Willagee

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

Willagee's population is estimated at around 6,287 as of May 2026, according to analysis of ABS population updates for the wider region and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census. Compared to the 2021 Census, which counted 5,447 people, this represents an increase of 840 people (15.4%). The calculation is based on a resident population of 6,253, which AreaSearch estimated after evaluating the ABS's latest ERP data release (June 2025) and address verification since the Census. This population level corresponds to a density ratio of 3,008 persons per square kilometer, placing the suburb in the top quartile of national areas evaluated by AreaSearch. Willagee's growth of 15.4% since the 2021 census outpaced the national average (9.3%) and the SA3 area, making it a regional leader in expansion. Overall population gains in recent times were mostly fueled by interstate migration, which accounted for approximately 55.00000000000001% of the increase, though all sources, including overseas migration and natural growth, made positive contributions.

AreaSearch implements ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, which were published in 2024 using 2022 as the baseline. For SA2 areas where this data is unavailable, and to calculate growth across all locations after 2032, AreaSearch uses the cohort-specific growth rates provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (published in 2023, utilizing 2022 data). Factoring in the expected demographic transformations, population growth is projected to exceed the national median, with the locality expected to add 852 persons to 2041 under consolidated SA2-level projections, which represents a total increase of 13.0% over the 16 years.

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

According to AreaSearch's evaluation of ABS building approvals allocated from statistical area data, Willagee averages around 50 dwellings receiving development approval annually, with an estimated 252 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 34 so far in FY-26. With an average of 3.1 new residents per year for each home completed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is running well ahead of new supply, which typically drives price growth and intensifies buyer competition, while new properties carry an average construction value of $445,000, indicating that builders are targeting the premium market with high-end developments. In addition, commercial approvals have totaled $2.5 million this financial year, highlighting the suburb's mostly residential character.

Willagee exhibits moderately higher building activity relative to Greater Perth (39.0% above the regional average per capita over the 5 year period), which helps maintain healthy buyer choice while defending existing property values, although development activity has slowed down in recent times. Recent construction is made up of 68.0% detached houses and 32.0% attached dwellings, showcasing a growing mix of attached housing styles that offer alternatives across price brackets, from roomy family residences to more affordable compact formats. The area averages approximately 149 people per dwelling approval, which points to a growing market.

Looking forward, Willagee is projected to add 818 residents through to 2041 (based on the latest quarterly estimate from AreaSearch). At current construction rates, the supply of new housing should easily satisfy demand, creating favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting expansion beyond current population projections.

Willagee has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 33rdth percentile nationally

An area's performance is heavily influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, no projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on 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, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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

Willagee possesses a highly educated workforce, with strong representation in essential services industries and an unemployment rate of 5.9%, according to AreaSearch's consolidation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 3,278 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 1.7% higher than the Greater Perth rate of 4.2%, and labor force participation is slightly below average (67.6% compared to Greater Perth's 70.2%). Census responses indicate that a low 8.3% of residents worked from home, though the influence of Covid-19 lockdowns should be taken into account.

Resident employment is heavily concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. The area displays a particularly strong concentration in education & training, where the employment share is 1.3 times the regional average. Conversely, mining has a minor footprint, accounting for 5.4% of employment compared to 7.0% across the region. The mostly residential suburb seems to provide few local job opportunities, as shown by the comparison of the Census working population against the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data aggregated from wider statistical areas, the labor force shrank by 0.9% and employment fell by 1.1% during the year to March 2026, resulting in a 0.2 percentage point rise in the unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Perth experienced a 2.0% increase in employment, a 2.5% expansion of the labor force, and a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia published in May-25 can provide additional perspective on future demand in Willagee. These five and ten-year projections have been aligned with the local employment profile to estimate growth trends. Although national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates vary widely by industry sector. Applying these sector-specific forecasts to the employment mix in Willagee suggests local employment should rise by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years (note that this is a basic weighted extrapolation for demonstration purposes and does not incorporate local population projections).

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

According to AreaSearch's consolidation of the latest postcode-level ATO data released for financial year 2023, the suburb of Willagee recorded a median taxpayer income of $63,923, with the average income standing at $97,128. This is exceptionally high on a national scale and compares to levels of $60,748 and $80,248 across Greater Perth, respectively. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $70,910 (median) and $107,744 (average) as of March 2026. Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Willagee are close to the 50th percentile nationally. The statistics show that the weekly earnings bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 contains 28.0% of the community (1,760 individuals), which is close to the metropolitan region where this group makes up 32.0%. The suburb displays significant income variation, with 30.4% earning under $800 weekly and 25.1% earning more than $3,000, resulting in a varied socioeconomic profile. Housing affordability pressures are intense, with only 82.0% of income remaining, which ranks in the 43rd percentile, and the area's SEIFA income ranking falls in the 5th decile.

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

At the time of the latest Census, the dwelling structure in Willagee consisted of 79.4% houses and 20.5% other dwellings (semi-detached properties, apartments, and alternative homes), compared to 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings across the Perth metro area. Meanwhile, the home ownership rate in Willagee lagged behind the Perth metro average, sitting at 20.1%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (42.9%) or rented (37.1%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was higher than the Perth metro average at $1,967, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $283, compared to Perth metro averages of $1,907 and $350. Nationally, Willagee's mortgage payments exceed the Australian average of $1,863, whereas weekly rents are considerably lower than 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 make up the majority at 62.6% of all households, consisting of 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 representing 32.8% and group households making up 4.5% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people 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

Educational attainment in Willagee sits below regional benchmarks, as 32.8% of residents aged 15+ hold a university degree compared to 42.3% in the SA3 area. This difference points to opportunities for further education and skills development. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 22.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.8%). Vocational and technical skills are well represented, with 32.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, comprising advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (21.4%).

Participation in education is remarkably high, with 30.3% of residents currently undertaking formal study. This comprises 10.4% in primary education, 8.4% in secondary education, and 5.5% enrolled in tertiary institutions.

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 transport stops in Willagee, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are served by 3 separate routes, which combine to support 496 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is classified as excellent, with residents generally living 159 meters from the nearest stop. As a mostly residential area, most residents travel outwards to work, with cars remaining the dominant transport mode at 83% and trains accounting for 8%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 8.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; potentially reflecting COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 70 trips per day across all routes, which corresponds to approximately 15 weekly trips per transport 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

Health indicators highlight significant challenges for Willagee, based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, which shows a considerably higher than average prevalence of common health conditions, particularly among older age cohorts, while the private health insurance rate was found to be exceptionally high at approximately 66% of the population (4,134 people). This compares to 59.0% across Greater Perth and a national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis were the most common medical conditions recorded in the area, affecting 10.6 and 7.5% of residents, respectively, while 67.0% of the population reported being entirely free of medical conditions compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. Working-age residents experience an above average prevalence of chronic health issues. The area has 16.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,018 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, although they rank lower nationally than the population as a whole.

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 shows above average cultural diversity, with 13.8% of the population speaking a language other than English at home and 26.9% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion, practiced by 40.6% of people in Willagee. However, the most notable overrepresentation is in Judaism, which accounts for 0.1% of the population, compared to 0.3% across Greater Perth.

In terms of parental country of birth, the three most common ancestries in Willagee are English at 28.0% of the population, Australian at 24.8% of the population, and Other at 9.3% of the population. In addition, there are notable differences in the representation of other ethnic groups: Croatian is overrepresented at 1.1% of Willagee (compared to 0.8% regionally), New Zealand at 1.1% (compared to 0.8% regionally), and French at 0.7% (compared to 0.5% regionally).

Willagee's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Willagee's median age of 37 matches the Greater Perth figure of 37 and remains close to the Australian median of 38 years. The 85+ age bracket is strongly represented at 3.1% compared to Greater Perth, while the 5 - 14 cohort is less common at 11.3%. Since 2021, the 35 to 44 age group has expanded from 14.3% to 15.7% of the population, whereas the 5 to 14 cohort has shrunk from 13.1% to 11.3%. Looking forward to 2041, demographic forecasts indicate significant changes in Willagee's age structure. The 75 to 84 cohort will lead these shifts, growing by 83% (267 people) to reach 588 from 320. This aging trend is prominent, with residents aged 65+ accounting for 60% of the projected growth. Conversely, the 0 to 4 and 15 to 24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.