Dowerin
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Dowerin's population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, was around 3975 by November 2025. This figure shows an increase of 174 people from the 2021 Census count of 3801. The growth is inferred from ABS estimates: a resident population of 3940 in June 2024 and 24 new addresses validated since the Census date. The population density was 0.30 persons per square kilometer at this time. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 69.4% of recent population gains.

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 growth estimation, AreaSearch employs ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. By 2041, the population is projected to decrease by 11 persons overall, but specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 25 to 34 age group with an increase of 170 people.

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 recorded approximately 6 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years, totalling 33 homes. In the current financial year FY-26, 2 approvals have been recorded to date. The average number of new residents per new home constructed over the past five financial years (FY-21 to FY-25) is around 0.3. This indicates that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average construction value of new properties is $304,000. In terms of commercial development, Dowerin has recorded $4.2 million in approvals this financial year, reflecting its primarily residential nature. Compared to the Rest of WA, Dowerin shows substantially reduced construction activity, with 72.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. Nationally, this activity is also below average, suggesting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints.

Recent building activity consists entirely of standalone homes, preserving Dowerin's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population count of 709 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. With population expected to remain stable or decline, Dowerin should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. One major project identified by AreaSearch may impact the area: MEG-HP1 Northam Hydrogen Project. Other key projects include Western Australia Agricultural Supply Chain Improvements, METRONET High Capacity Signalling Program, and WA Police Satellite Technology Upgrade. Below are details of those most likely to be relevant.

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

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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 sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 1.5% in June 2025, compared to the Rest of WA's 3.2%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 0.8%. As of June 2025, 2,207 residents were employed with a participation rate similar to the Rest of WA's 59.4%. Key employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, education & training, and public administration & safety. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is particularly prominent, with an employment share 3.9 times the regional level, while mining has limited presence at 3.0% compared to the regional 11.7%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 0.8%, labour force decreased by 1.7%, leading to a unemployment fall of 2.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Dowerin's employment 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 was $52,639 in financial year 2022. 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 a Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, estimated median income would be approximately $60,114 and average income around $75,552 by September 2025. Census data shows household incomes in Dowerin are at the 13th percentile nationally, while personal incomes rank at the 36th percentile. The $400 - 799 income bracket dominates with 27.5% of residents (1,093 people), differing from regional patterns where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket is dominant at 31.1%. Housing costs are modest, with 92.9% of income retained, but 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

In Dowerin, as per the latest Census, 95.2% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 4.8% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This is similar to Non-Metro WA's figures 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 ones at 24.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $867, lower than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,425. The 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 constitute 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 account for the remaining 38.2%, with lone person households at 36.0% and group households comprising 2.1%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is 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 has university qualification rates at 12.5%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.1%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.4%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.0%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 37.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (8.0%) and certificates (29.3%).

Educational participation is high at 26.2%, including 14.0% in primary education, 5.4% in secondary education, and 1.3% pursuing tertiary education. Dowerin operates a network of 7 schools educating approximately 523 students, comprising 4 primary 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

The public transport analysis indicates eight active transport stops in Dowerin, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are serviced by one individual route, collectively offering four weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically situated 21784 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages zero trips per day across all routes, resulting in 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 notable prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups.

The rate of private health cover in Dowerin is approximately 52%, covering around 2,082 people, which is higher than the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.1% of residents) and asthma (8.1%). A total of 62.5% of residents reported having 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% (955 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 data from the 2016 Census, had a predominantly homogeneous population with regards to cultural diversity. The town's population was largely Australian-born citizens with English as their primary language. Christianity was the dominant religion in Dowerin, at 51.6%, slightly higher than the regional average of 49.0%.

Ancestry-wise, residents of English descent made up 34.6% of the population, followed by those of Australian descent at 33.5%, and Scottish descent at 8.2%. Notably, Dutch ancestry was proportionally equal to the regional average, while Australian Aboriginal and South African ancestries were marginally higher in Dowerin compared to the rest of Western Australia.

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

Dowerin's median age is 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 are relatively smaller at 8.4%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the proportion of people aged 25 to 34 has grown from 9.2% to 10.7%, while the 15 to 24 age group increased from 7.4% to 8.4%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 age group has decreased from 16.2% to 14.3%, and the 55 to 64 age group has dropped from 15.4% to 14.2%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Dowerin's age structure. Notably, the 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 34%, increasing from 423 to 569 people. Conversely, population declines are projected for those aged 5 to 14 and 85+.