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 November 2025, the estimated population of the Wannanup statistical area (Lv2) is around 4,742, reflecting an increase of 600 people since the 2021 Census. The population in 2021 was reported as 4,142. This growth represents a 14.5% increase and is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 4,723 residents following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), along with an additional 45 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 1,510 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the national average assessed by AreaSearch. This growth rate surpasses the national average of 9.7%, making Wannanup a regional growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 55% of overall population gains during recent periods, with other drivers such as overseas migration and natural growth also being positive factors.

AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a 2022 base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the 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 project an above median growth for statistical areas across the nation, with the Wannanup (SA2) expected to increase by 738 persons to reach a total of 5,480 by 2041, reflecting a 13.8% increase over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Wannanup recorded around 51 residential properties granted approval per year over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 257 homes. As of FY-26, 25 approvals have been recorded. Over these 5 years (FY-21 to FY-25), an average of 2.3 new residents was gained for each dwelling built, reflecting robust demand that supports property values. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $508,000, indicating a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This financial year has seen $599,000 in commercial approvals registered, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Perth, Wannanup shows comparable construction activity per person, maintaining market balance consistent with the broader area, though development activity has moderated in recent periods. Nationally, this is substantially higher, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. New building activity comprises 93.0% standalone homes and 7.0% townhouses or apartments, sustaining Wannanup'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. The latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate projects Wannanup to grow by 653 residents through to 2041. Current construction levels 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 31stth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. One major project identified by AreaSearch is likely to affect 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 relevant.

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

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

Wannanup's workforce is balanced between white and blue collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominent. Unemployment stands at 2.3%, with an estimated employment growth of 9.5% in the past year (AreaSearch data).

As of September 2025, 2,214 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.7%, below Greater Perth's 4.0%. Workforce participation is lower at 54.4% compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Key industries include mining, construction, and health care & social assistance. Mining dominates employment, with a share 1.9 times the regional level.

Professional & technical services are less represented at 3.9%, versus the regional average of 8.2%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 9.5% and labour force by 9.7%, unemployment rising by 0.1 percentage points (AreaSearch analysis). In contrast, Greater Perth saw employment growth of 2.9% and labour force growth of 3.0%. Statewide, WA's employment contracted by 0.27% between November 2024 and November 2025, losing 5,520 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.6%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts (May-25) project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wannanup's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 5.6% over five years and 12.2% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.

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

The suburb of Wannanup had a median taxpayer income of $55,565 and an average income of $78,355 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. Nationally, these figures are high compared to Greater Perth's median income of $60,748 and average income of $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of 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 fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, which is consistent with broader regional trends showing 32.0% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.0% of income remaining after housing costs, 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

Wannanup's dwelling structure, 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 85.0% houses and 15.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wannanup stood at 39.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.1% and rented ones at 20.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,885, exceeding Perth metro's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Wannanup was $363, compared to Perth metro's $300. 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 higher-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, larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.4.

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 Australia's average of 30.4%. This discrepancy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 43.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 11.4% and certificates at 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

Transport analysis shows 20 active stops operating within Wannanup. These are mixed bus routes. There are 3 individual routes serving these stops, collectively providing 595 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 269 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 85 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 29 weekly trips per stop.

Health outcomes in Wannanup are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Wannanup shows below-average health outcomes with common conditions slightly more prevalent across both younger and older age groups compared to average. Private health cover rate is very high at approximately 58% of the total population (~2,765 people), higher than Greater Perth's 56.0%.

The most common conditions are arthritis (9.6%) and mental health issues (6.5%). 68.3% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.6% in Greater Perth. Wannanup has 30.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,427 people), higher than Greater Perth's 27.5%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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 the broader area, with 70.5% born in Australia, 88.8% being citizens, and 94.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity is predominant, accounting for 49.3%. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to 0% in Greater Perth.

The top ancestral groups are English (36.3%), Australian (24.6%), and Scottish (8.6%). Some ethnicities show distinct differences: Welsh at 1.2% vs regional 0.8%, South African at 1.0% vs 0.8%, and Dutch at 1.9% vs 1.6%.

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

Wannanup's median age is 47 years, significantly higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 years and exceeding the national average of 38 years. The 65-74 age group comprises 18.3% of Wannanup's population, compared to Greater Perth's percentage, while the 25-34 age group makes up only 7.5%. This 65-74 concentration is notably higher than the national average of 9.4%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 6.6% to 9.8%, while the 55 to 64 cohort has decreased from 14.9% to 13.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling indicates significant changes in Wannanup's age profile. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 78%, adding 364 residents and reaching a total of 829. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 88% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 age groups.