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 Nov 2025, the population of the suburb of Wannanup is estimated at around 4,749 people. This reflects an increase of 607 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,142 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,725 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), and an additional 45 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,512 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 14.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded both the national average (8.9%) and the state average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 55.00000000000001% of overall population gains during recent periods.

All drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is utilising the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Anticipating future population dynamics, an above median population growth of statistical areas across the nation is projected for the suburb, with an expected increase of 739 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 13.6% 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 allocated from statistical area data shows Wannanup recorded around 47 residential properties granted approval per year over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 238 homes. So far in FY-26, 16 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling built attracted approximately 2.5 new residents annually between FY-21 and FY-25, reflecting robust demand that supports property values. New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $508,000.

This financial year has seen $6.1 million in commercial approvals, indicating the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Perth, Wannanup has similar development levels per person, preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas, which is well above national average reflecting strong developer confidence. Recent construction comprises 96.0% detached dwellings and 4.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's suburban nature that attracts space-seeking buyers. With around 109 people per approval, Wannanup reflects a developing area.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Wannanup is expected to grow by 647 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Wannanup has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 11thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely affecting the region: 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) are key initiatives. The following details projects most relevant to the area.

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

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AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Wannanup performing better than 85% of local markets assessed across Australia

Wannanup has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent.

The unemployment rate was 1.9% as of June 2025. Employment grew by an estimated 7.7% in the past year. There were 2,151 residents employed in June 2025, with an unemployment rate of 2.0%, lower than Greater Perth's 3.9%. Workforce participation was 54.4%, compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%.

Leading employment industries included mining, construction, and health care & social assistance. Mining had a notable concentration, with employment levels at 1.9 times the regional average. Professional & technical services had limited presence, with 3.9% employment compared to 8.2% regionally. Employment opportunities locally might be limited, as indicated by Census data comparing working population and resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 7.7% while labour force grew by 7.3%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In Greater Perth, employment rose by 3.7%, labour force grew by 3.8%, and unemployment increased by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

Wannanup's median income among taxpayers was $55,565 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $78,355 during the same period. These figures compare to Greater Perth's median and average incomes of $58,380 and $78,020 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% from financial year 2022 to September 2025, current estimates for Wannanup would be approximately $63,455 (median) and $89,481 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Wannanup rank modestly between the 22nd and 33rd percentiles. The predominant income cohort spans 27.3% of locals (1,296 people) with incomes ranging from $1,500 to $2,999. This pattern is similar to that seen in the broader area where 32.0% of residents fall within this income range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Wannanup, with only 83.0% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 32nd percentile nationally. 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 structures, 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, higher than Perth metro's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Wannanup was recorded at $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 account for 77.6% of all households, including 27.1% that are couples with children, 38.4% that are couples without children, and 11.4% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 22.4%, with lone person households at 20.2% and group households comprising 2.1%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is 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 the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are 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 such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 11.4% and certificates at 32.2%.

Educational participation is high, with 25.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.5% in primary, 8.0% in secondary, and 2.5% in tertiary education. Falcon Primary School serves the local area with an enrollment of 540 students as of a recent report. The school caters to typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 996) with balanced educational opportunities, focusing exclusively on primary education while secondary options are available nearby. School places per 100 residents stand at 11.4, below the regional average of 15.2, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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 in Wannanup, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by three individual routes, offering a total of 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, resulting in 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's health indicators show below-average outcomes with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age groups. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 58% of the total population (2,769 people), compared to 54.9% across Greater Perth.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 9.6 and 6.5% of residents respectively, while 68.3% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.6% across Greater Perth. As of the latest data (2016), 30.1% of residents are aged 65 and over (1,429 people), which is higher than the 27.5% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even 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% of residents born in Australia and 88.8% being citizens. English is spoken exclusively at home by 94.7%. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 49.3%.

Judaism, however, is more prevalent in Wannanup at 0.2%, compared to 0.0% in Greater Perth. The top three ancestral groups are English (36.3%), Australian (24.6%), and Scottish (8.6%). Notably, Welsh (1.2%) South African (1.0%) and Dutch (1.9%) populations are higher than the regional averages of 0.8%, 0.8% and 1.6% respectively.

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

Wannanup's median age is 47 years, which is higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 years and exceeds 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 cohort makes up 7.5%. This concentration in the 65-74 age group is higher than the national average of 9.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 6.6% to 9.8%, while the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 14.9% to 13.8%. Demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Wannanup's age profile by 2041, with the 75 to 84 cohort projected to grow by 78%, adding 363 residents to reach 829. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 89% of population growth, indicating demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 age cohorts.