Withers

Withers is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Withers' statistical area (Lv2) population is estimated at around 3,201 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 222 people (7.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,979 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,179, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 15 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 732 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Withers' 7.5% growth since census positions it within 2.2 percentage points of the national average (9.7%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 55% 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 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). Anticipating future population dynamics, an above median population growth of regional areas nationally is projected, with Withers expected to expand by 670 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 20.2% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Withers recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers indicates Withers averaged approximately 8 new dwelling approvals per year over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 44 homes. As of FY26, 5 approvals have been recorded. The average population increase per year for each dwelling built in Withers between FY21 and FY25 was 3.2 people, suggesting demand significantly exceeds supply. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $313,000.

This financial year has seen $3.2 million in commercial approvals registered, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to the Rest of WA, Withers shows substantially reduced construction activity (52.0% below regional average per person), which generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. This activity is also under the national average, indicating Withers' established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. New development consists of 80.0% detached houses and 20.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature with a focus on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 351 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment.

Population forecasts indicate Withers will gain approximately 647 residents by 2041 (from AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Withers has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects that may impact the area. Notable projects include Bunbury Regional Hospital Redevelopment, Usher Residential Land Release, SWAMS Health Hub and Community Centre, and Flynnwood Estate. The following list details those likely to be most 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.

Employment drivers in Withers are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Withers has a diverse workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs, with significant representation from manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate in Withers is 11.9%, compared to the Rest of WA's rate of 3.3%.

Over the past year, there was an estimated employment growth of 6.3% based on AreaSearch aggregated data. As of September 2025, 1,356 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 8.6%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation in Withers is lower at 49.5%, compared to the Rest of WA's 59.4%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction sectors.

Manufacturing is particularly specialized, employing 1.8 times more workers than the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 1.2% of local workers, significantly lower than Rest of WA's 9.3%. The area may have limited local employment opportunities as Census data suggests a higher working population than resident population. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 6.3%, while labour force grew by 5.6%, reducing unemployment by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of WA saw employment rise by 1.4% and unemployment fall by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia indicate growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Withers' employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, although these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Withers has an income level below the national average, according to latest Australian Taxation Office (ATO) data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Withers is $38,880, while the average income stands at $49,979. These figures compare to those of Rest of WA's which are $59,973 and $74,392 respectively. Based on a 9.62% growth in wages since financial year 2023, current estimates for Withers would be approximately $42,620 (median) and $54,787 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Withers all fall between the 2nd and 7th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile indicates that 30.7% of the population (982 individuals) earn within the $400 - $799 income range, contrasting with the region where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 31.1%. This prevalence of lower-income residents (41.7% earning under $800 per week) suggests constrained household budgets across much of Withers. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Withers, with only 79.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 4th percentile nationally.

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

In Withers, as assessed in the latest Census, 76.6% of dwellings were houses and 23.5% were other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and others. This is compared to Non-Metro WA's figures of 88.1% houses and 11.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Withers stood at 24.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.0% and rented ones at 45.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Non-Metro WA's average of $1,616. The median weekly rent in Withers was $240, compared to Non-Metro WA's $300. Nationally, Withers' mortgage repayments were lower at $1,300 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households compose 59.1 percent of all households, including 17.8 percent couples with children, 21.4 percent couples without children, and 18.2 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 40.9 percent, with lone person households at 36.9 percent and group households comprising 3.8 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Rest of WA average of 2.5.

Withers faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 11.6%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.9%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.5%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.1%) and certificates (32.4%). Educational participation is high at 28.5%, with 10.3% in primary, 8.1% in secondary, and 2.5% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 2.5% 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 42 active transport stops operating within Withers. These stops serve a mix of bus routes. There are 4 individual routes providing 226 weekly passenger trips collectively.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 181 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 32 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 5 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Withers is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Critical health challenges are evident throughout Withers, with various health conditions significantly impacting both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low, at approximately 47% of the total population (around 1,506 people), compared to 55.4% across the rest of WA and the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 13.1% and 11.0% of residents respectively, while 57.7% report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.4% across the rest of WA.

The area has 16.8% of residents aged 65 and over (around 537 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

In terms of cultural diversity, Withers records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Withers' population is culturally diverse, similar to the broader region. 83.8% are citizens, 79.5% were born in Australia, and 90.8% speak English only at home. Christianity is the dominant religion at 39.7%.

The 'Other' category is overrepresented at 0.9%, compared to 0.6% regionally. Top ancestry groups are English (32.0%), Australian (27.5%), and Irish (7.6%). Notably, Dutch (1.8%) and Maori (1.2%) are overrepresented, while Australian Aboriginal is also higher at 5.6%.

Withers's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Withers's median age is 38 years, which is slightly below the Rest of WA average of 40 but in line with the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Rest of WA average, individuals aged 25-34 are notably over-represented at 14.9% locally, while those aged 55-64 are under-represented at 11.7%. Post the 2021 Census, younger residents have decreased the median age by 1 year to 38. Specifically, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 12.1% to 13.8%, and the 25 to 34 cohort has risen from 13.4% to 14.9%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 age group has decreased from 11.2% to 9.7%, and the 55 to 64 group has dropped from 12.8% to 11.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant shifts in Withers's age profile. The 25 to 34 cohort is expected to grow strongly at 55%, adding 260 residents to reach 737. Conversely, the 85+ and 65 to 74 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.