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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Ashburton's population is around 8,211 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 820 people (11.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,391 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,179 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 1 validated new address since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 0.10 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Ashburton's 11.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 58.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is utilising the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of Australia's regional areas is expected, with the area expected to increase by 647 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 7.5% in total 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 around 15 new dwelling approvals annually, totalling 75 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 8 approvals have been recorded. Given population has fallen over the past period, development activity has been adequate in relative terms, which is a positive for buyers, while new homes are being built at an average value of $461,000, showing that developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. Additionally, $194.9 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting robust local business investment.

Compared to the Rest of WA, Ashburton shows approximately half the construction activity per person and ranks in the 32nd percentile of areas assessed nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings. This is below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. New development consists of 85.0% standalone homes and 15.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 510 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Future projections show Ashburton adding 615 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on 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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 31 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key 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 the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 features a skilled workforce, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of just 1.0%, and 2.4% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 5,232 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.5% below Regional WA's rate of 3.5%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (83.0% compared to Regional WA's 67.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 3.2% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are mining, construction, and education & training. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in mining, with employment levels at 4.3 times the regional average. Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry & fishing has a limited presence with 1.6% employment compared to 9.3% regionally. With 1.9 workers for every resident, as at the Census, the area functions as an employment hub, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 2.4% and the labour force increased by 2.5%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. This contrasts with Regional WA, where employment rose by 1.0%, the labour force grew by 1.4%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Ashburton. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Ashburton's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.2% over five years and 10.4% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised 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 shows a median taxpayer income of $113,836 and an average of $110,080 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is exceptionally high nationally, contrasting with Regional WA's median income of $59,973 and average income of $74,392. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $124,787 (median) and $120,670 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Ashburton, between the 96th and 99th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 35.4% of residents (2,906 people), reflecting patterns seen at regional levels where 31.1% similarly occupy this range. Economic strength emerges through 49.3% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 98.2% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places 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

Dwelling structure within Ashburton, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 88.4% houses and 11.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional WA's 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Ashburton lagged that of Regional WA, at 8.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (3.2%) or rented (88.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Regional WA average at $1,613, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $48, compared to Regional WA's $1,560 and $265. Nationally, Ashburton's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 73.8% of all households, comprising 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% of the total. The median household size of 2.7 people is larger 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 area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (16.9%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 12.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 54.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.1%) and certificates (44.0%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 37.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 19.5% in primary education, 7.1% in secondary education, and 2.5% pursuing 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 indicates relatively positive outcomes for Ashburton residents, with AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions showing results broadly in line with national benchmarks. The prevalence of common health conditions is quite low across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 75% of the total population (6,182 people). This compares to 56.4% across Regional WA. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 6.7% and 5.4% of residents, respectively, while 81.2% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.3% across Regional WA. The area has 3.1% of residents aged 65 and over (255 people), which is lower than the 19.2% in Regional WA. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than those of 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 is above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 23.4% of its population born overseas and 13.6% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Ashburton is Christianity, which makes up 35.9% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Other, which comprises 1.8% of the population, compared to 0.7% across Regional WA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Ashburton are Australian, comprising 27.9% of the population, English, comprising 26.2% of the population (notably lower than the regional average of 31.3%), and Australian Aboriginal, comprising 8.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maori is overrepresented at 2.8% of Ashburton (vs 1.0% regionally), New Zealand at 1.3% (vs 0.9%), and Samoan at 0.3% (vs 0.1%).

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

At 33 years, Ashburton's median age is considerably lower than the Regional WA average of 40 and substantially under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Regional WA, Ashburton has a higher concentration of 35 - 44 residents (23.6%) but fewer 65 - 74 year-olds (2.8%). This 35 - 44 concentration is well above the national 14.3%. Since the 2021 Census, younger residents have shifted the median age down by 1.1 years to 33. Key changes show the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 20.2% to 23.6% of the population, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 20.4% to 22.1%. Conversely, the 15 to 24 cohort has declined from 8.6% to 7.4% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 10.1% to 8.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Ashburton. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to increase solidly, expanding by 372 people (21%) from 1,810 to 2,183. Conversely, both 85+ and 75 to 84 age groups will see reduced numbers.