Augusta
Statistical Area - sa2

Augusta lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Augusta's population was around 8,477 as of Aug 2025. This reflected an increase of 1,882 people from the 2021 Census figure of 6,595 people. The change was inferred from ABS estimated resident population of 7,722 in June 2024 and 758 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a population density ratio of 4.0 persons per square kilometer. Augusta's 28.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded national average (8.6%) and non-metro area, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 80.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with base year 2022. For areas not covered by this data and estimates post-2032, AreaSearch uses growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023 based on 2022 data). Population projections show an above median growth for Australia's non-metropolitan areas. The area is expected to expand by 1,429 persons to 2041, with an overall increase of 8.0% over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Augusta was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Augusta has seen approximately 176 new homes approved each year. Development approval data is produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis, with 882 dwellings approved over the past five financial years between FY-21 and FY-25, and an additional 32 recorded so far in FY-26. On average, about 1.7 people have moved to the area each year for each dwelling built during these five financial years. This balance between supply and demand has created stable market conditions.

The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $511,000. In terms of commercial development, $10.3 million in approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating moderate levels of activity. Compared to the rest of Western Australia, Augusta has 92.0% more building activity per person, offering buyers greater choice and reflecting robust developer interest in the area. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location currently has approximately 39 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

Looking ahead, Augusta is expected to grow by 674 residents through to 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.

Augusta has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 17thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 19 projects likely impacting the region. Notable projects include Witchcliffe Ecovillage, Witchcliffe Streetscape Plan and Activation, Margaret River Net-Positive Circular Hotel, and Margaret River Wa 6285. The following list details those most relevant.

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

AreaSearch analysis reveals Augusta significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Augusta has a skilled workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.1%, with an estimated employment growth of 5.7% over the past year as of June 2025.

In this month, 4,137 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.0% lower than Rest of WA's rate of 3.2%. Workforce participation in Augusta is at the same level as Rest of WA's 59.4%. Key industries for employment among residents include agriculture, forestry & fishing, accommodation & food, and construction. Agriculture, forestry & fishing shows particularly strong specialization with an employment share 1.5 times higher than the regional level.

Mining has limited presence in Augusta with only 7.0% of employment compared to 11.7% regionally. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 5.7% while labour force grew by 5.4%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of WA saw employment rise by 1.1%, labour force grow by 0.5%, and unemployment fall by 0.6 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 indicate potential future demand within Augusta. These projections suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Augusta's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.1%% over five years and 11.4% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Augusta's median income among taxpayers was $44,520 in financial year 2022, according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. The average income stood at $62,068 during the same period. In comparison, Rest of WA had a median income of $57,323 and an average income of $71,163. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.61% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for March 2025 would be approximately $49,689 (median) and $69,274 (average). Census 2021 income data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Augusta rank modestly between the 25th and 29th percentiles. Distribution data indicates that 31.3% of residents fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket (2,653 people), mirroring the surrounding region where 31.1% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Augusta, with only 84.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 28th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Augusta's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consist of 94.1% houses and 5.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro WA has 89.8% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Augusta is at 43.9%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (34.2%) or rented (21.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area is $1,816, higher than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure is recorded at $300, compared to Non-Metro WA's $360. Nationally, Augusta's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households compose 71.0% of all households, including 28.1% couples with children, 35.5% couples without children, and 6.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 29.0%, with lone person households at 26.4% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 2.4 people, smaller than the Rest of WA average of 2.5.

Augusta performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 24.7% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of WA average of 17.6% and the SA4 region average of 18.0%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 18.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 41.3% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 11.8% and certificates for 29.5%.

Educational participation is high at 28.0%, including primary education (12.7%), secondary education (7.4%), and tertiary education (1.7%). Augusta's four schools have a combined enrollment of 678 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1024) and balanced educational opportunities. All four schools focus on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas. Local school capacity is limited at 8.0 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 16.5, leading many families to travel for schooling.

Transport servicing is very low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

The analysis of public transportation in Augusta shows that there are eight active transport stops currently operating. These stops service a mix of bus routes, with one individual route providing 22 weekly passenger trips in total. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as limited, with residents typically located about 2882 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, across all routes, there are approximately three trips per day, which equates to around two weekly trips per individual stop.

Augusta'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

Augusta's health data shows low prevalence of common conditions across all age groups. Approximately 51% (~4,289 people) have private health cover, lower than the rest of WA's 52.6%.

The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (8.9%) and mental health issues (7.3%). Around 70.7% report no medical ailments, slightly higher than the rest of WA's 69.5%. About 22.0% (1,868 people) are aged 65 and over, more than the rest of WA's 20.0%. Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, outperforming general population metrics.

Augusta ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Augusta's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 84.8% of its population being Australian citizens, 77.9% born in Australia, and 95.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Augusta, making up 34.1% of people. Judaism was overrepresented compared to Rest of WA, comprising 0.2% of Augusta's population versus 0.1%.

For ancestry, the top three groups were English (36.4%), Australian (28.8%), and Scottish (8.1%). Notably, Welsh (0.8%) and Dutch (1.8%) were also overrepresented compared to regional percentages.

Augusta hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Augusta's median age is 46, which is older than the Rest of WA figure of 40 and above the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 make up 14.1% of the population, while those aged 25-34 comprise only 8.8%. Between the 2021 Census and present day, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 6.0% to 7.2%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.8% to 13.1%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Augusta's age structure. The 45 to 54 group is expected to grow by 20% (221 people), reaching 1,333 from 1,111. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 85+ cohorts.