Waroona

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

Evaluations of ABS demographic releases for the wider region combined with new address validations by AreaSearch following the Census suggest that the population of the suburb of Waroona stands at approximately 3,130 in May 2026. This represents a growth of 262 people (9.1%) from the 2021 Census, when the head count was 2,868. This variation is derived from the resident population of 3,130, calculated by AreaSearch using the most recent ABS ERP statistics from June 2025 and 15 newly confirmed addresses since the Census. Such a population size translates to 13.0 persons per square kilometer, indicating a low-density environment with substantial space per resident. The post-Census expansion rate of 9.1% for the suburb of Waroona is within 0.2 percentage points of the national average (9.3%), highlighting competitive local growth dynamics. Net migration from other states was the primary engine of growth, accounting for roughly 67.0% of the overall population increase in recent times, though natural growth and overseas arrivals also made positive contributions.

AreaSearch utilizes projections compiled by the ABS and Geoscience Australia for individual SA2 regions, which were published in 2024 using 2022 as the baseline. For SA2 territories where this data is unavailable, and to calculate expansion in the years after 2032, AreaSearch applies the cohort-specific growth rates published by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections from 2023, based on 2022 statistics. Looking at future demographic patterns, population growth for non-metropolitan parts of Australia is expected to exceed the median, and the suburb of Waroona is projected to expand by 385 residents by 2041 under aggregated SA2-level forecasts, representing a total increase of 12.3% over the 16 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building permit statistics allocated from statistical areas, Waroona has averaged approximately 13 new residential approvals annually, totaling 66 approved homes over the past 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, alongside 15 approvals registered so far in FY-26. Over the past 5 financial years between FY-21 and FY-25, the area added an average of 2.8 people per year for every newly built home, pointing to solid demand that supports property values. The expected construction cost of these new homes averages $361,000, which is higher than the regional average and points to premium building quality. In addition, commercial development approvals reached $1.2 million this financial year, confirming the predominantly residential character of the locality.

Compared with the Rest of WA, Waroona achieves about 75% of the per capita construction volume, positioning it in the 75th percentile of areas evaluated nationwide, with development activity picking up in recent times. The latest building permits consist entirely of detached houses, preserving the established low-density aesthetic of the area and focusing on family-oriented properties that attract those wanting space. With approximately 163 residents per building approval, Waroona exhibits the traits of an expanding area.

Looking to the future, Waroona is anticipated to add 385 new residents by 2041, based on the latest quarterly calculations from AreaSearch. Residential construction is keeping pace with this projected growth, though prospective buyers may face increased competition as the population expands.

Waroona has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 26thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure, planning initiatives, and major developments have a significant impact on local performance. AreaSearch has identified 2 projects expected to influence the area. The key developments include the Waroona Energy Park (Solar and Battery Precinct), Railside Park, Waroona Town Centre Revitalisation, Additional Australind Trains Procurement, and Myalup Offshore Windfarm, with the list below detailing the most relevant projects.

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Employment conditions in Waroona face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Waroona features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with the construction sector a particular standout in terms of representation, an unemployment rate of 7.0%, and 0.6% in estimated employment growth over the past year, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 1,395 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 3.5% above Regional WA's rate of 3.5%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (57.7% compared to Regional WA's 65.6%). Based on Census responses, a low 7.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise manufacturing, mining, and construction. The area has particular employment specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share of 2.9 times the regional level. On the other hand, accommodation & food is under-represented, with only 3.2% of Waroona's workforce compared to 7.1% in Regional WA. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, aggregated from broader statistical areas, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 0.6% alongside labour force increasing by 0.7%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional WA, where employment contracted by 0.1%, the labour force grew by 0.3%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Waroona. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Waroona's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.7% over five years and 11.1% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 reveals that income in the suburb of Waroona is slightly above average nationally, with the median assessed at $50,846 while the average income stands at $69,391. This contrasts to Regional WA's figures of a median income of $59,973 and an average income of $74,392. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $56,403 (median) and $76,975 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Waroona all fall between the 13th and 17th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows the largest segment comprises 26.1% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (816 residents), mirroring the metropolitan region where 31.1% occupy this bracket. After housing, 85.9% of income remains, though this ranks at only the 20th percentile nationally.

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

Residential structures in the local area, according to the most recent Census, consisted of 90.6% standalone houses and 9.4% other dwelling types like semi-detached properties, apartments, or alternative accommodation, compared to 88.5% houses and 11.6% other options in Regional WA. Home ownership rates were notably higher than the regional average, with 44.4% of homes owned outright, while the remaining properties were either mortgaged (35.2%) or rented (20.4%). The median monthly home loan repayment was below the Regional WA average at $1,517, and the median weekly rent stood at $270, compared to regional benchmarks of $1,560 and $265. On a national level, mortgage repayments are considerably below the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are much lower than the national benchmark of $375.

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

Family units are the dominant household type at 69.0% of the total, consisting of 25.8% couples raising children, 32.8% couples without children, and 9.9% single-parent households. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 31.0%, comprising 28.6% single-occupant homes and 2.2% shared group households. The median household size of 2.4 residents is slightly below the Regional WA average of 2.5.

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

The local community experiences notable educational disparities, with university graduation rates of 8.3% falling far short of the national average of 30.4%. This gap represents both an educational obstacle and an opportunity for focused learning programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 6.4%, followed by graduate diplomas at 1.1% and postgraduate qualifications at 0.8%. Vocational and technical skills are highly prevalent, with 43.6% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of 8.5% with advanced diplomas and 35.1% with certificates.

Engagement in learning is quite high, with 26.4% of the population currently registered in formal education programs. Within this student cohort, 10.5% are in primary school, 8.6% attend secondary school, and 1.8% are enrolled in tertiary programs.

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

Analysis of the local network reveals 3 public transit stops in operation within the suburb of Waroona, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 1 routes, which provide a total of 8 weekly passenger services. Transport access is classified as limited, with residents living an average of 679 meters from the closest stop. Given the residential nature of the area, most workers commute outside the locality, with private cars remaining the primary travel mode at 90% and 4% of people walking. Household car ownership averages 1.7 vehicles. A small proportion of residents (7.1%) worked from home during the 2021 Census, which could reflect pandemic-related travel restrictions.

Transit service frequency averages 1 departure per day across the network, which translates to approximately 2 weekly services at each individual stop.

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

The local community faces considerable health difficulties, according to AreaSearch indicators regarding mortality rates and the occurrence of chronic conditions, which are prevalent in both younger and older segments, while the rate of private health insurance is relatively high, covering about 55% of the population, which equals approximately 1,713 individuals.

Arthritis and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 11.9% and 8.1% of the population, respectively. Meanwhile, 62.1% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 69.3% in Regional WA. Working-age individuals show a higher-than-average incidence of long-term health issues. Residents aged 65 and over make up 23.9% of the population (748 people), compared to 19.2% in Regional WA. Seniors face several health challenges, with local rankings in line with general national levels.

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

Cultural diversity indicators are below average in this area, where 81.0% of residents were born in Australia, 88.2% hold citizenship, and 92.6% use English as their sole language at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 53.4% of the population. The most prominent religious overrepresentation is Judaism, which accounts for 0.1% of the local population compared to none across Regional WA.

In terms of parental heritage, the three largest ancestry groups are English at 34.2%, Australian at 27.7%, and Italian at 9.6%, which is much higher than the regional level of 3.0%. Other ethnic cohorts show distinct differences: New Zealand ancestry stands at 1.0% locally compared to 0.9% regionally, Maori ancestry is 0.6% compared to 1.0% regionally, and Australian Aboriginal heritage represents 2.8% of the population compared to 6.1% regionally.

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

Waroona's median age of 48 years stands notably exceeding Regional WA's 40 similarly considerably older than the national norm of 38. Compared to the Regional WA average, the 55 - 64 cohort is notably over-represented (16.3% locally), while 35 - 44 year-olds are under-represented (11.1%). This 55 - 64 concentration is well above the national 11.2%. In the period since 2021, the 55 to 64 age group has grown from 15.2% to 16.3% of the population, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 9.0% to 10.1%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 14.5% to 12.4% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 13.0% to 11.9%. Demographic modeling suggests Waroona's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to see notable expansion, expanding by 143 people (46%) from 316 to 460. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 75 to 84 and 15 to 24 cohorts.