Collie

Collie 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, Collie's population is around 9,495 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 683 people (7.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,812 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,408 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 39 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 5.6 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Collie's 7.8% growth since the census positions it within 2.1 percentage points of the national average (9.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 48.8% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including overseas migration and natural growth, 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). Looking at population projections moving forward, above-median population growth for regional areas across the nation is projected, with the area expected to expand by 1,368 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 13.5% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Collie when compared nationally

Collie has recorded around 28 residential properties granted approval annually, with 140 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 22 so far in FY-26. With an average of 3.4 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is significantly outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers, while new homes are being built at an average construction cost of $277,000. Additionally, $16.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity.

Relative to the Rest of WA, Collie records roughly half the building activity per person and ranks in the 49th percentile of areas assessed nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings. This level is likewise lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. New building activity consists of 82.0% detached houses and 18.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 331 people per dwelling approval, Collie shows a developing market.

Looking ahead, Collie is expected to grow by 1,281 residents through to 2041 (based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Collie has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 2ndth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 9 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Collie Micronising Facility, Collie Magnesium Plant, Quantum Filtration Medium Manufacturing Plant, and the Collie to Mumballup Road Upgrade, 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Collie recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Collie features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of 5.5%, and 5.3% estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 4,425 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 2.0% above Regional WA's rate of 3.5%, and workforce participation lags significantly (60.3% compared to Regional WA's 67.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 3.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise mining, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area shows particularly strong specialization in mining, with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 1.6% versus the regional average of 9.3%. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 5.3% while the labour force increased by 5.1%, resulting in unemployment falling by 0.2 percentage points. By comparison, Regional WA recorded employment growth of 1.0%, labour force growth of 1.4%, with unemployment rising 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Collie. 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 Collie's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.2% 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).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Collie SA2 is slightly above average nationally, with the median assessed at $53,190 while the average income stands at $70,164. This contrasts with Regional WA's figures of a median income of $59,973 and an average income of $74,392. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $58,307 (median) and $76,914 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Collie all fall between the 10th and 15th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 27.0% of the community (2,563 individuals), aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents 31.1%. While housing costs are modest with 86.8% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 19th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure within Collie, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 93.3% houses and 6.8% 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 Collie was well beyond that of Regional WA, at 42.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (37.5%) or rented (20.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional WA average at $1,300, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $250, compared to Regional WA's $1,560 and $265. Nationally, Collie's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Collie features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 66.2% of all households, comprising 24.1% couples with children, 29.9% couples without children, and 11.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 33.8%, with lone person households at 31.4% and group households comprising 2.5% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Regional WA average of 2.5.

Collie 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 (7.4%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 5.7%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.0%) and postgraduate qualifications (0.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 44.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (6.8%) and certificates (38.1%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.6% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 1.2% 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 3 active transport stops operating within Collie, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 3 individual routes, collectively providing 13 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 1764 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 92%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling. A relatively low 3.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 1 trip per day across all routes, equating to approximately 4 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Collie is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Collie, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover just leads that of the average SA2 area at approximately 54% of the total population (~5,117 people). This compares to 56.4% across Regional WA.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.9 and 9.2% of residents, respectively, while 62.2% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.3% across Regional WA. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 21.8% of residents aged 65 and over (2,068 people), which is higher than the 19.2% in Regional WA, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

Collie is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Collie was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 88.8% of its population being citizens, 87.6% born in Australia, and 97.1% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Collie is Christianity, which makes up 41.3% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 0.5% 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 Collie are English, comprising 34.4% of the population, Australian, comprising 32.5% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 7.4% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Welsh is notably overrepresented at 1.0% of Collie (vs 0.6% regionally), Polish at 1.3% (vs 0.5%) and Maori at 0.9% (vs 1.0%).

Collie hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

At 44 years, Collie's median age is considerably higher than the Regional WA average of 40 and substantially exceeds the 38-year national average. The 65 - 74 age group shows strong representation at 13.3% compared to Regional WA, whereas the 35 - 44 cohort is less prevalent at 11.3%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 10.4% to 11.3% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.7% to 11.9%. Demographic modeling suggests Collie's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 37%, adding 399 residents to reach 1,476. In contrast, numbers in the 15 to 24 age range are expected to fall by 64.