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

Collie's population is around 9,567 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 755 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,812 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,561 in June 2025 and an additional 49 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 5.6 persons per square kilometer. Collie's population growth of 8.6% since the census positions it within 0.7 percentage points of the national average (9.3%). Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 58.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 to estimate growth 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). Looking ahead, an above median population growth is projected for regional areas nationally. The area is expected to expand by 1,301 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 13.5% over the 16 years.

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

Collie has recorded approximately 28 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 140 homes were approved, with an additional 28 approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 3.4 people moved to the area each year for each dwelling built during these years.

This significant demand outpaces supply, typically putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers. The average construction cost value of new homes being built is approximately $277,000. This financial year has seen around $16.9 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating steady commercial investment activity in Collie. Compared to the rest of WA, Collie records roughly half the building activity per person and ranks among the 49th percentile of areas assessed nationally.

This results in relatively constrained buyer choice, supporting interest in existing dwellings. The new building activity shows a predominance of detached houses at 82.0%, with medium and high-density housing making up the remaining 18.0%. This maintains the area's traditional low density character, focusing on family homes that appeal to those seeking space. With around 331 people per dwelling approval, Collie indicates a developing market. Looking ahead, Collie is expected to grow by approximately 1,295 residents through to 2041, according to 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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects likely impacting the region. Notable projects include the Collie Micronising Facility, Collie Magnesium Plant, Quantum Filtration Medium Manufacturing Plant, and Collie to Mumballup Road Upgrade. 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.

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

Collie has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent. The unemployment rate is 5.5% and employment growth over the past year is estimated at 5.3%.

As of December 2025, there are 4,425 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 7.0%, compared to Regional WA's 3.5%. Workforce participation in Collie is 59.1%, lower than Regional WA's 66.0%. Only 3.7% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts may have affected this figure. Leading employment industries are mining, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

Mining has a particularly strong representation at 1.6 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing is lower at 1.6% compared to Regional WA's average of 9.3%. Some residents commute for work opportunities outside Collie. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 5.3%, labour force by 5.1%, leading to a decrease in unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Regional WA had employment growth of 1.0% and unemployment rose by 0.4%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Collie's employment should increase by 5.2% over five years and 11.8% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Collie's current employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows median income in Collie SA2 was $53,190 and average income was $70,164. This is slightly above national averages of $52,877 (median) and $67,571 (average). In Regional WA, median income was $59,973 and average income was $74,392. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes in Collie as of March 2026 would be approximately $59,004 (median) and $77,833 (average). Census 2021 income data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Collie fall between the 10th and 15th percentiles nationally. Income brackets show that 27.0% of individuals earn between $1,500 - $2,999 annually (2,583 individuals), similar to metropolitan regions where this cohort represents 31.1%. Housing costs are modest with 86.8% of income retained, but 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

Collie's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 93.3% houses and 6.8% other dwellings. In comparison, Regional WA had 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Collie was at 42.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.5% and rented ones at 20.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Regional WA's average of $1,560. The median weekly rent in Collie was $250, compared to Regional WA's $265. Nationally, Collie's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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 account for 66.2% of all households, including 24.1% couples with children, 29.9% couples without children, and 11.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute 33.8%, with lone person households at 31.4% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 2.3 people, 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's university qualification rate is 7.4%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 5.7%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.0%) and postgraduate qualifications (0.7%). Vocational credentials are common, with 44.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (6.8%) and certificates (38.1%). Educational participation is high at 26.9%, comprising 10.6% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 1.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Collie indicates three active transport stops currently operating, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by three distinct routes, collectively offering 13 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as limited, with residents typically residing 1764 meters away from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outward. The car remains the primary mode of transportation, used by 92% of residents. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 3.7% of residents work from home, which may reflect conditions related to COVID-19. The service frequency averages one trip per day across all routes, equating to approximately four weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Collie is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Collie faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, with arthritis impacting 10.9% of residents and mental health issues affecting 9.2%.

Approximately 54% of the total population (~5,156 people) has private health cover, compared to 56.4% across Regional WA. Sixty-two point two percent of residents declare themselves 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. Twenty-two point nine percent of residents are aged 65 and over (2,192 people), higher than the 19.2% in Regional WA. National rankings for certain conditions are 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.8% of its population being citizens, 87.6% born in Australia, and 97.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Collie, comprising 41.3% of the population. However, there was an overrepresentation in the 'Other' category, making up 0.5% compared to Regional WA's 0.7%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English at 34.4%, Australian at 32.5%, and Scottish at 7.4%. Notably, Welsh (1.0%) and Polish (1.3%) were overrepresented in Collie compared to Regional WA's 0.6% and 0.5% respectively. Maori also showed a notable divergence, with 0.9% in Collie versus Regional WA's 1.0%.

Collie hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Collie's median age is 44 years, which is higher than Regional WA's average of 40 and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The 65-74 age group comprises 13.6% of Collie's population, compared to Regional WA, while the 35-44 cohort makes up 11.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75-84 age group grew from 6.4% to 7.5%, and the 45-54 cohort declined from 12.7% to 11.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Collie's age profile. The 25-34 cohort is projected to grow by 37%, adding 387 residents to reach 1,426. Conversely, the 15-24 age range is expected to decrease by 64 residents.