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

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Withers is around 3,193 people. This reflects an increase of 214 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,979. The latest estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024, indicating a resident population of 3,164. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 730 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Withers' population growth rate of 7.2% since the census is within 1.7 percentage points of the national average of 8.9%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed around 55.00000000000001% of overall population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and ABS Greater Capital Region projections from 2023 based on 2022 data to estimate growth across all areas post-2032. By 2041, the suburb is projected to expand by 670 persons, reflecting a total gain of 20.5% over the 17-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Withers has averaged approximately 8 new dwelling approvals each year over the past 5 financial years ending June 2025. This totals an estimated 41 homes. As of FY-26 (financial year starting July 2025), 3 approvals have been recorded. Over this period, an average of 3.4 people moved to the area for each dwelling built.

This demand significantly exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $313,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY-26, there have been $2.4 million in commercial approvals, indicating the area's residential character. Compared to Rest of WA, Withers shows substantially reduced construction activity, at 56.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties.

Additionally, this activity is under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New development in Withers consists of 88.0% detached houses and 12.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 372 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate Withers will gain approximately 655 residents through to 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Withers has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 17thth percentile nationally

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

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 conditions in Withers face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Withers has a balanced mix of white and blue collar workers, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominently represented. The unemployment rate was 12.9% in June 2025, while employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.9%.

Residents' employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Manufacturing employs a significant share of local workers, at 1.8 times the regional level, compared to agriculture, forestry & fishing which employs only 1.2% of residents, below Rest of WA's 9.3%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 4.9%, while labour force grew by 5.0%, resulting in a slight rise in unemployment rate of 0.1 percentage points.

In contrast, Rest of WA saw employment rise by 1.1%, labour force grow by 0.5%, and unemployment fall by 0.6 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with significant variations between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Withers' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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

Withers's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $38,880. The average income stood at $49,979 during this period. In comparison, the rest of WA had median and average incomes of $57,323 and $71,163 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, estimated median and average incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $44,401 and $57,076 respectively. Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Withers fall between the 2nd and 7th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile indicates that 30.7% of Withers' population (980 individuals) have incomes within the $400 - $799 range, contrasting with the region where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket is most prevalent at 31.1%. The prevalence of lower-income residents in Withers, with 41.7% earning less than $800 per week, suggests constrained household budgets across much of the area. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 79.7% of income remaining, 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

The latest Census evaluation found that Withers had 76.6% houses and 23.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro WA's 88.1% houses and 11.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Withers was 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 figure in Withers was $240, compared to Non-Metro WA's $300. Nationally, Withers' mortgage repayments were significantly lower 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 account for 59.1% of all households, including 17.8% couples with children, 21.4% couples without children, and 18.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 40.9%, with lone person households at 36.9% and group households comprising 3.8%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is 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 the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.9%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.5%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 41.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas (9.1%) and certificates (32.4%).

Educational participation is high at 28.5%, including 10.3% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 2.5% pursuing tertiary education. Withers's 3 schools have a combined enrollment of 573 students. The area has varied educational conditions (ICSEA: 946) with balanced provision - 2 primary and 1 secondary school serving distinct age groups.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 42 active transport stops operating within Withers. These stops are serviced by 4 individual routes, collectively providing 226 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 181 meters from the nearest transport 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

Withers faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, at approximately 47% of the total population (~1,502 people), compared to 54.1% across the rest of WA and the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common conditions, affecting 13.1 and 11.0% of residents respectively.

However, 57.7% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 66.4% across the rest of WA. The area has 16.8% of residents aged 65 and over (536 people), with seniors facing health challenges broadly similar to those of the general population.

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' cultural diversity aligns with the broader regional average, as seen in its population demographics: 83.8% citizens, 79.5% born in Australia, and 90.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Withers, practiced by 39.7% of residents. The most significant deviation from regional averages is seen in the 'Other' religious category, with Withers reporting 0.9%, compared to Rest of WA's 0.6%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (32.0%), Australian (27.5%), and Irish (7.6%). Notable differences exist for Dutch (1.8% vs regional 1.6%), Maori (1.2% vs 1.0%), and Australian Aboriginal (5.6% vs 2.4%) groups in Withers compared to the wider region.

Withers's population is slightly older than the national pattern

In Withers, the median age is 38 years, which is slightly below the Rest of WA average of 40 but aligns with Australia's median age of 38. Comparing Withers' demographics to those of the Rest of WA, residents aged 25-34 are notably over-represented at 14.9%, while those aged 55-64 are under-represented at 11.7%. Post the 2021 Census, the population aged 35-44 grew from 12.1% to 13.8%, and the 25-34 cohort increased from 13.4% to 14.9%. Conversely, those aged 65-74 decreased from 11.2% to 9.7%, and the 55-64 group fell from 12.8% to 11.7%. By 2041, demographic projections suggest significant changes in Withers' age profile. The 25-34 cohort is projected to grow by 55%, adding 261 residents to reach 737. Meanwhile, both the 65-74 and 85+ age groups are expected to decrease in number.