Waroona

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

Based on analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Waroona's population is estimated at around 3,060 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 192 people (6.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,868 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,046, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS on June 2024, and an additional 12 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 12.7 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Waroona has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.2%, outpacing non-metro areas. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 67.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth across all areas post-2032, 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). As we examine future population trends, an above median population growth of Australian non-metropolitan areas is projected for Waroona, with the suburb expected to grow by 403 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 13.6% over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Waroona when compared nationally

Waroona has recorded approximately 14 residential properties granted approval annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 71 homes were approved, with an additional 5 approved in FY-26 to date. On average, about 2.6 people have moved to the area per new home constructed over these five financial years, indicating strong demand for housing.

The average expected construction cost value of new homes is $361,000, which is below regional norms and reflects more affordable housing options in Waroona. This year alone, there have been $603,000 in commercial approvals, demonstrating the area's residential nature. Compared to the rest of WA, Waroona shows around 75% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 80th percentile nationally for development activity.

Recent building activity consists entirely of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's low density character with a focus on family homes. With approximately 138 people per approval, Waroona reflects a developing area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Waroona is expected to grow by 415 residents through to 2041. Current development levels appear aligned with future requirements, suggesting stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Waroona has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 13thth percentile nationally

Two projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area: Waroona Energy Park (Solar and Battery Precinct) and Railside Park. Other notable projects include Waroona Town Centre Revitalisation, Additional Australind Trains Procurement, and Myalup Offshore Windfarm.

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.

The labour market performance in Waroona lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Waroona's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector has notable representation.

In the past year, ending June 2025, unemployment stood at 7.2% with an estimated employment growth of 6.1%. As of June 2025, 1418 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 4.0%, higher than Rest of WA's 3.2%. Workforce participation in Waroona is lower at 52.7% compared to Rest of WA's 59.4%. Manufacturing, mining, and construction are leading employment industries among residents.

Manufacturing is particularly specialized with an employment share 2.9 times the regional level. Conversely, accommodation & food services are under-represented at 3.2%, compared to 7.1% in Rest of WA. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Over a 12-month period ending Sep-22, employment increased by 6.1% while labour force grew by 5.3%, reducing unemployment by 0.8 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of WA where employment rose by 1.1%, labour force grew by 0.5%, and unemployment fell by 0.6 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest future demand within Waroona. These projections estimate national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Waroona's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 4.7% over five years and 11.1% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 30, 2022 shows median income in Waroona was $50,846 and average income was $69,391. This compares to Rest of WA's median income of $57,323 and average income of $71,163. Assuming a 14.2% Wage Price Index growth since June 2022, estimated median income in Waroona as of September 2025 would be approximately $58,066, with average income at around $79,245. According to Census 2021 data, incomes in Waroona fall between the 13th and 17th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The largest income segment consists of 26.1% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, with 798 residents in this bracket, similar to metropolitan regions where 31.1% fall into this category. After housing costs, 85.9% of income remains, ranking at the 20th percentile nationally for disposable income.

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

Waroona's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 90.6% houses and 9.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Non-Metro WA's 88.1% houses and 11.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Waroona stood at 44.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.2% and rented ones at 20.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, lower than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,616. Median weekly rent in Waroona was $270, compared to Non-Metro WA's $300. Nationally, Waroona's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Waroona has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 69.0% of all households, including 25.8% couples with children, 32.8% couples without children, and 9.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 31.0%, with lone person households at 28.6% and group households comprising 2.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Rest of WA average of 2.5.

Waroona faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 8.3%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 6.4%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.1%) and postgraduate qualifications (0.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.6% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (8.5%) and certificates (35.1%).

Educational participation is high at 26.4%, comprising 10.5% in primary education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 1.8% pursuing tertiary education. The area has two schools serving 445 students: St Joseph's School and Waroona District High School. The schools' educational conditions are varied (ICSEA: 945), with a mix of one primary and one K-12 school.

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

Waroona has three active public transport stops, all serving buses. One route operates at these stops, offering a total of eight weekly passenger trips. Residents have limited access to transportation, with an average distance of 679 meters to the nearest stop.

Services run once daily on average across all routes, resulting in about two weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Waroona is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

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

Private health cover is high, at approximately 55% (around 1,675 people). The most frequent medical issues are arthritis (affecting 11.9%) and asthma (8.1%). Notably, 62.1% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 66.4% in the rest of WA. Waroona has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 22.8% (697 people), compared to 17.6% in the rest of WA. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are challenging but better than those of the general population.

Waroona ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Waroona's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 81.0% of its population born in Australia, 88.2% being citizens, and 92.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Waroona, comprising 53.4% of people. However, Judaism was notably overrepresented, making up 0.1% of the population compared to 0.0% across the rest of WA.

The top three ancestry groups were English (34.2%), Australian (27.7%), and Italian (9.6%). Notably, New Zealanders were overrepresented at 1.0%, Maori at 0.6%, and Australian Aboriginal at 2.8%.

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

Waroona's median age is 47 years, which is significantly higher than Rest of WA's 40 and Australia's national average of 38. Compared to Rest of WA, Waroona has a higher proportion of residents aged 55-64 (16.0%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (9.8%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 35-44 has grown from 10.4% to 11.9%, while the 65-74 age group has declined from 14.5% to 11.9%. The 45-54 age group has also decreased, from 13.0% to 11.9%. By 2041, Waroona's age composition is projected to change significantly. The 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 58%, increasing from 299 to 474 people. Conversely, the 75-84 and 15-24 age groups are predicted to experience population declines.