Willagee

Population growth drivers in Willagee are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the Willagee statistical area's population is estimated at around 6,288 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 841 people (15.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,447 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 6,075 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 61 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,008 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The Willagee's 15.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.7%), along with the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 55.00000000000001% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is utilising the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth of national areas is projected, with the Willagee statistical area expected to grow by 985 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 12.3% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Willagee among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Willagee has experienced around 50 dwellings receiving development approval per year. Approximately 252 homes were approved over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, with a further 20 approved so far in FY-26. Each dwelling built over these five years has resulted in an average of 2.9 new residents per year, indicating healthy demand for housing.

The average expected construction cost value of new homes being built is $445,000, suggesting developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. This financial year alone, there have been $2.5 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating Willagee's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Perth, Willagee shows moderately higher building activity, with 41.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period.

This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values, although development activity has moderated in recent periods. Recent construction comprises 68.0% detached houses and 32.0% attached dwellings, featuring an increasing blend of attached housing types offering choices across price ranges. The location has approximately 145 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Looking ahead, Willagee is expected to grow by 772 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Willagee has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 36thth percentile nationally

No infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could impact the area. Key projects include Kardinya Park Shopping Centre Redevelopment, Kardinya District Centre Precinct Structure Plan, Fremantle to Murdoch and Cockburn Central Transport Capacity, and Santa Clara Estate.

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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Willagee recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Willagee has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 5.9% as of September 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.8%. There were 3,347 residents in work while the unemployment rate was 1.9% higher than Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation was lower, at 62.4% compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade.

The area has a strong specialization in education & training, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. Mining has limited presence, with 5.4% employment compared to 7.0% regionally. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 3.8% while labour force increased by 4.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth saw employment rise by 2.9%. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 shows WA employment contracted by 0.27% with an unemployment rate of 4.6%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest total employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Willagee's employment mix, local employment is estimated to increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released on June 30, 2023, Willagee had a median income among taxpayers of $63,923 and an average income of $97,128. Nationally, these figures are exceptionally high compared to the median and average incomes of $60,748 and $80,248 across Greater Perth respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Willagee would be approximately $70,072 (median) and $106,472 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that household, family, and personal incomes in Willagee cluster around the 50th percentile nationally. Specifically, 28.0% of individuals in Willagee earn between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,760 individuals), which is similar to the metropolitan region where this cohort also represents 32.0%. The suburb exhibits notable income diversity with 30.4% earning under $800 weekly and 25.1% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating a mixed socioeconomic profile. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Willagee, with only 82.0% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 43rd percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Willagee is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Willagee's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 79.4% houses and 20.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Perth metro's 76.5% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Willagee was at 20.1%, with the rest either mortgaged (42.9%) or rented (37.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Willagee was $1,967, below Perth metro's average of $2,200. Median weekly rent in Willagee was $283, compared to Perth metro's $400. Nationally, Willagee's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially lower at $375.

Willagee features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 62.6% of all households, including 26.0% couples with children, 20.6% couples without children, and 14.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 37.4%, with lone person households at 32.8% and group households comprising 4.5%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Educational attainment in Willagee aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

In Willagee trail region, 32.8% of residents aged 15 and above hold university degrees, compared to the SA3 area average of 42.3%. This indicates a gap suggesting potential for educational development and skill enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 22.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.8%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 32.2% of residents aged 15 and above holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (21.4%).

Educational participation is high, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 10.4% in primary education, 8.4% in secondary education, and 5.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 33 active stops in Willagee, served by buses. These stops are covered by three routes offering a total of 496 weekly passenger trips. Residents' average distance to the nearest stop is 159 meters, indicating excellent accessibility.

Service frequency across all routes averages 70 trips per day, equating to about 15 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Willagee is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Willagee faces significant health challenges with common health conditions being somewhat prevalent across all age groups, but particularly higher among older cohorts. Approximately 66% of the total population (4134 people) has private health cover, which is notably higher than the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, affecting 10.6% and 7.5% of residents respectively. Conversely, 67.0% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.5% across Greater Perth. As of 2021, the area has 17.2% (1081 people) of residents aged 65 and over, which is lower than the 22.4% in Greater Perth. However, health outcomes among seniors require more attention due to presenting some challenges.

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

Willagee's cultural diversity was above average, with 13.8% speaking a language other than English at home and 26.9% born overseas. Christianity was the dominant religion in Willagee, comprising 40.6%. Judaism was overrepresented compared to Greater Perth, making up 0.1% of Willagee's population.

The top three ancestry groups were English (28.0%), Australian (24.8%), and Other (9.3%). Notably, Croatian (1.1%) was equally represented as regionally, New Zealand (1.1%) was overrepresented compared to the regional average of 0.6%, and French (0.7%) was also slightly overrepresented from the regional average of 0.6%.

Willagee's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Willagee's median age is 37, matching Greater Perth's figure and closely resembling Australia's median age of 38. The proportion of residents aged 85 or above is 3.5%, higher than Greater Perth's percentage, while those aged 15-24 make up 11.3% of the population, lower than the Greater Perth figure. Between 2021 and present, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 14.3% to 15.1%, whereas the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 13.1% to 11.5%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Willagee's age structure. Notably, the 75 to 84 group is projected to grow by 87%, reaching 646 people from its current figure of 345. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 or above accounting for 68% of the projected growth. Conversely, the 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 age groups are expected to experience population declines.