Chittering

Population growth drivers in Chittering are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Chittering's population was around 7,107 as of May 2026. This reflected an increase of 1,177 people from the 2021 Census figure of 5,930. The change was inferred from the ABS estimated resident population of 7,039 in June 2025 and an additional 320 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a population density ratio of 5.8 persons per square kilometer. Chittering's growth rate of 19.8% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average of 9.3%. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 77.9% of overall gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted 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 growth estimation, AreaSearch used the ABS's latest Greater Capital Region projections from 2023, based on 2022 data. Demographic trends projected an above median population growth for regional areas nationally, with Chittering expected to grow by 1,084 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 14.3% over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Chittering among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Chittering has recorded approximately 67 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, a total of 338 homes were approved, with an additional 83 approved in FY26 so far. Each dwelling built over these five years has resulted in an average of 2.7 new residents per year, indicating solid demand that supports property values.

The average expected construction cost value for new homes being built is $322,000. In terms of commercial development, $21.8 million in approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of activity. Compared to the Rest of WA, Chittering records 82.0% more construction activity per person, offering greater choice for buyers. All new constructions in the area have been standalone homes, preserving its low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

With around 108 people per approval, Chittering reflects a developing area with population forecasts indicating a gain of 1,016 residents by 2041 based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Chittering has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 24thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified ten projects likely affecting the area. Notable projects include Chittering Eco-Golf Resort and Luxury Estates, Shire of Chittering Local Planning Scheme 6 Amendment 75 (Education Establishment Zone), Maryville Downs Estate, and Ridgeview Estate. The following list details those most 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 Chittering demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Chittering has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs. Its unemployment rate is 1.0%. As of December 2025, 3709 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.5% lower than Regional WA's rate of 3.5%.

Workforce participation matches Regional WA at 66.0%. Only 12.9% work from home. Dominant sectors include construction, mining, and agriculture. Construction employment is particularly high at 1.5 times the regional level.

Accommodation & food services have lower representation with only 3.3% of workforce compared to 7.1% regionally. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census data comparison. Between December 2024 and December 2025, labour force decreased by 5.3% and employment declined by 5.6%, increasing unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional WA's employment rise of 1.0%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Chittering's mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.4% over five years and 11.8% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

The Chittering SA2 has a high national income level according to the latest Australian Taxation Office data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in this area is $60,853, while the average income stands at $76,040. For Regional WA, these figures are $59,973 and $74,392 respectively. Based on a 10.93% growth in wages since financial year 2023, current estimates for Chittering SA2 would be approximately $67,504 (median) and $84,351 (average) as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, household income ranks at the 68th percentile ($2,044 weekly), while personal income sits at the 49th percentile. Distribution data shows that the largest segment comprises 31.3% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (2,224 residents), aligning with the surrounding region where this cohort likewise represents 31.1%. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 30.2% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. High housing costs consume 15.2% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 69th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Chittering is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

In Chittering, as per the latest Census evaluation, 99.1% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 1.0% comprising semi-detached properties, apartments, and other types. This compares to Regional WA's figures of 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Chittering stood at 33.0%, matching Regional WA's rate, with mortgaged dwellings at 58.8% and rented ones at 8.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,100, exceeding Regional WA's average of $1,560. The median weekly rent figure for Chittering was $320, lower than Regional WA's $265. Nationally, Chittering's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,100 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $320 compared to the national figure of $375.

Chittering features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 83.3% of all households, including 38.0% couples with children, 36.7% couples without children, and 8.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 16.7%, with lone person households at 15.9% and group households comprising 1.0%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Regional WA average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 13.4%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 46.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.8%) and certificates (34.7%). Educational participation is high at 29.9%, comprising primary education (11.8%), secondary education (10.7%), and tertiary education (2.6%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.8% in primary education, 10.7% in secondary education, and 2.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Chittering has four active public transport stops, all of which operate buses. There is one route serving these stops collectively providing four weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility in the area is limited, with residents typically located 9203 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its primarily residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transportation at 89%. On average, there are 2.3 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 12.9% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages zero trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per stop.

Chittering's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Chittering.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were found to be very low across all age groups. Private health cover was found to be very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~4,022 people). The most common medical conditions in the area were arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.1 and 7.4% of residents respectively. 69.5% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.3% across Regional WA. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 15.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,125 people), which is lower than the 19.2% in Regional WA. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Chittering's population showed low cultural diversity, with 74.3% born in Australia, 86.7% being citizens, and 95.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominated as the main religion, comprising 45.9%. Judaism was overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to 0.0% regionally.

Top ancestral groups were English (36.5%), Australian (31.0%), and Scottish (7.6%). Notable differences existed for Dutch (1.8% vs regional 1.5%), South Australian (0.8% vs 0.6%), and New Zealand (0.8% vs 0.9%) ancestry.

Chittering hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Chittering is 43 years, which is slightly higher than Regional WA's average of 40 years and well above Australia's median of 38 years. The 55-64 age cohort is notably over-represented in Chittering at 16.2%, compared to the regional average of approximately 12%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 9.7%. Nationally, the 55-64 age group makes up 11.2% of the population. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 11.5% to 13.7%, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 8.7% to 9.7%. During this period, the 45 to 54 age group declined from 15.9% to 14.1%, and the 65 to 74 age group decreased from 10.8% to 9.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Chittering, with the 25-34 age cohort projected to expand by 292 people (42%) from 690 to 983. Meanwhile, the 85+ and 75 to 84 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.