Wanneroo

An assessment of population growth drivers in Wanneroo reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population for the Wanneroo statistical area (Lv2) is around 13,833, reflecting a 14.2% increase since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,113. This increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 13,406 as of June 2024, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 164 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 675 persons per square kilometer. Wanneroo's growth exceeded the national average (9.7%) since the 2021 census. Overseas migration contributed approximately 66.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers being positive factors. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered by this data and post-2032 estimations, 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). Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for the area, with an expected expansion to 15,217 persons by 2041, reflecting a 13.8% increase over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Wanneroo was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Wanneroo had around 102 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 513 homes. As of FY-26128 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling has added 2.2 new residents per year since FY-21 to FY-25, indicating strong demand which supports property values. The average construction cost value for new homes is $376,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting a focus on quality developments.

This financial year has seen $11.4 million in commercial approvals, indicating steady investment activity. Recent construction comprises 99.0% detached houses and 1.0% medium to high-density housing, maintaining Wanneroo's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes.

With around 80 people per approval, Wanneroo reflects a developing area. By 2041, AreaSearch estimates Wanneroo will grow by 1,906 residents. Current construction levels should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth beyond current forecasts.

Wanneroo has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 37 projects that could affect this region. Notable projects include Arbella Estate, Wanneroo Recreation Centre - New Sports Hub and Community Hub Upgrade, East Wanneroo District Structure Plan, and St. Andrews Urban Precinct (Hocking & Pearsall). The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

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.

Employment conditions in Wanneroo remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Wanneroo has a skilled workforce with the construction sector being particularly prominent. Its unemployment rate was 5.0% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 5.1%.

As of September 2025, 7,017 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 6.0%, which is 2.0% higher than Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Wanneroo was 60.8%, compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Employment is concentrated in construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Construction employment is notably high, at 1.5 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 5.2% versus the regional average of 8.2%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the Census working population count compared to resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 5.1%, while labour force increased by 3.6%, causing a decrease in unemployment rate of 1.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth experienced employment growth of 2.9% and labour force growth of 3.0%. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows WA employment contracted by 0.27% (losing 5,520 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.6%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest an expansion of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wanneroo's employment mix, local employment is estimated to increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.9% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Wanneroo has an income level below the national average, according to AreaSearch data based on the latest ATO figures for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Wanneroo is $49,091, with an average income of $59,538. This compares to Greater Perth's median and average incomes of $60,748 and $80,248 respectively. By September 2025, based on a 9.62% increase from the financial year 2023 Wage Price Index growth, estimated current incomes are approximately $53,814 (median) and $65,266 (average). The 2021 Census shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Wanneroo rank modestly, between the 34th and 39th percentiles. The largest income bracket comprises 32.9% of residents earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (4,551 residents), similar to the broader area where this cohort also represents 32.0%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Wanneroo, with only 83.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 39th percentile. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Wanneroo is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with strong rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Wanneroo, as per the latest Census, consisted of 86.9% houses and 13.2% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. Home ownership stood at 31.9%, with 46.2% of dwellings having a mortgage and 22.0% being rented out. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,736, while the median weekly rent was recorded as $350. Nationally, Wanneroo's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Wanneroo has a typical household mix, with a median household size of 2.5 people

Family households account for 71.2% of all households, including 31.2% couples with children, 27.3% couples without children, and 11.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 28.8%, with lone person households at 26.2% and group households comprising 2.7%. The median household size is 2.5 people.

Wanneroo shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate is 16.7%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (29.9%). Educational participation is high at 27.8%, comprising 10.0% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 4.4% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.0% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 4.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Wanneroo has 59 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by five different routes that collectively facilitate 1,319 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is considered good, with residents typically living within a distance of 307 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 188 trips per day across all routes, which translates to approximately 22 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Wanneroo is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Wanneroo faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Approximately 51% of its total population (~7,032 people) has private health cover. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (9.2%) and mental health issues (8.0%). Around 67.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 0% across Greater Perth. The area has 21.4% of residents aged 65 and over (2,960 people). Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Wanneroo was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Wanneroo's population showed cultural diversity, with 13.1% speaking a language other than English at home and 37.3% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 48.3%. Hinduism stood out with 1.8%, compared to none in Greater Perth.

The top three ancestry groups were English (33.1%), Australian (22.3%), and Irish (7.9%). Notably, Welsh (1.0%), South African (1.1%), and New Zealand (1.1%) groups were overrepresented compared to regional averages of none for each.

Wanneroo's median age exceeds the national pattern

At 41 years, Wanneroo's median age is significantly higher than the Greater Perth average of 37, and somewhat older than Australia's median age of 38. Compared to Greater Perth, the 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented in Wanneroo at 10.9%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 12.1%. Following the census conducted on 28 August 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 6.6% to 7.7% of Wanneroo's population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age cohort has decreased from 12.3% to 11.5%. Demographic projections suggest that by 2041, Wanneroo's age profile will change significantly. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 59%, adding 631 residents to reach a total of 1,697. This growth is part of an overall demographic aging trend, with residents aged 65 and older representing 64% of the anticipated population increase. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 age cohorts.