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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Chittering's population is around 7,546 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,616 people (27.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,930 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,753 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 305 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 6.2 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Chittering's 27.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (9.9%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 75.1% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including natural growth and overseas migration, were positive factors.

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). Regarding demographic trends, an above-median population growth for regional areas across the nation is projected, with the area expected to grow by 1,161 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 4.9% in total over the 17 years.

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

Chittering has recorded around 67 residential properties granted approval each year, with 338 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 72 so far in FY-26. With an average of 2.7 new residents per year gained for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), suggesting solid demand that supports property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $322,000. Additionally, $21.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

Compared to the Rest of WA, Chittering records 85.0% more construction activity (per person), creating greater choice for buyers. This activity is well above average nationally, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. Furthermore, recent building activity consists entirely of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 108 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

Future projections show Chittering adding 368 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.

Chittering has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 27thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 10 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key 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, 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 Chittering demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Chittering possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with the construction sector a particular standout in terms of representation, and an unemployment rate of just 1.0%. As of December 2025, 3,709 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.5% below Regional WA's rate of 3.5%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional WA's 67.4%. Based on Census responses, a low 12.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are construction, mining, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. The area shows particularly strong specialization in construction, with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level. On the other hand, accommodation & food is under-represented, with only 3.3% of Chittering's workforce compared to 7.1% in Regional WA. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 5.3% while employment declined by 5.6%, resulting in the unemployment rate rising by 0.3 percentage points. This compares to Regional WA, where employment grew by 1.0%, labour force expanded 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 Chittering. 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 Chittering's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.4% over five years and 11.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Chittering SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $60,853 and an average of $76,040 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is well above average 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 $66,707 (median) and $83,355 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household income ranks at the 68th percentile ($2,044 weekly), while personal income sits at the 49th percentile. Distribution data shows the largest segment comprises 31.3% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (2,361 residents), mirroring the metropolitan region where 31.1% occupy this bracket. This suburb demonstrates considerable affluence with 30.2% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. High housing costs consume 15.2% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 69th percentile and 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

Dwelling structure within Chittering, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 99.1% houses and 1.0% 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 Chittering was in line with that of Regional WA, at 33.0%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (58.8%) or rented (8.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional WA average at $2,100, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $320, compared to Regional WA's $1,560 and $265. Nationally, Chittering's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 83.3% of all households, comprising 38.0% couples with children, 36.7% couples without children, and 8.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 16.7%, with lone person households at 15.9% and group households comprising 1.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.8 people is 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (13.4%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 10.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 46.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.8%) and certificates (34.7%).

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

Public transport analysis reveals 4 active transport stops operating within Chittering, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 1 individual route, collectively providing 4 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 9203 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 89%. Vehicle ownership averages 2.3 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A relatively low 12.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 0 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 1 weekly trip per individual 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, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~4,271 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.1 and 7.4% of residents, respectively, while 69.5% declared themselves as 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 14.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,098 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 74.3% of its population born in Australia, 86.7% being citizens, and 95.2% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Chittering is Christianity, which makes up 45.9% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.1% of the population, compared to 0.0% across Regional WA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Chittering are English, comprising 36.5% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 31.3%, Australian, comprising 31.0% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 7.6% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Dutch is notably overrepresented at 1.8% of Chittering (vs 1.5% regionally), South Australian at 0.8% (vs 0.6%), and New Zealand at 0.8% (vs 0.9%).

Chittering hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The 43-year median age in Chittering is modestly exceeding Regional WA's average of 40 and is similarly well above the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Regional WA average, the 55 - 64 cohort is notably over-represented (15.9% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (10.1%). Since the 2021 Census, the area has become younger, with the median age dropping 1.1 years to 43 from 44. In particular, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 11.5% to 13.5% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 11.3% to 13.0%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 10.8% to 8.9% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 15.9% to 14.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Chittering. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, expanding by 230 people (30%) from 759 to 990. Conversely, both the 85+ and 65 to 74 age groups will see reduced numbers.