Dardanup

Dardanup has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Dardanup's population is around 3,730 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 444 people (13.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,286 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,630 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 107 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 7.2 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Dardanup's 13.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 65.6% 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). As we examine future population trends, an above-median population growth for non-metropolitan areas nationally is projected, with the area expected to expand by 492 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 10.5% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Dardanup among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Dardanup has seen around 33 new homes approved each year, with 167 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 24 so far in FY-26. With an average of 2.3 people per year moving to the area per new home constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), reflecting robust demand that underpins property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $305,000. There have also been $5.7 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

Compared to the Rest of WA, Dardanup shows 67.0% higher construction activity (per person), which should provide buyers with ample choice, though construction activity has eased recently. Further, recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 156 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

Population forecasts indicate Dardanup will gain 392 residents through to 2041 (from 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.

Dardanup has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 35thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 20 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Bunbury-Dardanup Housing Infrastructure (Wanju & Waterloo), Picton Enterprise Park Development, Waterloo Industrial Park, and Roseland at Dardanup, 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 of employment trends sees Dardanup performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Dardanup has a skilled workforce, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of just 1.7%, and 5.2% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 2,153 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.8% below Regional WA's rate of 3.5%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (74.0% compared to Regional WA's 67.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 11.2% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in construction, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing. The area has a particular employment specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share of 2.0 times the regional level. Conversely, mining shows lower representation at 7.6% versus the regional average of 11.7%. 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, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 5.2% alongside the labour force increasing by 5.2%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. In contrast, Regional WA experienced employment growth of 1.0% and labour force growth of 1.4%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Dardanup. 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 Dardanup's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.3% 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 analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

The Dardanup SA2's income level is extremely high nationally according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Dardanup SA2's median income among taxpayers is $58,280 and the average income stands at $81,788, which compares to figures for Regional WA's of $59,973 and $74,392 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $63,887 (median) and $89,656 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Dardanup cluster around the 56th percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate the largest segment comprises 32.2% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,201 residents), aligning with the broader area where this cohort likewise represents 31.1%. After housing costs, residents retain 88.6% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Dardanup, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 94.6% houses and 5.4% 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 Dardanup was well beyond that of Regional WA, at 41.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (44.1%) or rented (14.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional WA average at $1,750, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $260, compared to Regional WA's $1,560 and $265. Nationally, Dardanup's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Dardanup features high concentrations of family households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households dominate at 77.8% of all households, comprising 33.0% couples with children, 37.2% couples without children, and 7.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 22.2%, with lone person households at 21.1% and group households comprising 1.2% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people matches the Regional WA average.

Educational outcomes in Dardanup fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (18.4%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 14.4%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.3%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 43.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (33.2%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.3% in primary education, 9.7% in secondary education, and 1.8% 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 1 active transport stop operating within Dardanup, comprising a mix of buses. This stop is serviced by 1 individual route, collectively providing 5 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 5532 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 91%. Vehicle ownership averages 2.2 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A relatively low 11.2% 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 5 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Dardanup is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Dardanup demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts see low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (2,234 people), compared to 56.4% across Regional WA.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.1% and 7.6% 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 19.2% of residents aged 65 and over (717 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Dardanup was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 84.1% of its population born in Australia, 90.3% being citizens, and 97.7% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Dardanup is Christianity, which makes up 49.3% of the population. This compares to 44.6% across Regional WA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Dardanup are English, comprising 35.3% of the population, Australian, comprising 31.4% 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 2.0% of Dardanup (vs 1.5% regionally), South Australian at 1.1% (vs 0.6%) and Italian at 5.5% (vs 3.0%).

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

At 45 years, Dardanup's median age is significantly above the Regional WA average of 40 and similarly considerably older than Australia's 38 years. The age profile shows 65 - 74 year-olds are particularly prominent (12.7%), while the 25 - 34 group is comparatively smaller (10.0%) than in Regional WA. Since 2021, the area has become younger, with the median age dropping 1.4 years to 45 from 46. Key changes show the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 11.6% to 14.0% of the population, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 8.1% to 10.0%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 16.0% to 12.4% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 16.4% to 14.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Dardanup. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 46%, adding 172 residents to reach 544. On the other hand, the 65 to 74 and 75 to 84 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.