Ashburton (WA)

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's population was around 8,211 as of Feb 2026. This showed an increase of 820 people (11.1%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 7,391. The change was inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 8,179 in June 2024 and one validated new address since the Census date. This resulted in a density ratio of 0.10 persons per square kilometer. Ashburton's growth exceeded the national average (9.9%) during this period. Natural growth contributed approximately 58.8% of overall 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 and post-2032 estimates, AreaSearch utilises growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its 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 overall increase of 7.5% over the 17 years.

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 over the past five financial years, totalling 75 homes. As of FY26, 2 approvals have been recorded so far. The population has fallen during this period, yet development activity has been adequate relative to population change, which is positive for buyers. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $461,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

This financial year has seen $194.9 million in commercial development approvals, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to the Rest of WA, Ashburton shows about half the construction activity per person and ranks among the 32nd percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice that supports interest in existing dwellings. This is below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New development consists of 85% standalone homes and 15% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 510 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections estimate Ashburton will add 615 residents by 2041 (based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Ashburton has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 19thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 31 projects that could affect the region. Notable ones include Brockman Syncline 1 Iron Ore Project, Solomon Iron Ore Project Expansion, Tom Price Pump Track, and Tom Price Hospital Redevelopment. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

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.

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

Ashburton's workforce is skilled with strong manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate in September 2025 was 1.0%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 0.6%.

As of this date, 5,159 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.3% lower than Rest of WA's rate of 3.3%. Workforce participation in Ashburton was 81.9%, higher than Rest of WA's 67.2%. Census responses indicated that only 3.2% of residents worked from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries for employment were mining, construction, and education & training, with a notable concentration in mining at 4.3 times the regional average.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence with 1.6% employment compared to 9.3% regionally. There were 1.9 workers per resident as of the Census, indicating Ashburton functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 0.6% and labour force grew by 0.6%, maintaining a stable unemployment rate. This contrasted with Rest of WA where employment rose by 1.4%, labour force grew by 1.2%, and unemployment fell by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Ashburton's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 4.2% over five years and 10.4% over ten years.

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

The Ashburton SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $113,836 and an average income of $110,080 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is notably higher than the national figures for Rest of WA, which had a median income of $59,973 and an average income of $74,392 during the same period. By September 2025, based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62%, estimated incomes would be approximately $124,787 (median) and $120,670 (average). In Ashburton, household, family, and personal incomes were all high, ranking between the 96th and 99th percentiles nationally according to Census 2021 data. The earnings profile showed that 35.4% of residents (2,906 people) fell into the $1,500 - $2,999 income bracket, similar to regional levels where 31.1% occupied this range. Economic strength was evident with 49.3% of households earning high weekly incomes exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retained 98.2% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 4th decile.

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

Ashburton's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.4% houses and 11.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), similar to Non-Metro WA's 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Ashburton had a home ownership rate of 8.4%, with dwellings either mortgaged (3.2%) or rented (88.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,613, higher than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,560. The median weekly rent in Ashburton was $48, lower than Non-Metro WA's figure of $265. Nationally, Ashburton's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,613 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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, larger than the Rest of WA average of 2.5.

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

The area has lower university qualification rates at 16.9%, significantly below the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 2.4% and graduate diplomas at 1.8%. Vocational credentials are prominent, with 54.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 10.1% and certificates at 44.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 37.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 19.5% in primary, 7.1% in secondary, and 2.5% in tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Ashburton's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data shows Ashburton residents have relatively positive health outcomes. AreaSearch's analysis found mortality rates and health conditions were broadly in line with national benchmarks. The prevalence of common health conditions was quite low across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover was exceptionally high at approximately 75% of the total population (6,182 people), compared to 56.4% across Rest of WA and 55.7% nationally. The most common medical conditions were asthma and mental health issues, impacting 6.7 and 5.4% of residents respectively. 81.2% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, higher than the 69.3% across Rest of WA. The area has 3.1% of residents aged 65 and over (255 people), lower than the 19.2% in Rest of WA. Health outcomes among seniors were particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

Ashburton's population shows above-average cultural diversity, with 23.4% born overseas and 13.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, at 35.9%. The 'Other' religious category is overrepresented in Ashburton at 1.8%, compared to 0.7% regionally.

Top ancestry groups are Australian (27.9%), English (26.2%), and Australian Aboriginal (8.3%). Notable divergences include Maori (2.8% vs regional 1.0%), New Zealand (1.3% vs 0.9%), and Samoan (0.3% vs 0.1%).

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

Ashburton's median age at 33 years is notably lower than the Rest of WA average of 40, and significantly below the Australian median of 38. Compared to Rest of WA, Ashburton has a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 (23.6%), but fewer residents aged 65-74 (2.8%). This concentration of 35-44 year-olds is well above the national average of 14.3%. Since the Census on 2021 August 10, younger residents have lowered the median age from 34 to 33 years. Key demographic shifts include an increase in the 35-44 age group from 20.2% to 23.6%, and a rise in the 25-34 cohort from 20.4% to 22.1%. Conversely, the 15-24 cohort has decreased from 8.6% to 7.4%, and the 55-64 group has fallen from 10.1% to 8.9%. Population projections for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Ashburton. The 25-34 age cohort is expected to increase by 372 people (21%) from 1,810 to 2,183. Meanwhile, both the 85+ and 75-84 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.