Willagee

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

As of February 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Willagee is around 6,288. This reflects an increase of 841 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,447 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 6,075 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and address validation 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. Willagee's growth rate of 15.4% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average of 9.9%. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 55% 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, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises 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 projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for the suburb of Willagee, with an expected increase of 985 persons to 2041 reflecting a total increase of 12.3% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Willagee 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 an additional 20 approved so far in FY-26. On average, each dwelling built brought about 2.9 new residents annually during these five years, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value of new homes was $445,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. This year, there have been $2.5 million in commercial approvals, reflecting Willagee's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Perth, Willagee demonstrates moderately higher building activity, 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 recently. Recent construction consists of 68.0% detached houses and 32.0% attached dwellings, offering choices across price ranges from spacious family homes to more compact options. The location has approximately 145 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. Looking ahead, Willagee is projected to grow by 772 residents through to 2041, based on 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 34thth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like alterations to nearby infrastructure, substantial projects, or planning initiatives. AreaSearch has pinpointed 0 projects that could potentially impact this area. Notable projects include Kardinya Park Shopping Centre Redevelopment, Kardinya District Centre Precinct Structure Plan, Fremantle to Murdoch and Cockburn Central Transport Capacity enhancement, Santa Clara Estate development, with the following list highlighting those most likely to be relevant.

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 2024, with an estimated employment growth of 3.8% over the past year. As of September 2025, 3,347 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.9% higher than Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation is broadly similar to Greater Perth's 71.6%. According to Census responses in 2021, a low 8.3% of residents worked from home. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. The area shows 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. During the year to September 2025, employment levels increased by 3.8% and labour force increased by 4.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Willagee's employment mix suggests local employment should 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 the latest postcode level ATO data released on 30 June 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 national averages of $60,748 and $80,248 for Greater Perth respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates 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. The data shows that 28.0% of individuals earn between $1,500 to $2,999 weekly, which aligns with the metropolitan region where this cohort represents 32.0%. This 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

The dwelling structure in Willagee, 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 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Willagee was at 20.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 42.9% and rented ones at 37.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,967, higher than Perth metro's average of $1,907. The median weekly rent in Willagee was $283, lower than Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Willagee's mortgage repayments were above the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for 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, 32.8% of residents aged 15 and above hold university degrees, compared to the SA3 area's 42.3%. The most common qualification is bachelor degrees at 22.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.8%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent 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.

This includes 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

Public transport analysis shows 33 active stops operating within Willagee. These are served by buses on three routes, offering a total of 496 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically living 159 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, primarily using cars (83%), while 8% use trains. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 8.3% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

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

Health performance in Willagee is well below average with considerably higher than average prevalence of common health conditions and to an even higher degree among older age cohorts

Willagee faces significant health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantially higher than average. The prevalence of common health conditions is even higher among older age cohorts.

Approximately 66% of Willagee's total population (4,134 people) has private health cover, compared to Greater Perth's 59.0% and the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in Willagee, affecting 10.6% and 7.5% of residents respectively. However, 67.0% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Perth's 71.9%. Working-age residents in Willagee have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 18.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,138 people), higher than Greater Perth's 16.3%. While health outcomes among seniors present challenges, they rank lower nationally than the broader population.

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 has a higher than average cultural diversity, with 13.8% of its residents speaking a language other than English at home and 26.9% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Willagee, accounting for 40.6% of the population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented in Willagee compared to Greater Perth, with 0.1% of the population identifying as Jewish.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (28.0%), Australian (24.8%), and Other (9.3%). There are also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Croatian is overrepresented at 1.1%, New Zealand at 1.1%, and French at 0.7%.

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 85+ age group comprises 3.6% of Willagee's population, higher than Greater Perth's percentage, while the 5-14 cohort makes up 10.8%. Between 2021 and present, the 65-74 age group has increased from 7.4% to 8.7%, whereas the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 13.1% to 10.8%. By 2041, projections indicate significant shifts in Willagee's age structure. Notably, the 75-84 group is expected to grow by 77%, reaching 646 people from its current 364. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 64% of projected growth. Conversely, the 0-4 and 15-24 age groups are anticipated to experience population declines.