Wonthella

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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Wonthella is around 1,799. This reflects an increase from the 2021 Census figure of 1,711 people, a rise of 88 individuals (5.1%). The current resident population estimate of 1,772 by AreaSearch, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and four additional validated new addresses since the Census date, indicates a density ratio of 484 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration was the primary driver of this population growth. AreaSearch projects future demographic trends using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered, post-2032 growth rates by age cohort from the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are used. By 2041, an above median population growth is projected for locations outside capital cities, with Wonthella expected to expand by 256 persons, reflecting a total increase of 14.1% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Wonthella according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Wonthella experienced limited development activity from 2016 to 2020, with an average of two approvals per year. This resulted in eleven dwellings over the five-year period. Such low levels are typical of rural areas due to modest housing needs and construction limitations by local demand and infrastructure capacity.

The small sample size means individual projects can significantly influence annual growth statistics. Wonthella had substantially lower development levels compared to Rest of WA and national averages. Recent building activity comprised entirely detached dwellings, reflecting the area's rural character with larger properties being typical. Interestingly, developers built more traditional houses than suggested by the current mix at Census (81.0%), indicating strong demand for family homes despite density pressures.

The estimated population per dwelling approval was 597 people in Wonthella, reflecting its quiet development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Wonthella is forecasted to gain 253 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Wonthella has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 31stth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could potentially impact this area. Notable projects include Geraldton Green Connect Project, Geraldton Youth Precinct Masterplan Development, Dongara-Geraldton-Northampton Route (DGN Route), and WA Police Satellite Technology Upgrade. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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The labour market performance in Wonthella lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Wonthella has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 5.3% in the past year. As of September 2025809 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.3%.

This is 2.0% higher than Rest of WA's rate of 3.3%. Workforce participation in Wonthella is 58.3%, compared to Rest of WA's 67.2%. According to Census responses, only 2.9% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Retail trade has a particularly strong share of employment at 1.7 times the regional level. Mining employs just 4.7% of local workers, below Rest of WA's 11.7%. There are 1.2 workers for every resident in Wonthella. From September 2024 to September 2025, the labour force increased by 0.7%, while employment declined by 0.2%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of WA experienced employment growth of 1.4% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with a decrease in unemployment rate of 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wonthella's employment mix, local employment is expected to increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.0% over ten years.

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

The suburb of Wonthella's median income among taxpayers was $50,638 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $63,301 during the same period. These figures are lower than those for Rest of WA, which were $59,973 and $74,392 respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated median income would be approximately $55,509 and average income $69,391 by September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Wonthella fall between the 5th and 13th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 is dominant, with 28.8% of residents (518 people) earning within this range, similar to the surrounding region where 31.1% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Wonthella, with only 83.0% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 6th percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Wonthella, as per the latest Census, consisted of 80.9% houses and 19.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Non-Metro WA's 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wonthella was at 29.4%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (25.7%) or rented (44.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,300, below Non-Metro WA's average of $1,560. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $230, compared to Non-Metro WA's $265. Nationally, Wonthella's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 56.0% of all households, including 17.3% couples with children, 22.6% couples without children, and 14.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 44.0%, with lone person households at 41.1% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of WA average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 10.2%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.6%) and graduate diplomas (0.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.1%) and certificates (34.7%). Educational participation is high at 25.5%, with 9.3% in primary education, 9.2% in secondary education, and 1.6% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.3% in primary education, 9.2% in secondary education, and 1.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis in Wonthella shows 21 active public transport stops operating, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by four distinct routes that collectively facilitate 120 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically residing 169 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward daily. Car remains the primary mode of transport, used by 89% of residents. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 2.9% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 17 trips per day, equating to approximately five weekly trips per stop.

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

Wonthella faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notably high across both younger and older age groups.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 52% of the total population (around 941 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area but lower than Rest of WA's 56.4%. Asthma and mental health issues are the most common medical conditions, affecting 9.6% and 9.6% of residents respectively. However, 59.5% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.3% across Rest of WA. The working-age population in Wonthella faces particularly high chronic condition rates. The area has 16.9% of residents aged 65 and over (304 people), lower than the 19.2% in Rest of WA. Health outcomes among seniors present notable challenges, with national rankings higher than those of the general population.

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

Wonthella's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 85.4% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (85.3%), and speaking English only at home (91.6%). Christianity is the predominant religion in Wonthella, accounting for 46.8% of its population. Islam's representation in Wonthella was notably higher than the Rest of WA average, with 1.3% compared to 0.8%.

The top three ancestry groups in Wonthella are Australian (30.5%), English (29.2%), and Australian Aboriginal (7.7%). Certain ethnic groups show notable differences: Maori representation is higher at 1.2% in Wonthella compared to the regional average of 1.0%, Filipino representation is higher at 1.8% versus 1.2%, and New Zealand representation is lower at 0.8% compared to 0.9%.

Wonthella hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Wonthella as of 2021 is 42 years, which is slightly higher than Rest of WA's average of 40 years and considerably older than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Rest of WA, Wonthella has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (16.1%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (9.6%). According to the 2021 Census, Wonthella's median age has decreased by 1.2 years from 43 years in the previous census. This decrease indicates a shift towards a younger demographic. Key changes show that the 25 to 34 age group grew from 12.7% to 16.1%, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 10.6% to 12.0%. Conversely, the 85+ cohort declined from 3.6% to 1.4% and the 75 to 84 group dropped from 7.1% to 5.4%. Demographic modeling projects significant changes in Wonthella's age profile by 2041. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to grow strongly, increasing by 122 people (42%) from 289 to 412. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 85+ and 75 to 84 cohorts.