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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Wonthella has an estimated 1,778 residents, up from 1,711 at the 2021 Census — a change of 67 people, or 3.9%. That puts 479 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
As of Aug 2026, the population in the suburb of Wonthella stands at approximately 1,778 residents, according to AreaSearch evaluations combining broader ABS demographic updates with post-Census address validations. This marks an expansion of 67 people (3.9%) relative to the 1,711 people counted in the 2021 Census. Such figures are drawn from an estimated resident count of 1,777 generated by AreaSearch from the ABS June 2025 ERP release, alongside 4 validated new addresses established following the Census. The suburb maintains a density of 479 persons per square kilometer, offering ample room per resident and opportunities for future expansion.
Overseas migration served as practically the exclusive contributor to demographic growth in recent times. Projections for the suburb of Wonthella apply ABS/Geoscience Australia 2024 releases using 2022 as a foundation across individual SA2 zones. Where local coverage is absent, as well as for post-2032 modeling, figures incorporate age cohort expansion rates from the ABS Greater Capital Region series (issued in 2023 from 2022 data). Demographic trajectories point toward higher-than-median growth compared to regional sections across Australia, with aggregate SA2 forecasts anticipating an influx of 218 persons by 2041, representing a cumulative rise of 12.2% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Residential building approvals in Wonthella remain minimal, recording under 1 dwelling annually (amounting to 4 approvals over five years). Modest volumes of this nature reflect typical rural environments where building demand is restrained and local infrastructure limits new development. Given these limited quantities, relative comparisons and annual rates may shift substantially based on single developments. Wonthella records substantially lower residential construction activity than Rest of WA, a pattern that also trails Australian trends. All recent building approvals have been for standalone houses, matching regional lifestyle inclinations toward detached living and personal space.
Standalone homes represent an even higher share of upcoming development than existing stock (81.0% at Census), underscoring persistent demand for family residences despite broader densification. A ratio of approximately 506 people per dwelling approval highlights a tranquil local construction environment.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Wonthella
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 12 current infrastructure and development projects close to Wonthella, worth an estimated $55 million. 7 are already under construction and 4 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities and health & medical. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Infrastructure upgrades, major planning programs, and local investments play a critical role in local growth. AreaSearch has identified 1 a single project anticipated to affect the community. Prominent regional works include the Geraldton Homemaker Centre Expansion, Geraldton Green Connect Project, Geraldton Youth Precinct Masterplan Development, and Dongara-Geraldton-Northampton Route (DGN Route).
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
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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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Geraldton Homemaker Centre Expansion
A 30 million dollar expansion of the Geraldton Homemaker Centre on North West Coastal Highway that effectively doubles the precinct to 38,471 square metres of floor space across two parallel buildings. Construction is underway, with a relocated Bunnings Warehouse of 16,743 square metres taking the place of the existing Wonthella store, alongside a 5,072 square metre Harvey Norman, four additional bulky goods showrooms totalling 3,975 square metres, a vehicle service centre and a fast food outlet.A new KFC is part of the precinct upgrade and was reported as opening soon in early 2026. The works involve demolishing about 3,705 square metres of existing space while retaining 12,681 square metres, with the precinct extended toward Place Road and additional car parking added.
7-Eleven Service Station, Durlacher Street, Geraldton
Development of a 7-Eleven service station and convenience store at Lot 203 (179) Durlacher Street, Geraldton, on the southern portion of the Rigters IGA site. The 193 square metre store includes six refuelling bays, a fuel canopy, eight car parking bays, pylon signage, landscaping, and 24/7 operations. Approved by the Regional Development Assessment Panel (DAP/24/02803) in March 2025 with a development value of $2.7 million. The proponent is Dunmarra Pty Ltd, with Planning Solutions acting as planning consultant and Hindley & Associates as building designers.Early-stage construction was confirmed underway in April 2026, with the store expected to open later in 2026. The nearby Flores Road store (Webberton) opened in October 2025 as Geraldton's first 7-Eleven.
Youth Precinct Redevelopment Project
Redevelopment of the Youth Precinct on the Geraldton Foreshore, covering approximately 7,353 square metres of public open space on the site of the ageing existing precinct. The upgrade will deliver a skatepark, trampolines, a parkour course, a zipline, shaded seating areas, swings, and a renewed Rage Cage, along with lighting and CCTV. The Updated Masterplan was co-designed with local youth and endorsed by the City of Greater Geraldton Council in July 2025. Construction began the week of 27 July 2026 and is expected to take approximately six months to complete.
Fenix Resources Worker Dwellings
Development of 60 quality dwellings for Fenix Resources workers, with a project value of $30 million.
Mount Tarcoola Brand Highway Residential Development Plan
Local development plan and design guidelines applying to the hillside subdivision created from Lots 219 and 220 Brand Highway in Mount Tarcoola. The LDP, adopted by the City of Greater Geraldton, guides how approximately 18 ocean-facing residential lots and one public open space lot are developed under R20 and R40 densities, with controls on building envelopes, height, setbacks, noise mitigation from Brand Highway and protection of the vegetated rear slope. The estate is now largely subdivided, with individual coastal lots along Brand Highway being marketed and sold for new homes, so build-out is progressing on a lot-by-lot basis rather than through a single builder.:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Geraldton Health Campus Redevelopment Project
The $188 million redevelopment of Geraldton Health Campus includes an expanded emergency department, a new intensive care unit and high dependency unit, a new integrated mental health service (with an adult mental health inpatient unit and a mental health short stay unit), and a reconfigured main entry. The project is being implemented in stages to minimize disruption. The Geraldton Health Campus will be redeveloped to provide Midwest residents with safe and efficient care closer to home.
Geraldton Port Maximisation Project (PMaxP)
A transformative infrastructure project to future-proof the port and drive economic growth in the Mid West. Includes a new $52 million bulk materials handling facility (completion late 2026) and a proposed Surge Protection Breakwater. Total project value is $350 million.
Mount Tarcoola Brand Highway (Lots 219 and 220) Local Development Plan
Local Development Plan and detailed design guidelines for residential lots created from Lots 219 and 220 Brand Highway, Mount Tarcoola. The plan has been adopted by the City of Greater Geraldton and prescribes additional requirements to the Residential Design Codes, including building envelopes, setbacks, height limits, noise and bushfire mitigation measures, and requirements to maintain views and ensure an attractive presentation to Brand Highway. The LDP remains listed as an operative planning document for the site in the Citys Local Development Plans register.
829 residents of Wonthella are employed, from a labour force of 870. Unemployment sits at 4.7%, with participation at 59.0%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.2% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 2,401, about 135% of the resident population, so the area draws in more workers than it sends out. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Wonthella maintains a mixed workforce across diverse white-collar and manual occupations, exhibiting an unemployment rate of 4.7% and a 4.0% annual employment rise according to AreaSearch aggregated data. As of March 2026, employed residents total 829, while joblessness sits 1.2% higher than the Regional WA figure of 3.5%, and labor force participation is lower at 59.0% compared to 65.4% regionally. Remote work was recorded by only 2.9% of workers at the Census, though pandemic restrictions at the time should be noted. The primary industry sectors providing work to residents are retail trade, health care & social assistance, and construction.
Retail trade exhibits notable concentration, claiming an employment proportion 1.7 times that of the broader region. Conversely, mining accounts for a modest 4.7% of local employment, well below the 11.7% observed across Regional WA. Operating with 1.2 workers for every local resident at the Census, the area serves as an employment center that imports personnel from nearby districts. According to AreaSearch examination of ABS and SALM series, employment rose by 4.0% while the local workforce expanded by 3.8% across the 12 months to March 2026, lowering local unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. Across Regional WA, employment contracted by 0.1%, the workforce grew by 0.3%, and unemployment climbed 0.4 percentage points. Forward-looking perspectives from Jobs and Skills Australia as of Mar-26 outline national employment growth expectations of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years across varying industries. Projecting these industry breakdowns onto Wonthella's local employment base indicates potential workforce growth of 6.2% over five years and 13.0% over ten years (representing a direct weighted extrapolation for illustration without incorporating localized population forecasts).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Wonthella is $1,061 a week (about $55,000 a year), with median personal income at $615 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $50,638 a year against an average of $63,301. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
ATO postcode records for financial year 2023 compiled by AreaSearch indicate that personal earnings in Wonthella remain beneath national figures, registering a median of $50,638 and an average of $63,301. These levels compare with a median of $59,973 and an average of $74,392 across Regional WA. Adjusting for a 10.93% rise in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023 yields updated estimates of $56,173 (median) and $70,220 (average) as of March 2026. Across national income distributions, Census data places the suburb's personal, family, and household incomes between the 5th and 13th percentiles.
The $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket encompasses 28.8% of local earners (512 individuals), closely tracking the 31.1% recorded regionally. Severe housing cost burdens leave only 83.0% of earnings unspent, ranking at the 6th percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Wonthella had 734 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 81% detached houses and 7% apartments. 26% are owned with a mortgage, 45% rented and 29% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $230 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,300 a month. Rent absorbs 21.7% of household income here and mortgage repayments 28.3%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
At the latest Census, housing types in Wonthella consisted of 80.9% separate houses alongside 19.2% other residential structures (apartments, attached dwellings, and alternative housing), compared to 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings throughout Regional WA. Outright home ownership stood at 29.4%, lagging the wider regional rate, while remaining homes were under a mortgage (25.7%) or leased (44.8%). The median monthly mortgage payment was $1,300 and median weekly rent was $230, sitting well beneath the Regional WA benchmarks of $1,560 and $265 respectively. Across Australia, Wonthella's monthly mortgage costs trail the national figure of $1,863, and weekly rents sit well below the nationwide median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Wonthella counted 734 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.1 people each. 17% are couples with children, fewer than in 92% of areas nationally, against 23% couples without children. 41% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.9 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families constitute the majority of local living arrangements at 56.0%, comprised of couples without children (22.6%), couples with children (17.3%), and single parent households (14.4%). Non-family setups make up the remaining 44.0%, consisting of lone person residences (41.1%) and group living (2.5%). The typical household size sits at 2.1 people, below the 2.5 average seen across Regional WA.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
10.2% of adults in Wonthella hold a university qualification, including 8.0% with a bachelor degree and 1.6% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 96% of areas nationally. A further 34.7% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 338 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 881 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Tertiary attainment in the area presents development opportunities, with university qualifications held by 10.2% of residents against a national mark of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees comprise 8.0%, postgraduate credentials account for 1.6%, and graduate diplomas represent 0.6%. Vocational education is widespread, as 42.8% of individuals aged 15+ hold technical qualifications, including certificates (34.7%) and advanced diplomas (8.1%). A significant 25.5% of the local population is engaged in formal studies. This cohort includes 9.3% in primary school, 9.2% attending secondary school, and 1.6% enrolled in tertiary institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Wonthella reaches 22 stops on 4 routes, timetabled for about 120 services a week. The typical home sits about 170 m from its nearest stop. Households keep an average of 1.1 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transit across Wonthella features 22 operational stops providing bus connectivity across 4 designated routes, supplying 120 weekly passenger trips. Local transit accessibility is high, with an average distance of 166 meters from households to the closest stop. Private vehicles represent the primary commuting choice, used by 89% of outward commuters. Motor vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, below regional norms, while 2.9% of residents worked remotely during the 2021 Census amidst potential pandemic conditions. Transit services provide an average of 17 trips daily across the network, translating to around 5 weekly trips per stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
59.5% of residents in Wonthella report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 89% of areas nationally. 5.8% need daily assistance with core activities, and 52.3% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 6.9 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
AreaSearch evaluations of mortality and chronic health patterns indicate notable health demands in Wonthella, with elevated rates of standard conditions across younger and older demographics alike. Private health insurance coverage stands at roughly 52% of the local population (~930 people), slightly higher than typical SA2 rates but below the Regional WA benchmark of 56.4%. Asthma and mental health conditions are the most prevalent ailments, each reported by 9.6 and 9.6% of residents, while 59.5% of the population reported no medical conditions compared to 69.3% in Regional WA. Working-age adults experience notable chronic conditions, and the 19.0% of residents aged 65 and over (337 people) encounter health challenges that place them higher than general community percentiles nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Wonthella is largely Australian-born, at 85.3% of residents, with 8.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (30.5%) and English (29.2%). 7.7% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity measures in Wonthella sit below national norms, with Australian citizens making up 85.4% of the population, 85.3% born domestically, and 91.6% speaking only English at home. Christianity represents the most common faith at 46.8%. The most prominent above-average religious affiliation is Islam, accounting for 1.3% of local residents compared to 0.8% across Regional WA. Based on parental birthplace, the primary ancestries in Wonthella are Australian (30.5%), English (29.2%), and Australian Aboriginal (7.7%). Other specific backgrounds showing localized variations include Filipino at 1.8% (against 1.2% regionally), Maori at 1.2% (compared to 1.0%), and New Zealand at 0.8% (versus 0.9%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Wonthella is 42. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 27.4% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The age distribution in the suburb of Wonthella aligns closely with Regional WA benchmarks, displaying a maximum divergence of 1.5 percentage points across broad brackets. The estimated median age is 42, having decreased from 43 at the 2021 Census, which remains 2 years above the Regional WA Census figure of 40. The most noticeable demographic shift involves seniors and retirees (65+), declining from 21.8% to an estimated 19.0%. By 2041, individuals aged 25 - 44 are projected to drive local growth, adding 150 residents (32%) to reach a total of 612, while senior age brackets are expected to diminish over the period.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Wonthella
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · Jun 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 last month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 4 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 6 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 2 months ago all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 4 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (1,711 at the 2021 Census → 1,778 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL51635). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.