Ashburton (WA)
Statistical Area - sa2

Ashburton is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Ashburton WA's population was 8,147 as of Aug 2025. This showed a growth of 756 people from the 2021 Census figure of 7,391, indicating a 10.2% increase since then. The estimated resident population in June 2024 was 8,179, suggesting some address validation occurred after the census date. This resulted in a density ratio of 0.10 persons per square kilometer. Ashburton's growth exceeded the national average of 8.6%, placing it as a growth leader among non-metro areas. Natural growth contributed approximately 58.8% to population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and post-2032 estimations, AreaSearch employs growth rates by age cohort from the ABS's latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Projected demographic shifts suggest a population increase just below Australia's regional median to 2041. The area is expected to gain 647 persons by then, reflecting an 8.3% total increase over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Ashburton is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Ashburton has averaged approximately 15 new dwelling approvals annually. Development approval data is compiled by the ABS on a financial year basis, totalling 75 approvals across the past five financial years from FY21 to FY25. As of FY26, there have been 2 approvals so far. The population has fallen during this period, suggesting that new supply has likely kept pace with demand, offering good options for buyers.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $845,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. This financial year has seen $194.9 million in commercial approvals, reflecting high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Rest of WA, Ashburton has roughly half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person, placing it among the 33rd percentile nationally, which suggests somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established dwellings. This level is also lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and potentially indicating development constraints.

New development consists of 85% detached houses and 15% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 510 people, reflecting a quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections indicate Ashburton adding 679 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Ashburton has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 23rdth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 31 projects that could impact the area. Notable ones include Solomon Iron Ore Project Expansion, Tom Price Pump Track, Tom Price Hospital Redevelopment, and Tom Price Residential Development. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

Employment conditions in Ashburton rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Ashburton WA has a skilled workforce with strong manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate was 1.0% as of June 2025.

At this time, 4992 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 3.2% lower than the Rest of WA's rate. Workforce participation in Ashburton was higher at 68.9%, compared to the Rest of WA's 59.4%. Key industries for employment among residents are mining, construction, and education & training. Ashburton has a particular specialization in mining with an employment share four times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing have limited presence with only 1.6% employment compared to the regional average of 9.3%. The area functions as an employment hub with 1.9 workers per resident, attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.8%, alongside a 2.8% decline in employment. This kept the unemployment rate relatively stable while the Rest of WA experienced employment growth of 1.1%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May 2025, suggest Ashburton's employment could grow by approximately 4.2% over five years and 10.4% over ten years based on industry-specific projections.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

Ashburton had a median taxpayer income of $105,876 and an average income of $103,645 in financial year 2022. These figures place Ashburton among the top percentile nationally, contrasting with Rest of WA's median income of $57,323 and average income of $71,163. By March 2025, based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.61%, estimated incomes would be approximately $118,168 (median) and $115,678 (average). Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Ashburton rank highly nationally, between the 96th and 100th percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 35.4% of residents (2,884 people), aligning with regional trends where this cohort also represents 31.1%. A substantial proportion of high earners (49.3%) in Ashburton indicates strong economic capacity throughout the area. After housing costs, residents retain 98.2% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Ashburton is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Ashburton, as per the latest Census, comprised 88.4% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro WA had 81.0% houses and 19.0% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Ashburton was higher at 8.4%, with the rest mortgaged (3.2%) or rented (88.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,613, below Non-Metro WA's average of $1,700. The median weekly rent in Ashburton was $48, compared to Non-Metro WA's $220. Nationally, Ashburton's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,613 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Ashburton has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 73.8% of all households, including 39.6% couples with children, 26.1% couples without children, and 7.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 26.2%, with lone person households at 24.2% and group households comprising 2.0%. The median household size is 2.7 people, smaller than the Rest of WA average of 2.8.

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

Ashburton's university qualification rate is 16.9%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 54.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas (10.1%) and certificates (44.0%).

Educational participation is high, at 37.2%, including 19.5% in primary education, 7.1% in secondary education, and 2.5% pursuing tertiary education. Seven schools operate within Ashburton, educating approximately 1,370 students. The school network includes three primary schools, one secondary school, and three K-12 schools.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Ashburton's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Ashburton's health outcomes show exceptional results with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 73% of Ashburton's total population (5,914 people) have private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 6.7% and 5.4% of residents respectively. About 81.2% of Ashburton's population declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the Rest of WA figure at 81.3%. In Ashburton, 3.0% of residents are aged 65 and over (245 people), with health outcomes among seniors requiring more attention than the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Ashburton was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Ashburton's cultural diversity was above average, with 23.4% of its population born overseas and 13.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the main religion in Ashburton, making up 35.9% of people there. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in the 'Other' category, comprising 1.8% of Ashburton's population compared to 1.1% across the rest of Western Australia.

In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups were Australian (27.9%), English (26.2%), and Australian Aboriginal (8.3%). Notably, Maori was overrepresented at 2.8%, New Zealand was at 1.3%, and Samoan was at 0.3%.

Ashburton hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Ashburton's median age is 33 years, which is lower than the Rest of WA average of 40 years and under the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of WA, Ashburton has a higher percentage of residents aged 35-44 (22.9%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (2.7%). This concentration of 35-44 year-olds is notably higher than the national average of 14.2%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the percentage of Ashburton's population aged 35 to 44 has increased from 20.2% to 22.9%, while the 25 to 34 age group has risen from 20.4% to 21.7%. Conversely, the 15 to 24 age group has decreased from 8.6% to 7.5%. Demographic projections indicate significant changes in Ashburton's age profile by 2041. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to grow strongly at a rate of 23%, adding 415 residents to reach a total of 2,183. In contrast, both the 75 to 84 and 65 to 74 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.