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

According to investigations of ABS demographic updates for the broader territory, combined with recent address records verified by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Withers has a calculated residency of approximately 3,202 individuals as of May 2026. This represents an addition of 223 residents (7.5%) compared to the 2,979 citizens documented in the 2021 Census. This adjustment is deduced from the resident count of 3,197, computed by AreaSearch following an analysis of the ABS's June 2025 ERP release and 15 validated new addresses identified since the census date. This population level translates to a density of 732 persons per square kilometer, which aligns closely with typical figures recorded in other localities reviewed by AreaSearch. The 7.5% expansion rate in the suburb of Withers since the census is within 1.8 percentage points of the national rate (9.3%), indicating solid growth dynamics. Overseas arrivals served as the main catalyst for local growth, accounting for roughly 55.00000000000001% of all population increases in recent times.

AreaSearch adopts ABS and Geoscience Australia demographic forecasts for individual SA2 sectors, which were published in 2024 using 2022 as the baseline. For SA2 territories lacking this coverage, and to calculate expansion in the years after 2032, AreaSearch utilizes cohort-specific growth rates published in the ABS's 2023 Greater Capital Region forecasts, which are based on 2022 records. Looking ahead, regional populations are anticipated to grow at a pace exceeding the national median, with the suburb of Withers expected to add 585 residents by 2041 according to consolidated SA2 forecasts, representing a total gain of 18.1% over the 16-year timeframe.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Withers when compared nationally

According to building approval figures from the ABS allocated to local boundaries, the suburb of Withers has averaged approximately 8 residential development permits annually, accumulating to an estimated 41 dwellings over the last 5 financial years. In the current financial year of FY-26, 7 permits have been registered. With an average of 3.7 incoming residents per year for each completed residence between FY-21 and FY-25, demand remains well ahead of additions, a scenario that typically drives up prices and intensifies buyer rivalry, with new homes averaging a construction cost of $313,000. Furthermore, $3.2 million in commercial permits have been logged in the current financial year, which underscores the residential emphasis of the locality.

Compared against the Rest of WA, building volumes in the suburb of Withers are drastically lower, sitting 55.0% below the regional per capita benchmark. This restricted pipeline generally underpins demand and pricing for existing housing, even though construction has picked up in recent times. The construction rate is similarly below the national average, reflecting a mature market and highlighting potential planning blockages. The local pipeline consists of 89.0% detached houses and 11.0% multi-unit dwellings, reinforcing the low-density landscape with an emphasis on stand-alone properties that draw buyers looking for space. The area currently records about 265 residents for every residential permit issued, which suggests capacity for expansion.

Future projections indicate that the suburb of Withers will gain 580 residents by 2041, based on the latest quarterly calculations from AreaSearch. If building activity remains at its current pace, residential completions might not keep up with demographic expansion, potentially intensifying competition among buyers and helping to elevate property values.

Withers has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 43rdth percentile nationally

Developments in public works, commercial initiatives, and regional strategy play a major role in local performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of 8 projects expected to influence this locality. Prominent initiatives include the Usher Residential Land Release, the SWAMS Health Hub and Community Centre, the Flynnwood Estate, and the Withers Renewal Program, with details provided for the most significant developments.

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

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

The labor market in Withers features a mix of white and blue collar positions, with manufacturing and industry playing major roles, an unemployment rate of 12.2%, and steady employment conditions over the previous twelve months, according to AreaSearch data aggregation. As of March 2026, 1,302 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 8.7% higher than Regional WA's 3.5%, indicating potential for progress, and workforce participation is notably lower at 56.6% versus Regional WA's 65.6%. Census data reveals that only 3.0% of residents worked from home, although effects from Covid-19 lockdowns should be taken into account.

The primary employment fields for local workers are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The community displays an exceptionally high concentration in manufacturing jobs, which sit at 1.8 times the regional benchmark. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is minimally represented, employing only 1.2% of the local workforce compared to 9.3% across Regional WA. Comparison of the Census working population against resident workers suggests local job openings are relatively sparse.

Based on statistical analyses of SALM and ABS figures aggregated from regional areas, the labor force expanded by 0.1% while the number of employed residents contracted by 0.2% during the 12 months ending March 2026, resulting in a 0.3 percentage point rise in the unemployment rate. Over the same span, Regional WA experienced a 0.1% drop in employment, a 0.3% rise in the labor force, and a 0.4 percentage point increase in unemployment. National employment projections released in May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia provide further context regarding future demand. These five and ten-year forecasts have been applied to the local workforce structure to model future employment paths. Locally, overall employment is projected to grow by 5.7% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, based on weighting national industry expansion projections of 6.6% and 13.7% respectively against the local industry mix, without adjusting for local population shifts.

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

According to tax data from the ATO for the 2023 financial year, the median earnings for taxpayers in the suburb of Withers stood at $38,880, while the average was $49,979. These figures trail the national averages and compare to medians and averages of $59,973 and $74,392 across Regional WA. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since the 2023 financial year, estimates for March 2026 would be roughly $43,130 for the median and $55,442 for the average. In the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal earnings in the area sat between the 2nd and 7th percentiles nationwide. The largest income bracket contains 30.7% of residents (983 individuals) earning between $400 - 799 weekly, which contrasts with the wider region where the $1,500 - 2,999 range is the most common at 31.1%. With 41.7% of households earning less than $800 weekly, economic pressure is evident for many. Financial stress from housing is notable, with residents keeping just 79.7% of their earnings, which sits in the 4th percentile.

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

The local housing stock at the time of the last Census consisted of 76.6% stand-alone houses and 23.5% alternative housing types including townhouses and apartments, compared to 88.5% houses and 11.6% other options across Regional WA. Rates of owner-occupancy trail the regional benchmark, sitting at 24.2%, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with mortgages (30.0%) or tenants renting (45.8%). The median monthly home loan repayment of $1,300 was far lower than the regional standard of $1,560, and the median weekly rental cost was $240 compared to the regional figure of $265. Nationally, local home loan payments are much lower than the Australian median of $1,863, and rents are also significantly below the national median of $375.

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

Families make up 59.1% of all local households, consisting of 17.8% couples with children, 21.4% couples without children, and 18.2% single parent households. The remaining 40.9% are non-family arrangements, with single person households accounting for 36.9% and group living situations representing 3.8%. The average household size of 2.2 residents is smaller than the regional average of 2.5.

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

Local academic outcomes show room for development, with university graduation rates of 11.6% sitting far below the national average of 30.4%. This highlights a clear opportunity for targeted educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 8.9%, with graduate diplomas at 1.5% and postgraduate degrees at 1.2%. Vocational and technical abilities are highly represented, with 41.5% of residents aged 15+ holding practical qualifications, split between advanced diplomas (9.1%) and certificates (32.4%).

A significant proportion of the population is engaged in study, with 28.5% of local citizens currently enrolled in school or tertiary courses. This includes 10.3% attending primary school, 8.1% in high school, and 2.5% enrolled in higher education programs.

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

Analysis of transit options indicates there are 42 active transit stops in the suburb of Withers, consisting of bus services. These stops are connected to 4 distinct routes, which support a total of 226 passenger trips weekly. Accessibility is rated as highly favorable, with residents generally living within 181 meters of the nearest stop. The locality is primarily residential, resulting in most workers traveling outside the area, with private vehicles remaining the primary choice at 92%. Average vehicle ownership is 1.1 per household, which is below the regional average. A low 3.0% of local workers perform their roles from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect the pandemic context.

Public transport services average 32 trips daily across all routes, which corresponds to approximately 5 weekly trips per transit 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

Considerable health issues are apparent across the suburb of Withers, as shown by AreaSearch analysis of mortality statistics and chronic disease rates that impact both younger and older cohorts, with private health insurance coverage rates being particularly low at roughly 47% of the community (~1,506 individuals). This compares to a rate of 56.4% in Regional WA and a national average of 55.7%.

Mental health conditions and arthritis are the most prevalent health issues locally, affecting 13.1 and 11.0% of the community respectively, while 57.7% of residents reported having no chronic medical issues compared to 69.3% in Regional WA. The working-age population experiences high rates of long-term health issues. Residents aged 65 and over make up 17.5% of the local population (560 individuals), which is lower than the 19.2% average across Regional WA. Senior health outcomes present challenges, with national rankings matching those of the broader community.

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

The local population aligns closely with regional averages for cultural metrics, with citizens comprising 83.8% of the community, 79.5% of residents born in Australia, and 90.8% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the main religious affiliation, representing 39.7% of residents. The most noticeable deviation is in the Other category, which accounts for 0.9% of the population compared to 0.7% across Regional WA.

Looking at ancestral roots, the three largest groups are English at 32.0%, Australian at 27.5%, and Irish at 7.6%. Certain backgrounds show distinct variations from regional averages: Dutch ancestry is higher at 1.8% (versus 1.5% regionally), Maori is at 1.2% (versus 1.0%), and Australian Aboriginal representation stands at 5.6% (versus 6.1% regionally).

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

The median age of 38 in the suburb of Withers is slightly lower than the Regional WA average of 40, though it matches the national median of 38. Compared to Regional WA, the 25 - 34 age bracket is highly represented at 14.9% locally, while 65 - 74 year-olds are less common at 9.8%. Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 cohort grew from 12.1% to 13.8%, and the 25 to 34 group rose from 13.4% to 14.9%. In contrast, the 45 to 54 group fell from 12.9% to 11.5% and the 65 to 74 age group dropped from 11.2% to 9.8%. Demographic projections suggest the age distribution will change notably by 2041, with the 25 to 34 cohort leading growth with a projected 43% increase, adding 205 residents to total 683, while the 15 to 24 age bracket is expected to lose 3 residents.