, whereas the dominant bracket in the wider region is $1,500 - 2,999 at 31.1%.
Even though residents retain 89.4% of their income after housing costs, overall disposable income sits at the 11th percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Wagin had 580 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 93% detached houses and 0% apartments. 31% are owned with a mortgage, 24% rented and 45% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $195 a week and the median mortgage repayment $932 a month. Rent absorbs 18.2% of household income here and mortgage repayments 20.0%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Census data shows that standalone houses make up 92.8% of the housing stock, while other housing types (including apartments, semi-detached, and alternative dwellings) account for 7.2%, compared to 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings across Regional WA. Home ownership is high at 44.8%, while mortgaged properties represent 30.9% and rental properties make up 24.3%. The median monthly mortgage payment is $932 and the median weekly rent is $195, compared to Regional WA averages of $1,560 and $265. Locally, mortgage costs are much lower than the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are also well below the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Wagin counted 580 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 613 today, averaging 2.1 people each. 16% are couples with children, fewer than in 94% of areas nationally, against 32% couples without children. 38% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.1 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up 60.2% of all households, consisting of couples with children at 15.6%, couples without children at 32.4%, and single-parent households at 10.5%. Non-family households represent the remaining 39.8%, with single-person households at 37.7% and group housing at 2.9%. The median household occupancy is 2.1 people, which is below the Regional WA average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
13.1% of adults in Wagin hold a university qualification, including 10.4% with a bachelor degree and 1.3% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 94% of areas nationally. A further 27.4% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 205 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 936 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Academic attainment levels present some difficulties, with university graduation rates (13.1%) falling well below the national figure of 30.4%. Among these, bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.4%, followed by graduate diplomas at 1.4% and postgraduate degrees at 1.3%. Conversely, vocational and practical training is common, with 33.5% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas at 6.1% and certificates at 27.4%. A significant proportion of the population is engaged in study, with 25.2% of residents currently enrolled in an educational institution. This group includes 10.4% in primary schools, 8.7% in secondary schools, and 0.7% attending higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Wagin means driving: households keep an average of 1.5 vehicles, and scheduled services reach only a handful of stops. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
There is 1 public transport stop in operation locally, offering bus services. This stop is serviced by 3 routes, which together provide 18 passenger trips per week. Transit access is modest, with residents living an average of 929 meters from the closest stop. Given the residential nature of the area, most workers commute out of the area, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode of travel at 89%, while 7% of residents walk. The average number of motor vehicles per household is 1.5. A small share of 6.4% of residents worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic measures.
Service frequency is estimated at 2 daily trips across the available routes, which translates to approximately 18 weekly departures at each stop location.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
59.0% of residents in Wagin report no long-term health condition. 6.6% need daily assistance with core activities, and 48.3% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.7 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Based on chronic illness trends and mortality data, health challenges are prominent in the community across various age groups, while the proportion of residents with private health insurance is low at roughly 48% (~739 people). This compares to a coverage rate of 56.4% in Regional WA and a national average of 55.7%. Arthritis and mental health concerns are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 12.6% and 8.2% of the population, while 59.0% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 69.3% in Regional WA. Health issues are elevated among working-age residents.
Seniors aged 65 and over make up 31.1% of the population (476 people), exceeding the Regional WA proportion of 19.2%. Seniors face particular health difficulties, ranking higher in health needs than the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Wagin is largely Australian-born, at 80.3% of residents, with 5.1% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (35.4%) and Australian (31.9%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
The local population has lower levels of cultural diversity compared to average benchmarks, with citizens representing 80.4% of residents, Australian-born individuals representing 80.3%, and monolingual English speakers representing 94.9%. Christianity is the predominant religious affiliation, claimed by 46.4% of the population. The most distinct variance is in the Other category, which accounts for 1.0% of residents compared to 0.7% across Regional WA. Looking at ancestral backgrounds, the most common heritages are English at 35.4%, Australian at 31.9%, and Scottish at 6.8%. There are also distinct representations for certain backgrounds compared to regional figures, including Maori ancestry at 2.3% (compared to 1.0% regionally), New Zealand heritage at 1.6% (compared to 0.9%), and Dutch ancestry at 1.8% (compared to 1.5%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Wagin is 50, older than 93% of areas nationally. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 20.3% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of 50 years is much higher than the Regional WA median of 40 and the national median of 38. The age distribution shows a high proportion of people aged 65 - 74 (17.7%), while the 45 - 54 bracket is small at 8.8% compared to Regional WA. The concentration of 65 - 74 year-olds is higher than the national share of 9.4%. Since 2021, the 25 to 34 age bracket rose from 9.9% to 11.3% of the population, and the 65 to 74 bracket rose from 16.5% to 17.7%.
In contrast, the 55 to 64 group declined from 17.2% to 14.7%, and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 10.7% to 8.8%. By 2041, demographic shifts are expected, led by a 31% expansion (53 people) in the 25 to 34 age bracket, growing from 173 to 227 residents. Meanwhile, the 75 to 84 and 65 to 74 brackets are projected to contract.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Wagin
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | May 2026 3 months ago all 13 measures |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 31 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (1,448 at the 2021 Census → 1,531 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL51501). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.