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 ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of Feb 2026, Waroona's estimated population is around 3,101. This reflects an increase of 233 people (8.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,868. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,071, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 13 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 12.9 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Waroona has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.1%, outpacing the Rest of WA. 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, 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. Future population trends project an above median growth for Australian non-metropolitan areas, with Waroona expected to grow by 397 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 11.9% in total over the 17 years.

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

Waroona recorded approximately 13 residential properties granted approval annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 67 homes were approved, with a further 9 approved in FY-26. On average, about 2.8 people moved to the area per new home constructed over these years, indicating healthy demand for property.

The average construction cost value of new homes was $361,000, higher than regional norms due to quality-focused development. This financial year has seen $1.2 million in commercial approvals, reflecting Waroona's residential nature. Compared to the Rest of WA, Waroona shows around 75% of construction activity per person and is among the 75th percentile nationally for development activity, though recent periods have shown increased activity.

All building activity consists of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's low density character focused on family homes. With approximately 160 people per approval, Waroona reflects a developing area. By 2041, Waroona is expected to grow by 368 residents. Existing development levels seem aligned with future requirements, suggesting stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Waroona has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 31stth 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.

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

Waroona has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent. Unemployment rate was 6.8% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 6.4%.

As of September 2025, 1,417 residents are employed while unemployment rate is 3.5% higher than Rest of WA's rate of 3.3%. Workforce participation is lower at 59.7%, compared to Rest of WA's 67.2%. Only 7.1% of residents work from home. Leading industries include manufacturing, mining, and construction.

Manufacturing has a significant share of employment at 2.9 times the regional level. However, accommodation & food services are under-represented with only 3.2% of Waroona's workforce compared to 7.1% in Rest of WA. The area may have limited local employment opportunities. In the 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 6.4%, while labour force grew by 5.5%, reducing unemployment rate by 0.8 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of WA's figures: employment rose by 1.4%, labour force grew by 1.2%, and unemployment fell by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Waroona's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.7% over five years and 11.1% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Waroona's postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows median income at $50,846 and average income at $69,391. This is higher than Rest of WA's median income of $59,973 and average income of $74,392. Based on a 9.62% increase since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 are approximately $55,737 (median) and $76,066 (average). According to Census 2021 data, Waroona's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 13th and 17th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 26.1% of residents earn $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, similar to metropolitan regions where 31.1% are in this bracket. After housing costs, 85.9% of income remains, ranking at the 20th percentile nationally.

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

As per the latest Census evaluation in Waroona, 90.6% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 9.4% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is compared to Non-Metro WA's 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Waroona's home ownership rate stood at 44.4%, with mortgaged properties at 35.2% and rented ones at 20.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,517, lower than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,560. The median weekly rent figure in Waroona was recorded at $270, similar to Non-Metro WA's $265. Nationally, Waroona's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 constitute 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 account for 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 Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the 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 them, including advanced diplomas (8.5%) and certificates (35.1%). Educational participation is high, with 26.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 10.5% in primary, 8.6% in secondary, and 1.8% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.5% in primary education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 1.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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 of which operate buses. These stops are served by one route collectively offering eight weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically located 679 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents in this primarily residential area commute outward, predominantly using cars (90%), with 4% walking. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 7.1% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages one trip per day across all routes, equating to approximately two weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Waroona faces significant health challenges as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 55% (~1697 people) of Waroona's total population has private health cover, which is relatively high. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis (affecting 11.9% of residents) and asthma (8.1%). Conversely, 62.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.3% across the rest of WA. Working-age residents show a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions than average. Waroona has 22.5% (697 people) of its residents aged 65 and over, which is higher than the 19.2% in the rest of WA. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with 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, as per the census conducted on 27 June 2016, had a population with 81.0% born in Australia, 88.2% being citizens, and 92.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 53.4%. Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.1%, 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%), with Italians being substantially higher than the regional average of 3.0%. Notably, New Zealanders were overrepresented at 1.0%, Maori at 0.6%, and Australian Aboriginals at 2.8%, compared to their respective regional averages of 0.9%, 1.0%, and 6.1%.

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

Waroona's median age is 47 years, significantly higher than Rest of WA's 40 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of WA, Waroona has a higher percentage of residents aged 55-64 (16.4%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (10.3%). This 55-64 concentration is well above the national average of 11.2%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 10.4% to 11.9%, while the 25 to 34 cohort has risen from 9.0% to 10.3%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has decreased from 14.5% to 11.7% and the 45 to 54 group has fallen from 13.0% to 11.7%. By 2041, Waroona's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 25 to 34 group is projected to grow by 48%, reaching 472 people from the current 319. Meanwhile, the 75 to 84 and 15 to 24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.