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

According to the analysis by AreaSearch, the population of Ashburton stands at approximately 8,335 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 944 residents (12.8%) from the 7,391 individuals recorded in the 2021 Census. This population shift is calculated from the ABS estimated resident population of 8,335 for June 2025 combined with 2 validated new addresses identified since the Census. With these figures, the population density translates to 0.10 persons per square kilometer, indicating a spacious living environment. The area's 12.8% expansion rate since the 2021 census outpaced the national average (9.3%) and the Rest of WA, establishing it as a frontrunner for growth in the territory. This population rise was mainly driven by net overseas migration, which represented roughly 51.5% of the total population gains in recent times.

AreaSearch incorporates projections from the ABS/Geoscience Australia for each SA2 region, which were published in 2024 using 2022 as the baseline year. For SA2 territories excluded from this dataset, and to project trends beyond the year 2032, AreaSearch applies the growth rates across age cohorts from the latest ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, utilizing 2022 baseline statistics). Factoring in these expected demographic transitions, the region is projected to experience population expansion slightly below the median value of regional zones in Australia, with the local population predicted to grow by 608 persons to 2041 relative to the most recent annual ERP data, indicating a total growth rate of 7.3% over this 16-year timeframe.

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

Ashburton has seen approximately 15 residential building approvals granted each year, summing up to 75 dwellings over the preceding 5 financial years. Thus far in FY-26, 8 approvals have been documented. Since the population decreased during the previous timeframe, new housing construction has likely aligned with demand, providing sufficient options for purchasers, while newly approved residential builds show an average construction cost of $461,000, indicating that developers are prioritizing the higher-end market with premium projects. Additionally, commercial building approvals have reached $194.9 million this financial year, showing robust local business construction activity.

Ashburton registers approximately half the volume of new housing approvals per capita compared to the Rest of WA, and sits in the 31st percentile among all analyzed locations in the country, suggesting relatively constrained choices for buyers while bolstering demand for existing housing stock. This rate also falls below the national average, indicating market maturity and potential limits on development. New construction consists of 85.0% detached houses and 15.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the low-density profile of the community by prioritizing single-family homes that appeal to buyers seeking space. An estimated ratio of 518 people per residential approval highlights a calm, low-intensity construction environment.

Future forecasts indicate that Ashburton will add 608 residents by 2041 (utilizing the latest quarterly estimates from AreaSearch). At current construction velocities, the volume of new housing is anticipated to easily satisfy demand, creating favorable buying conditions and potentially facilitating growth beyond current demographic forecasts.

Ashburton has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 21stth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and urban planning policies have a significant impact on local performance. In total, AreaSearch has identified 32 projects that are expected to influence the region. Notable projects include the Brockman Syncline 1 Iron Ore Project, the Solomon Iron Ore Project Expansion, the Tom Price Pump Track, and the Tom Price Hospital Redevelopment, with details provided below for the most significant undertakings.

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 is characterized by a skilled labor force, with strong representation in the manufacturing and industrial sectors, an unemployment rate of only 0.8%, and an estimated job growth rate of 4.0% over the prior year. As of March 2026, 5,271 local residents are employed, with an unemployment rate that is 2.7% lower than the 3.5% rate recorded in Regional WA, while labor force participation is exceptionally high at 82.0% compared to 65.6% in Regional WA. Census data indicates that only a minor share of 3.2% of the workforce worked from home, though the influence of Covid-19 restrictions during that period should be acknowledged.

The primary employment sectors for local residents are mining, construction, and education & training. The area exhibits a notable concentration in the mining sector, where the proportion of jobs is 4.3 times the regional benchmark. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing holds a minor share of the job market at 1.6% compared to 9.3% across the region. With a ratio of 1.9 workers for every resident at the time of the Census, the locality serves as a major job center, offering more employment positions than it has residents and drawing commuters from neighboring districts.

Analysis of SALM and ABS data by AreaSearch indicates that employment grew by 4.0% over the twelve months leading to March 2026, whereas the labour force expanded by 3.8%, which led to a 0.2 percentage point drop in unemployment. In contrast, Regional WA experienced a 0.1% decrease in employment alongside a 0.3% rise in the labour force, resulting in a 0.4 percentage point increase in unemployment. Insights into potential future demand within Ashburton can be gained from Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts published in May-25. These forecasts span five and ten-year horizons and have been overlaid with the local employment profile to estimate growth trends. National employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and by 13.7% over ten years, though expansion varies considerably across different industry sectors. When these sector-specific forecasts are applied to Ashburton's employment composition, local employment is estimated to rise by 4.2% over five years and by 10.4% over ten years. It is important to note that this calculation represents a basic weighting extrapolation intended only for illustrative purposes and does not incorporate localized population projections.

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

The Ashburton SA2 registers a median taxpayer income of $113,836 and an average taxpayer income of $110,080, based on the latest postcode-level data from the ATO compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. These figures place the area in the highest national percentile, contrasting sharply with the Regional WA median of $59,973 and average of $74,392. Applying the Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% recorded since financial year 2023 yields updated estimates of approximately $126,278 for the median and $122,112 for the average as of March 2026. According to the Census, household, family, and individual incomes in Ashburton are highly ranked, placing between the 96th and 99th percentiles across Australia. The weekly income range of $1,500 - 2,999 is the most common, accounting for 35.4% of residents (2,950 people), which corresponds with the regional trend where this bracket comprises 31.1% of the population. The high proportion of top-tier earners (49.3% receiving more than $3,000/week) demonstrates substantial financial capacity in Ashburton. After accounting for housing expenditures, residents retain 98.2% of their income, indicating high disposable income, while the area's SEIFA index for income ranks in the 4th decile.

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

The composition of housing in Ashburton, recorded during the latest Census, was made up of 88.4% separate houses and 11.6% alternative dwelling types (semi-detached properties, apartments, and other housing structures), which is very similar to the regional distribution of 88.5% separate houses and 11.6% alternative dwellings. Conversely, home ownership rates in Ashburton lagged behind Regional WA at 8.4%, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with mortgages (3.2%) or tenants renting (88.4%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was higher than the Regional WA average at $1,613, while the median weekly rent stood at $48, compared to Regional WA figures of $1,560 and $265 respectively. Looking nationally, mortgage commitments in Ashburton are considerably below the Australian median of $1,863, and rent prices are significantly lower than the national median of $375.

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

Families make up the majority of households at 73.8%, which consists of couples with children (39.6%), couples without children (26.1%), and single-parent homes (7.0%). Non-family households constitute the remaining 26.2%, with single-person households representing 24.2% and group houses accounting for 2.0%. The median household occupancy of 2.7 persons is higher than the Regional WA average of 2.5.

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

The region presents educational patterns that warrant attention, as university qualification rates (16.9%) are notably lower than the national average of 30.4%. This highlights an area for potential improvement through focused educational programs. Bachelor degrees represent the largest cohort of higher education at 12.7%, followed by postgraduate degrees (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational and technical training is highly prevalent, with 54.1% of the population aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (10.1%) and certificates (44.0%).

Enrollment rates in educational programs are high, with 37.2% of the population actively participating in formal study. This student population includes 19.5% in primary schools, 7.1% in secondary schools, and 2.5% enrolled in higher education institutions.

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 indicators demonstrate favorable trends for the residents of Ashburton, with AreaSearch's assessment of mortality and chronic disease rates aligning closely with national averages. The occurrence of typical medical conditions is low across younger and older demographics, and the proportion of population with private health insurance is exceptionally high at roughly 75% of the total population (6,276 people). This compares to 56.4% in Regional WA and a nationwide average of 55.7%.

Asthma and mental health conditions are the most prevalent health issues in the area, affecting 6.7% and 5.4% of the population, respectively, while 81.2% of residents reported having no long-term medical conditions, compared to 69.3% in Regional WA. The area has a relatively small elderly cohort, with 3.8% of the population aged 65 and older (317 people), which is lower than the Regional WA figure of 19.2%. Seniors in the area experience strong health outcomes, ranking 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 exhibits higher than average cultural diversity, with 23.4% of residents born outside Australia and 13.6% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, representing 35.9% of the population. The most prominent divergence from regional averages is in the Other religious category, which represents 1.8% of the population compared to 0.7% across Regional WA.

Regarding ethnic background (parental place of birth), the three most common ancestries in Ashburton are Australian at 27.9%, English at 26.2% (which is below the regional average of 31.3%), and Australian Aboriginal at 8.3%. Other distinct ethnic groups show higher representation than regional averages, including Maori at 2.8% of the population (compared to 1.0% in the region), New Zealand ancestry at 1.3% (compared to 0.9%), and Samoan ancestry at 0.3% (compared to 0.1%).

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

Ashburton has a median age of 33 years, which is notably lower than the Regional WA average of 40 and below the Australian median of 38. Compared to the region, Ashburton has a higher proportion of residents in the 35 - 44 age range (23.5%) and a lower percentage of people aged 65 - 74 (3.4%). The concentration of 35 - 44 year-olds is higher than the national figure of 14.3%. Since the 2021 Census, this 35 to 44 cohort has increased from 20.2% to 23.5% of the total population, whereas the 15 to 24 cohort has decreased from 8.6% to 7.3%. Demographic projections indicate the age structure will change by 2041, with the 25 to 34 age group projected to grow the most by 21%, adding 363 residents to reach a total of 2,099, while the 85+ and 75 to 84 groups are projected to decrease in size.