Waroona

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

As of Nov 2025, the Waroona statistical area's population is estimated at around 3,092. This reflects an increase of 224 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,868. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,071 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 12 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 12.8 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 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, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered 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). Future population trends project an above median growth for Australian non-metropolitan areas. The Waroona SA2 is expected to grow by 405 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 12.4% 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 an additional 9 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, 2.8 people moved to the area per new home constructed over these past five financial years, indicating healthy demand for housing.

The average construction cost value of new homes was $361,000. This year, there have been $1.2 million in commercial approvals. Compared to the Rest of WA, Waroona shows around 75% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 75th percentile nationally for development activity.

Recent building activity consists entirely of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes. Waroona reflects a developing area with approximately 160 people per approval. By 2041, Waroona is expected to grow by 385 residents. Existing development levels seem aligned with future requirements, suggesting stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Waroona has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 40thth percentile nationally

Two projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly: 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.

In the past year, unemployment was 6.8%, with an estimated employment growth of 6.4%. As of September 2025, 1,424 residents are employed, but unemployment is higher than Rest of WA's rate at 3.5%. Workforce participation in Waroona is lower at 52.7% compared to Rest of WA's 59.4%. Key industries include manufacturing, mining, and construction, with a significant specialization in manufacturing.

However, accommodation & food services are under-represented at 3.2%, compared to Rest of WA's 7.1%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the working population vs resident population count. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 6.4% and labour force grew by 5.6%, reducing unemployment by 0.7 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of WA where employment rose by 1.4%, labour force grew by 1.2%, and unemployment fell by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industries. 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.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that income in Waroona is slightly above average nationally. The median income is $50,846 and the average income stands at $69,391. This differs from Rest of WA's figures where the median income is $59,973 and the average income is $74,392. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $55,737 (median) and $76,066 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data indicates that household, family and personal incomes in Waroona all fall between the 13th and 17th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows that the largest segment comprises 26.1% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (807 residents), which is similar to the metropolitan region where 31.1% occupy this bracket. After housing costs, 85.9% of income remains, ranking at only the 20th percentile nationally.

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

Waroona's dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 90.6% houses and 9.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to 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 at $1,517 versus Australia's 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 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 comprise the remaining 31.0%, with lone person households at 28.6% and group households making up 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 presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 6.4%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.1%) and postgraduate qualifications (0.8%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 43.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (8.5%) and certificates (35.1%).

Educational participation is 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 operating, all of which are bus stops. 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.

Service frequency averages one trip per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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.

Approximately 55% (~1,692 people) have private health cover, which is relatively high. The most frequent medical issues are arthritis (affecting 11.9%) and asthma (8.1%). However, 62.1% of residents report being free from 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% (704 people), compared to 17.6% in the rest of WA. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are challenging but better than those for 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, found below average in cultural diversity, had 81.0% of its population born in Australia, with 88.2% being citizens and 92.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 53.4%. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to 0.0% across Rest of WA.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (34.2%), Australian (27.7%), and Italian (9.6%). There were significant differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: New Zealand was 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 years and above the national average of 38 years. 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 present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 10.4% to 11.9% of Waroona's population. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort has decreased from 14.5% to 11.9%, and the 45-54 group has dropped from 13.0% to 11.8%. By 2041, Waroona is projected to experience notable changes in its age composition. The 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 57% (171 people), reaching 475 from 303. Meanwhile, the 5-14 and 75-84 cohorts are anticipated to see population declines.