Wandina

Population growth drivers in Wandina are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on demographic evaluations from the ABS for the surrounding region, combined with fresh street address details verified by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Wandina has a population projected to be approximately 4,633 as of May 2026. This represents an addition of 258 people (5.9%) from the 2021 Census, which recorded 4,375 residents. The calculation originates from a resident count of 4,610 estimated by AreaSearch after assessing the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) along with an extra 17 validated new addresses registered after the Census date. This population size equates to a density of 1,443 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical level across Australian localities tracked by AreaSearch. Throughout the past ten years, the suburb of Wandina has shown steady growth with a compound annual growth rate of 1.0%, outpacing the SA3 region. Demographic growth locally was largely supported by natural increase, which accounted for roughly 64.0% of the overall population rise during recent timeframes.

AreaSearch applies regional projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia for individual SA2 sectors, which were published in 2024 with 2022 as the baseline. For any SA2 sectors omitted from these releases, and to model trends beyond 2032, AreaSearch incorporates age-cohort growth percentages sourced from the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (published in 2023, referencing 2022 data). Looking at future demographic shifts, regional areas nationwide are expected to experience above-median growth, with the suburb of Wandina projected to add 762 residents by 2041 based on compiled SA2 projections, representing a total expansion of 15.9% across the 16 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Wandina recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Analysis by AreaSearch of ABS building approvals allocated to this sector shows that the suburb of Wandina has averaged around 4 residential approvals annually, totaling an estimated 23 properties during the previous 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 13 so far in FY-26. With an average of 6.6 new occupants per constructed home arriving each year over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is outstripping new supply, which commonly drives price appreciation and intensifies competition among buyers, while new properties feature an average building cost of $389,000—slightly higher than the regional benchmark—pointing to a focus on premium builds. Furthermore, commercial approvals totaling $49,000 have been registered in the current financial year, reinforcing the mainly residential profile of the area.

Relative to Rest of WA, the suburb of Wandina registers minimal building activity, standing at 76.0% below the regional per-capita average. This limited addition of new stock generally bolsters demand and valuations for established housing, even though building approvals have risen recently. This volume also trails the national standard, reflecting the mature phase of the suburb of Wandina and indicating potential development limits. Additionally, recent residential construction has consisted entirely of standalone houses, reinforcing the low-density character of the neighborhood with a supply of family-oriented properties. The suburb of Wandina has roughly 400 residents for every residential building approval, indicating a highly established setting.

Projecting forward, the suburb of Wandina is anticipated to increase its resident count by 739 individuals by 2041, based on the latest quarterly calculations from AreaSearch. If current building velocities persist, the volume of new housing may fall short of demographic expansion, which could heighten buyer competition and foster upward pressure on property prices.

Wandina has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure projects, major works, and municipal planning strategies have a substantial impact on regional performance. AreaSearch has tracked 4 significant projects that are expected to influence this locality. Primary works include the Meru Waste Management Facility Gas Flaring System Project, the Revised Wandina Structure Plan, the Geraldton Cycle Network Expansion Project, and the Wandina Tiny Social Homes initiative, with details provided below on the most significant schemes.

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Employment conditions in Wandina rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Wandina features a capable labor pool, with strong representation across critical service industries. The unemployment rate stands at 1.1%, and there has been an estimated employment growth of 2.9% during the previous year, according to aggregated statistical area data from AreaSearch. By March 2026, 2,447 individuals are employed, and the local unemployment rate is 2.4% lower than the 3.5% recorded for Regional WA. Workforce participation reaches 71.2%, which exceeds the Regional WA average of 65.6%. Census data indicates that only 4.4% of residents work from home, though the lingering effects of Covid-19 lockdowns should be taken into account.

The primary sectors employing residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety. There is a notable concentration in health care & social assistance, with its employment share reaching 1.5 times the regional proportion. Conversely, resource extraction is under-represented, employing only 5.6% of the workforce compared to 11.7% in Regional WA. This primarily residential locality appears to provide limited jobs within its borders, as shown by the comparison of Census workplace data against the resident workforce.

AreaSearch evaluations of SALM and ABS statistics for the broader region show that over the 12-month window, local employment rose by 2.9% alongside a 2.9% expansion of the labor pool, leaving the unemployment level practically unchanged. In contrast, Regional WA registered a minor employment reduction of 0.1%, labor force expansion of 0.3%, and a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. National forecasts released in May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia provide further context regarding future demand. These five and ten-year forecasts have been combined with the local worker profile to estimate future trends. Nationally, total employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though individual industries vary widely. Weighting these sectoral projections against the resident workforce suggests local employment would rise by 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, representing a simple proportional extrapolation that excludes local demographic projections.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

According to the latest postcode-level tax statistics from the ATO for the 2023 financial year, personal incomes in the suburb of Wandina exceed the national benchmarks, showing a median value of $58,264 and an average value of $72,719. This compares to Regional WA averages of $59,973 (median) and $74,392 (average). Adjusting for a 10.93% Wage Price Index increase since the 2023 financial year yields estimated figures of approximately $64,632 for the median and $80,667 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census shows that household, family, and individual incomes are all positioned strongly, ranking in the 78th to 80th percentiles nationally. The largest income bracket contains 39.0% of local earners (1,806 people) who receive weekly income between $1,500 and $2,999, mirroring broader metropolitan patterns where 31.1% fall into this bracket. Economic strength is also evident in the 31.0% of households that record high weekly earnings above $3,000, which sustains strong local spending. After paying for housing, locals retain 86.9% of their earnings, indicating strong disposable income, and the suburb's SEIFA index puts it in the 6th decile.

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

Residential structures in the suburb of Wandina at the time of the latest Census consisted of 89.8% standalone houses and 10.2% alternative options like semi-detached homes and apartments, compared to 88.5% standalone houses and 11.6% other options across Regional WA. However, home ownership rates in the suburb of Wandina were lower than the Regional WA average, sitting at 23.5%, with the remaining properties occupied by mortgage holders (45.3%) or renters (31.2%). The median monthly home loan payment was significantly above the Regional WA average at $1,790, and the median weekly rent stood at $340, compared to regional benchmarks of $1,560 and $265. Nationally, monthly repayments are below the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are lower than the national median of $375.

Wandina features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Families represent the vast majority of households at 82.4%, consisting of couples with children at 42.6%, couples without children at 27.8%, and single parent households at 11.3%. Non-family households account for the remaining 17.6% of homes, with single person households representing 15.3% and group housing making up 2.3%. The typical household size of 2.9 individuals is larger than the Regional WA average of 2.5.

Educational attainment in Wandina aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

Educational attainment levels in the suburb of Wandina are lower than wider regional averages, with 21.2% of individuals aged 15 and over having earned a university degree, compared to 30.4% across Australia. This difference suggests scope for further skill development and training. Bachelor degrees are the most common credential at 14.4%, followed by postgraduate degrees (4.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational qualifications are highly prevalent, with 41.5% of residents aged 15 and over holding technical credentials, comprising advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificates (30.3%).

School and study participation is exceptionally strong, with 34.7% of the population enrolled in an educational program. This contains 14.4% of residents in primary school, 10.7% in high school, and 2.2% studying at the tertiary level.

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

Analysis of public transit options shows 21 operational transit stops within the suburb of Wandina, consisting of bus services. These stops are connected to 2 distinct bus routes, which together offer 80 weekly passenger trips. Access to public transit is rated favorably, with residents living an average of 211 meters from their nearest transit stop. Given the residential profile, the majority of working residents travel outside the area, with private vehicles serving as the primary transport mode at 95%. Households own an average of 1.7 vehicles. A low 4.4% of residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 dynamics.

Transit service frequency averages 11 daily trips across all routes, which corresponds to roughly 3 weekly trips for each transit stop.

Wandina'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 indicators demonstrate positive outcomes for the population of the suburb of Wandina, with mortality rates and medical conditions matching national benchmarks. Standard levels of common illnesses are seen across both young and senior age cohorts, while the proportion of residents with private health insurance is very high at approximately 56% of the population, representing about 2,597 people.

The most prevalent medical concerns locally are asthma and mental health conditions, affecting 8.3 and 7.4% of residents, respectively, while 73.0% of the population reported no chronic health issues, compared to 69.3% across Regional WA. Health profiles for working-age residents are generally standard. The suburb of Wandina has 11.5% of its population aged 65 and over (532 people), which is lower than the Regional WA proportion of 19.2%. Health indicators for senior residents are highly positive, outperforming general population averages.

In terms of cultural diversity, Wandina records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

The suburb of Wandina exhibits higher cultural diversity than average, with 19.5% of residents born outside Australia and 13.5% using a non-English language at home. Christianity is the primary religious affiliation, representing 52.5% of local residents. The most pronounced religious variance is in Islam, which is followed by 3.1% of the population compared to 0.8% across Regional WA.

Regarding family heritage and parental birthplaces, the three largest ancestries in the suburb of Wandina are Australian at 29.1%, English at 28.7%, and Other at 7.2%. There are also differences in other ethnic communities, with South Australian backgrounds representing 1.8% of the population (compared to 0.6% regionally), Maori representing 0.8% (compared to 1.0%), and Australian Aboriginal residents representing 4.6% (compared to 6.1%).

Wandina hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Having a median age of 34, the suburb of Wandina is younger than Regional WA where the median is 40, and also younger than the national average of 38 years. Children aged 5 to 14 make up a substantial 17.5% of the population, whereas seniors in the 65 to 74 range are less common at 5.9%. This proportion of 5 to 14 year olds is higher than the national share of 12.0%. Since 2021, the 35 to 44 age range has increased from 15.6% to 17.1% of the total population, while the 5 to 14 bracket has decreased from 18.6% to 17.5%. Projections to 2041 indicate changes in the age profile, with the 25 to 34 age bracket expected to grow by 40% (adding 247 people) to reach 864 compared to 616. Conversely, both the 65 to 74 and 15 to 24 cohorts are expected to decrease.