Dowerin
Statistical Area - sa2

Dowerin has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's analysis indicates Dowerin's population is approximately 3,968 as of August 2025. This figure represents an increase of 167 individuals, a 4.4% rise since the 2021 Census which recorded a population of 3,801. The change is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 3,940 in June 2024 and validation of 21 new addresses post-Census date. This results in a density ratio of 0.30 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed around 69.4% to recent population gains.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and post-2032 estimations, growth rates by age cohort from the latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are used. Future projections show an overall population decline, with a contraction of 11 persons expected by 2041. However, specific age cohorts like the 25 to 34 group are projected to grow, with an increase of 170 individuals anticipated.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Dowerin, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Dowerin has granted approximately six residential property approvals annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports development approval data on a financial year basis, totalling 33 approvals between FY21 and FY25, with none recorded so far in FY26. Over the past five financial years (FY21 to FY25), an average of 0.3 people moved to the area annually per dwelling built, indicating that supply meets or exceeds demand, offering more buyer choices while supporting potential population growth above projections. The average construction cost for new properties is $475,000.

In terms of commercial development, Dowerin has registered $4.2 million in approvals this financial year, suggesting limited focus on commercial projects compared to the rest of Western Australia, where construction is 72% higher per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent building activity consists solely of standalone homes, preserving Dowerin's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With an estimated 709 people per dwelling approval, the area maintains a quiet, low-activity development environment. Population projections indicate stability or decline, which should alleviate housing demand pressures and benefit potential buyers in Dowerin.

With population projections showing stability or decline, Dowerin should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Dowerin has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 37thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project expected to impact the region: MEG-HP1 Northam Hydrogen Project. Other notable projects include Western Australia Agricultural Supply Chain Improvements, METRONET High Capacity Signalling Program, and WA Police Satellite Technology Upgrade. The following details those most relevant.

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

Employment conditions in Dowerin demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Dowerin's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs with varied industry representation. Its unemployment rate was 1.5% as of June 2025.

This is below the Rest of WA's rate of 3.2%. Workforce participation in Dowerin is similar to the regional average at 59.4%. Key employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, education & training, and public administration & safety. Agriculture, forestry & fishing dominate local employment with a share 3.9 times higher than the regional level.

Conversely, mining's presence is limited at 3.0% compared to the region's 11.7%. Many residents commute for work, indicated by Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 0.8%, labour force decreased by 1.7%, leading to a 2.4 percentage point drop in unemployment. In contrast, Rest of WA saw employment grow by 1.1% and unemployment fall by 0.6%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Dowerin's industry mix suggests local growth of approximately 4.6% over five years and 10.6% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Dowerin's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $52,639. The average income stood at $66,158 during the same period. These figures compare to national averages of $57,323 and $71,163 respectively for Rest of WA. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates as of March 2025 would be approximately $58,750 for median income and $73,839 for average income. Census data reveals household incomes in Dowerin sit at the 13th percentile nationally, while personal income performs better at the 36th percentile. The majority of residents fall within the $400 - 799 income bracket, with 27.5% (1,091 people) compared to the regional dominance of the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket at 31.1%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 92.9% income retention, total disposable income ranks at just the 23rd percentile nationally.

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

Dowerin's housing as per the latest Census comprised 95.2% houses, with other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other') making up 4.8%. This is similar to Non-Metro WA's composition of 95.6% houses and 4.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Dowerin stood at 52.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 22.7% and rented dwellings at 24.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $867, lower than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,425. Median weekly rent in Dowerin was $163, compared to Non-Metro WA's $231. Nationally, Dowerin's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $867 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 61.8% of all households, including 21.8% couples with children, 31.0% couples without children, and 8.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 38.2%, with lone person households at 36.0% and group households making up 2.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Rest of WA average of 2.3.

Dowerin 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 at 12.5%, substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common, at 10.1%, followed by graduate diplomas at 1.4% and postgraduate qualifications at 1.0%. Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 37.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 8.0% and certificates at 29.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 26.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.0% in primary education, 5.4% in secondary education, and 1.3% pursuing tertiary education. A robust network of 7 schools operates within Dowerin, educating approximately 523 students. The educational mix includes 4 primary schools and 3 K-12 schools.

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

Public transport analysis conducted in Dowerin shows eight active transport stops operating within the town. These stops are a mix of bus services, all serviced by one individual route. The combined weekly passenger trips provided by these stops total four.

Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 21784 meters from their nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages zero trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately zero weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health data indicates significant challenges for Dowerin, with high prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 52%, which is higher than the average SA2 area (~2,079 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.1%) and asthma (8.1%). 62.5% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 64.7% in Rest of WA. Dowerin has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 24.1% (954 people), compared to the Rest of WA's 21.7%.

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

Dowerin, as per the data, showed lower cultural diversity with 86.9% of its population being citizens, 87.3% born in Australia, and 97.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Dowerin, accounting for 51.6%, compared to 49.0% across the rest of WA. The top three ancestry groups were English (34.6%), Australian (33.5%), and Scottish (8.2%).

Notably, Dutch ethnicity was equally represented at 1.5% in Dowerin and regionally. Australian Aboriginal (3.5%) and South African (0.5%) populations showed minor increases compared to regional averages.

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

Dowerin has a median age of 46, which is higher than the Rest of WA figure of 40 and also above the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent, making up 14.3% of the population, while those aged 15-24 make up a smaller proportion at 8.4%. Since the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 9.2% to 10.7%, and the 15 to 24 cohort has increased from 7.4% to 8.4%. However, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 16.2% to 14.3%, and the 55 to 64 group has dropped from 15.4% to 14.2%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Dowerin's age structure. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 35%, reaching 569 people from the current figure of 422. Conversely, population declines are projected for those aged 5-14 and 85+.