Wonthella

An assessment of population growth drivers in Wonthella reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on evaluation of ABS demographic releases for the wider region and new addresses confirmed by AreaSearch post-Census, the population of the suburb of Wonthella is projected to be approximately 1,775 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 64 people (3.7%) from the 2021 Census, which documented 1,711 residents. This shift is deduced from a resident population of 1,774, calculated by AreaSearch using the most recent ABS ERP figures from June 2025 alongside 4 validated new addresses added since the Census. Such a population size results in a density of 478 persons per square kilometer, offering ample room per inhabitant and potential capacity for future building. Growth in the local population was mostly generated by overseas migration, which served as the lone driver of gains during recent timeframes.

AreaSearch applies the 2024 projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia for each SA2 region, using 2022 as the baseline year. For SA2 regions lacking this information, and to project expansion after 2032, AreaSearch applies the cohort-specific growth rates published in the 2023 Greater Capital Region projections by the ABS, which utilize 2022 data. Looking at upcoming demographic changes, population growth exceeding the national regional median is projected, with the locality anticipated to add 238 persons by 2041 under consolidated SA2 projections, representing an overall expansion of 13.3% across the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Wonthella, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

The suburb of Wonthella displays very low building volume, averaging 1 new dwellings approved annually, totaling 6 approvals over five years. This minimal construction rate is characteristic of the rural setting, where residential additions are generally prompted by specific local housing requirements rather than broad market dynamics. It should be noted that because of the small sample size, single residential projects can heavily alter annual growth statistics and relative comparisons.

The suburb of Wonthella displays construction levels that are substantially lower than the Rest of WA, while also falling well below national norms. The latest building activity has consisted entirely of standalone homes, matching the preference for space and isolation typical of rural environments. Interestingly, builders are focusing on traditional houses to a greater extent than the historical composition indicates (81.0% at Census), showing that demand for family residences remains high despite density considerations. An estimated average of 3542 people per dwelling approval highlights this quiet, low-rate building environment.

Demographic projections indicate the suburb of Wonthella will add 237 residents by 2041, according to the most recent quarterly projections from AreaSearch. Should current construction rates persist, the supply of homes may fall short of population gains, which could elevate competition among buyers and underpin stronger price growth.

Wonthella has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 28thth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure projects, major works, and planning decisions heavily influence regional outcomes. A single project has been identified by AreaSearch as likely to affect the area. Notable projects include the Geraldton Homemaker Centre Expansion, Geraldton Green Connect Project, Geraldton Youth Precinct Masterplan Development, and the Dongara-Geraldton-Northampton Route (DGN Route), with details on the most relevant works provided below.

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

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Wonthella has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

The workforce in the suburb of Wonthella is evenly split between white-collar and blue-collar roles across multiple sectors, presenting an unemployment rate of 4.8% and an annual employment growth estimate of 3.7% based on AreaSearch statistical aggregations. By March 2026820 residents were employed, though the unemployment rate sat 1.3% higher than the Regional WA benchmark of 3.5%, and labor force participation was notably lower at 58.5% compared to Regional WA's 65.6%. Census data indicates that a low 2.9% of residents worked from home, although this figure should be interpreted with pandemic lockdown restrictions in mind.

The primary sectors employing local residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Retail trade is exceptionally prominent, with employment density in this sector reaching 1.7 times the regional average. Conversely, mining accounts for only 4.7% of the local workforce, which is below the Regional WA level of 11.7%. Recording 1.2 jobs for every resident at the Census, the area operates as an employment center, containing more positions than working residents and drawing commuters from neighboring areas.

According to AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS statistics aggregated for the broader region, the 12-month period saw employment rise by 3.7% and the labor force expand by 3.5%, causing the unemployment rate to drop by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Regional WA experienced an employment contraction of 0.1%, labor force growth of 0.3%, and an unemployment increase of 0.4 percentage points. National forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia as of May-25 provide context on potential future demands in the suburb of Wonthella. These projections, spanning five and ten-year horizons, have been applied to the local workforce distribution to model growth. Although national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, trends vary widely by sector. Applying these industry projections to the local mix suggests Wonthella's employment should expand by 6.2% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, representing a basic weighted extrapolation that does not account for localized population changes.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

According to the latest postcode-level ATO statistics released by AreaSearch for financial year 2023, taxpayers in the suburb of Wonthella record a median income of $50,638 and an average of $63,301. These figures sit below the national averages, and compare to a median of $59,973 and average of $74,392 in Regional WA. Adjusting for Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023 yields updated estimates of approximately $56,173 (median) and $70,220 (average) as of March 2026. The 2021 Census reveals household, family, and individual incomes in the area rank between the 5th and 13th percentiles nationally. The dominant weekly income bracket is $1,500 - 2,999, accounting for 28.8% of residents (511 people), which aligns with the wider regional pattern where 31.1% fall into this bracket. Financial pressure from housing is severe, with only 83.0% of income remaining after housing costs, placing the area in the 6th percentile.

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

The residential landscape in the suburb of Wonthella at the time of the latest Census consisted of 80.9% standalone houses and 19.2% other housing types like townhouses and apartments, compared to Regional WA's profile of 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wonthella lagged behind the regional average at 29.4%, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with mortgages (25.7%) or tenants (44.8%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,300 was lower than the Regional WA average, while the median weekly rent was $230, compared to regional benchmarks of $1,560 and $265. Locally, Wonthella's mortgage payments are much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents sit significantly below the national median of $375.

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

Families make up 56.0% of all households in the suburb of Wonthella, comprising 17.3% couples with children, 22.6% couples without children, and 14.4% single-parent households. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 44.0%, with single-person households representing 41.1% and group homes making up 2.5%. The typical household size of 2.1 people is smaller than the Regional WA average of 2.5.

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

The area experiences notable educational gaps, with university graduation rates of 10.2% falling well below the national rate of 30.4%. This highlights both a vulnerability and an opening for focused educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher education qualification at 8.0%, with postgraduate qualifications at 1.6% and graduate diplomas at 0.6%. Technical and trade qualifications are highly prevalent, with 42.8% of residents aged 15+ holding a vocational qualification, consisting of advanced diplomas (8.1%) and certificates (34.7%).

Enrollment rates in education are high, with 25.5% of residents participating in formal learning. This student population includes 9.3% in primary schools, 9.2% in high schools, and 1.6% enrolled in tertiary institutions.

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

Analysis of public transit options shows 21 active transit stops in the suburb of Wonthella, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 4 unique routes, which together provide 120 weekly passenger trips. Transit access is highly rated, with residents living an average of 169 meters from the closest stop. Being a residential community, most workers commute out of the suburb, with private cars remaining the primary travel mode at 89%. Households own an average of 1.1 vehicles, which is below the regional average. A low 2.9% of residents worked from home during the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.

Transit service frequency averages 17 trips per day across the route network, translating to approximately 5 weekly trips for each transit stop.

Health performance in Wonthella is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health statistics show considerable difficulties for the suburb of Wonthella, based on AreaSearch assessments of mortality and chronic illness rates across younger and older cohorts, while the proportion of residents with private health insurance is slightly above the SA2 average at approximately 52% of the population (~928 people). This compares to a private cover rate of 56.4% across Regional WA.

Asthma and mental health conditions are the most prevalent health issues in the area, each affecting 9.6 and 9.6% of residents, while 59.5% of the population reported no chronic conditions, compared to 69.3% across Regional WA. The working-age cohort faces notable health difficulties, with elevated rates of chronic illness. Residents aged 65 and older represent 18.6% of the population (330 people). Health trends for seniors indicate difficulties, with national vulnerability rankings exceeding those of the general local population.

Wonthella ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

The suburb of Wonthella exhibits lower levels of cultural diversity than average, with 85.4% of the population holding citizenship, 85.3% born domestically, and 91.6% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 46.8% of the community. However, the most pronounced religious concentration relative to regional averages is Islam, which accounts for 1.3% of the population compared to 0.8% across Regional WA.

Regarding parental ancestry, the three most common backgrounds reported in the suburb of Wonthella are Australian at 30.5%, English at 29.2%, and Australian Aboriginal at 7.7%. Specific ethnic cohorts show distinct distributions, with Maori representation at 1.2% (compared to 1.0% regionally), Filipino at 1.8% (compared to 1.2% regionally), and New Zealand ancestry at 0.8% (compared to 0.9% regionally).

Wonthella hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age of 42 years in the suburb of Wonthella is slightly higher than the Regional WA average of 40 and older than the national median of 38 years. Compared to Regional WA, Wonthella has a larger proportion of residents aged 25 - 34 (15.2%) but fewer children aged 5 - 14 (10.5%). Since the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 cohort has increased from 12.7% to 15.2% of the population, and the 35 to 44 cohort grew from 10.6% to 12.0%. In contrast, residents aged 85+ decreased from 3.6% to 1.7%. Projections for 2041 indicate significant shifts in the age profile, with the 25 to 34 group leading growth with a 42% increase (113 people), rising from 269 to 383. Conversely, the 85+ and 15 to 24 age groups are expected to contract.