Collie
Statistical Area - sa2

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 9,472 as of Aug 2025. This reflects a growth of 660 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,812. The increase is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 9,408 in June 2024 and 34 new addresses validated since the Census date. This results in a population density of 5.5 persons per square kilometer. Collie's growth rate of 7.5% since the Census is within 1.1 percentage points of Australia's national average of 8.6%. Migration, particularly from interstate, contributed significantly to this growth, although all factors including overseas migration and natural growth were positive.

AreaSearch uses 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 estimates, AreaSearch utilises ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. By 2041, the population is projected to increase by 1,368 persons, a total growth of 13.8%.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Collie when compared nationally

Collie recorded approximately 28 residential properties granted approval annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 140 homes were approved, with an additional four approved in FY-26 so far. On average, about 3.4 people moved to the area annually for each dwelling built during these five years.

This significant demand outpaces supply, typically exerting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers. The average value of new homes being constructed is $320,000, which is below regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY-26, approximately $16.9 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating moderate levels of commercial development activity. When compared to the Rest of WA, Collie has roughly half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person.

Nationally, it ranks among the 49th percentile of areas assessed, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and heightened interest in existing dwellings. This lower level of activity reflects market maturity and possible development constraints. New building activity comprises predominantly 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, appealing to those seeking family homes with space. With around 331 people per dwelling approval, Collie indicates a developing market. Population forecasts project an increase of 1,304 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Collie has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 11thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects that could impact this area. Notable ones are the Collie Micronising Facility, Collie Magnesium Plant, Quantum Filtration Medium Manufacturing Plant, and Collie to Mumballup Road Upgrade. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

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

Collie has a diverse workforce with both white and blue-collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent.

The unemployment rate was 6.1% as of June 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 6.4%. As of June 2025, 4,393 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 6.1%, which is 3.0% higher than Rest of WA's rate of 3.2%. Workforce participation in Collie was 51.2%, compared to Rest of WA's 59.4%.

Leading employment industries include mining, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Mining shows strong specialization with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 1.6% versus the regional average of 9.3%. Employment opportunities exist locally but many residents commute elsewhere for work. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 6.4%, while labour force increased by 5.4%, leading to a decrease in unemployment by 0.9 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of WA recorded employment growth of 1.1% and unemployment fell by 0.6 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May 2025, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Collie's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.2% over five years and 11.8% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows median income in Collie is $49,801 and average income is $65,475. This contrasts with Rest of WA's figures: median income of $57,323 and average income of $71,163. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.61% since financial year 2022, estimated current incomes are approximately $55,583 (median) and $73,077 (average) as of March 2025. Census 2021 income data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Collie fall between the 11th and 16th percentiles nationally. Income brackets show that 27.0% of Collie residents earn $1,500 - 2,999 annually (2,557 individuals), similar to metropolitan regions at 31.1%. Housing costs allow for retention of 86.8% of income, yet 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

In Collie, according to the latest Census, 93.3% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 6.8% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This differs from Non-Metro WA's dwelling composition of 88.1% houses and 11.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Collie stood at 42.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.5% and rented ones at 20.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, lower than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,616. The median weekly rent in Collie was $250, compared to Non-Metro WA's $300. Nationally, Collie's mortgage repayments were significantly 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 constitute 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 account for the remaining 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 Rest of 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%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common, at 5.7%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.0%) and postgraduate qualifications (0.7%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 44.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (6.8%) and certificates (38.1%).

Educational participation is high at 26.9%, including primary education (10.6%), secondary education (8.8%), and tertiary education (1.2%). Six schools operate in Collie, educating approximately 1,372 students. There are five primary schools and one secondary school serving distinct age groups.

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

Transport analysis shows three active public transport stops in Collie. These stops are served by a mix of bus routes, with three routes operating collectively offering 13 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically located 1764 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages one trip per day across all routes, equating to approximately four 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 shows significant challenges for Collie with high prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups.

The private health cover rate is approximately 52%, slightly above the average SA2 area (~4,963 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.9%) and mental health issues (9.2%). Conversely, 62.2% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 66.4% in Rest of WA. Collie has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over (22.0%, or 2,087 people) than the state average of 17.6%.

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, making up 41.3% of people there. Notably, the 'Other' category comprises 0.5% of Collie's population compared to 0.6% across the rest of WA.

The top three ancestry groups are English (34.4%), Australian (32.5%), and Scottish (7.4%). Some ethnic groups show notable variations: Welsh is overrepresented at 1.0% in Collie versus 0.6% regionally, Polish at 1.3% versus 0.7%, and Maori at 0.9% versus 1.0%.

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

Collie's median age is 44 years, which is higher than the Rest of WA average of 40 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The 65-74 age group constitutes 13.3% of Collie's population, compared to the Rest of WA's percentage. The 35-44 cohort makes up 11.0%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 10.8% to 11.5%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 12.7% to 11.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Collie's age profile. The 25 to 34 cohort is projected to grow by 42%, adding 438 residents to reach 1,476. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 85+ and 15 to 24 cohorts.