Wannanup

Wannanup lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Feb 2026, the population of the suburb of Wannanup is estimated at around 4,742, reflecting an increase of 600 people since the 2021 Census. This increase corresponds to a 14.5% growth rate, with the 2021 Census reporting a population of 4,142. AreaSearch's estimation of 4,723 residents is based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in Jun 2024 and an additional 45 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,510 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate since the 2021 census exceeded the national average of 9.9%, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 55% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Future population dynamics anticipate an above median growth, with the suburb projected to increase by 746 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 13.8% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Wannanup among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Wannanup recorded around 51 residential properties granted approval per year over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 257 homes. So far in FY-26, 25 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25 gained new residents at a rate of 2.3 per year. The average construction value for new homes was $508,000, indicating a focus on premium properties.

This financial year has seen $599,000 in commercial approvals, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Perth, Wannanup's construction activity per person is comparable, maintaining market balance with the broader area despite recent moderation in development activity. Nationally, however, developer confidence in Wannanup appears strong as it shows substantially higher construction activity. New building activity consists of 93.0% standalone homes and 7.0% townhouses or apartments, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space.

With around 120 people per dwelling approval, Wannanup exhibits characteristics of a growth area. AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Wannanup to grow by 655 residents through to 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Wannanup has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 27thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project expected to influence this region. Key projects include Yalgorup National Park Eco-Tourism Development, Timbers Edge Estate, Dawesville Community Centre (Djilba-Wardarn Bo), and Southern Beaches Coastal Hazard Risk Management and Adaptation Plan (CHRMAP). The following details those most likely to be relevant.

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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.

Wannanup ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Wannanup has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominently represented. The unemployment rate was 2.2% in September 2025, lower than Greater Perth's 4.0%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 9.4%.

As of September 2025, 2,201 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.8%, but workforce participation was lower at 55.7% compared to Greater Perth's 71.6%. Only 9.3% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts may have influenced this figure. Key industries for employment were mining, construction, and health care & social assistance. Mining had a particularly strong presence, with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services showed lower representation at 3.9% compared to the regional average of 8.2%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the ratio of Census working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 9.4%, labour force grew by 9.5%, with unemployment remaining largely unchanged. In contrast, Greater Perth experienced employment growth of 2.9% and labour force growth of 3.0%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Wannanup. National employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 12.2% over ten years, with differing growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Wannanup's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.2% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Wannanup has a median taxpayer income of $55,565 and an average income of $78,355 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. These figures are high nationally compared to Greater Perth's median income of $60,748 and average income of $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $60,910 (median) and $85,893 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Wannanup rank modestly, between the 22nd and 33rd percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 27.3% of locals (1,294 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, which is consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 32.0% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Wannanup, with only 83.0% of income remaining, ranking at the 32nd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Wannanup is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Wannanup, as per the latest Census, consisted of 90.7% houses and 9.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Perth metro's 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wannanup stood at 39.6%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (40.1%) or rented (20.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,885, lower than Perth metro's average of $1,907. The median weekly rent in Wannanup was recorded at $363, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Wannanup's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower than the national figure of $375.

Wannanup features high concentrations of family households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 77.6% of all households, including 27.1% couples with children, 38.4% couples without children, and 11.4% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 22.4%, with lone person households at 20.2% and group households making up 2.1%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Educational outcomes in Wannanup fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 14.7%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This discrepancy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 10.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 43.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (11.4%) and certificates (32.2%).

Educational participation is high, with 25.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.5% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 2.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 20 active stops operating within Wannanup, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are served by 3 individual routes, collectively providing 595 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 269 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to the area's residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode at 85%, with 5% using train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 9.3% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 85 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 29 weekly trips per stop.

Wannanup's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis of health metrics indicates robust performance across Wannanup, as per AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, showing very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.

The rate of private health cover was found to be high at approximately 58% of the total population (~2,765 people). The most prevalent medical conditions in the area were arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 9.6 and 6.5% of residents respectively, while 68.3% reported being completely free from medical ailments compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. Health outcomes among working-age individuals are generally typical. The area has 31.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,498 people), which is higher than the 16.3% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly aligning with those of the general population.

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

Wannanup's cultural diversity aligns with its wider region, with 70.5% born in Australia, 88.8% being citizens, and 94.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 49.3%. Judaism, however, is slightly overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to Greater Perth's 0.3%.

The top three parental ancestry groups are English (36.3%), Australian (24.6%), and Scottish (8.6%). Notably, Welsh (1.2% vs regional 0.7%) and Dutch (1.9% vs regional 1.5%) are overrepresented, while South African remains equal at 1.0%.

Wannanup hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Wannanup's median age is 48 years, significantly higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent at 19.0%, while the 25-34 group is smaller at 7.1% compared to Greater Perth. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is well above the national average of 9.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 6.6% to 10.5%, while the 65-74 cohort increased from 17.5% to 19.0%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort declined from 14.9% to 13.4%, and the 25-34 group dropped from 8.3% to 7.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Wannanup. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 69%, adding 342 residents to reach 840. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 85% of population growth, highlighting aging trends. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups.