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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Dowerin has an estimated 3,974 residents, up from 3,801 at the 2021 Census — a change of 173 people, or 4.6%. Fewer than ten people live on each square kilometre, across a boundary that takes in surrounding rural land. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
As of Aug 2026, the population of Dowerin stands at approximately 3,974 according to AreaSearch research. Compared to the 3,801 people recorded in the 2021 Census, this represents a gain of 173 people (4.6%). This upward movement is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population figure of 3,974 alongside 59 validated new addresses added following the Census date. Residents enjoy substantial personal room, as reflected in a population density of 0.30 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration served as the primary engine of local expansion, accounting for roughly 72.6% of total population additions over recent timeframes.
Projections published by ABS/Geoscience Australia in 2024 (using 2022 as a base year) are incorporated by AreaSearch for SA2 locations. Where SA2 coverage is absent, as well as for projecting post-2032 trends across all localities, AreaSearch applies age-cohort growth rates from the latest Greater Capital Region projections released by the ABS in 2023 (utilising 2022 data). Looking ahead, demographic growth is projected to match the lower quartile of Australia's regional territories, with latest annual ERP numbers indicating the locality will add 7 persons by 2041, representing an overall expansion of 0.2% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
29 new dwellings have been approved in Dowerin over the past five years, an average of 5 a year. That is 1.5 approvals per 1,000 residents. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Annual residential approvals in Dowerin run at roughly 5 properties, with a total of 29 homes approved during the past 5 financial years (between FY-22 and FY-26). Over these past 5 financial years (between FY-22 and FY-26), an average arrival of 1.2 new residents per approved dwelling pointed to well-aligned supply and demand conditions, maintaining market balance; however, an acceleration to 3.9 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years points toward rising demand alongside tightening stock. The construction value of newly built residences averages $424,000. Furthermore, commercial building approvals reached $4.2 million this financial year, demonstrating a subdued focus on commercial development.
Development volume in Dowerin lags significantly behind the broader Rest of WA, registering 76.0% below the regional per-person benchmark. Because new supply remains limited, demand and pricing for established real estate typically receive support. Building volumes are similarly beneath the national benchmark, reflecting both the mature character of the area and potential planning constraints. Furthermore, all recent construction has consisted exclusively of detached dwellings, upholding the low-density landscape and appealing to purchasers seeking generous living space. A subdued, low-volume development climate is further evidenced by a ratio of 716 people per dwelling approval. Long-term demographic forecasts from AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate project that Dowerin will gain 7 residents by 2041. Based on existing construction activity, the supply of dwellings should comfortably satisfy incoming requirements, offering positive market conditions for purchasers and potentially facilitating expansion above current expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Dowerin
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 38 current infrastructure and development projects close to Dowerin, worth an estimated $14.2 billion. 11 are already under construction and 11 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, transport & logistics and communities, precincts & urban renewal. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Infrastructure upgrades, major developments, and urban planning initiatives play a decisive role in shaping regional performance. Across Dowerin, AreaSearch has identified no projects positioned to exert an impact on the immediate area. Notable regional schemes include the Western Australia Agricultural Supply Chain Improvements, METRONET High Capacity Signalling Program, WA Police Satellite Technology Upgrade, and South West Interconnected System Transformation, with the most relevant developments detailed in the following overview.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Avon Industrial Park
A 470ha industrial precinct at Grass Valley developed by DevelopmentWA in partnership with the Wheatbelt Development Commission and Avon Community Development Foundation. Stages 1 and 2 are fully developed, Stage 3 has conditional subdivision approval and Stage 4 is progressing through Local Planning Scheme Amendment 23 to expand the estate and facilitate future industrial land, road upgrades and a potential rail spur. All currently released industrial lots have been sold, with future land to be released following planning approvals.
Northam Hydrogen Plant - MEG HP1
Proposed green hydrogen production plant and solar farm expansion near Northam. The project proposes a 10 MW electrolyser plant using power from the existing Northam Solar Farm and up to 13 MW of additional solar panels, producing about 4 tonnes of gaseous hydrogen per day for light and heavy vehicle transport. Public consultation closed on 27 February 2025 and the Part 11B significant development application remains under assessment by the WA planning pathway pending a WAPC determination.
Northam Boulevard Shopping Centre Redevelopment
Redevelopment of the Northam Boulevard shopping centre into a regional retail and community hub, incorporating over 2200 solar panels generating 40% of its electricity, merging with Northam Arcade, and featuring anchors Woolworths and Kmart plus over 22 specialty stores.
Bindoon Bypass
A new 64-kilometre section of the Great Northern Highway, bypassing the town of Bindoon. This project aims to improve travel times, road safety, and freight efficiency, enabling access for triple road trains to travel the entire length of the corridor down to Muchea. The project is jointly funded by the Australian Federal and State Governments.
Shire of Chittering Local Planning Scheme 6 Amendment 75 (Education Establishment Zone)
An amendment proposed to rezone Lots 1, 99 and 720 Santa Gertrudis Drive, Lower Chittering, to 'Special Use 6' (SU6). This aims to consolidate the area into one education establishment zone to facilitate future expansion of education uses and includes the insertion of a new land use definition for 'Student Accommodation'.
Chittering Eco-Golf Resort and Luxury Estates
An approved eco-friendly tourism resort and lifestyle village set on a 50-hectare portion of a larger 475-hectare property. The Local Structure Plan, valid until June 2031, includes 46 residential resort lots, 68 short-stay villas and serviced apartments, a tourist resort, guest facilities, and communal open space featuring the NXT Building System.
Maryville Downs Estate
A rural living estate located in Lower Chittering, offering 2 to 10 hectare lots. The estate is characterized by green rolling hills and stunning views, promoting a tranquil lifestyle approximately an hour north of the Perth CBD.
The Views Bullsbrook Estate
Residential land estate in the Bullsbrook foothills with views to the Perth hills and sunset coast, developed across two stages totalling approximately 22 hectares and around 187 lots. Lots ranged from family sized blocks to smaller downsizer options, with house and land packages marketed via local builders. Both Stage 1 and Stage 2 are now titled and sold out, with the estate no longer listed among active releases by its project marketer. Located on Amalfi Drive close to Bullsbrook College, the Swan Valley wine region, and the NorthLink WA corridor into Perth.Estate promoted by Bullsbrook Syndicate Pty Ltd with sales handled by Jones Realty & Projects and Stage Property.
2,084 residents of Dowerin are employed, from a labour force of 2,159. Unemployment sits at 3.5%, with participation at 65.5%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 4.6% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
With balanced representation across white and blue-collar roles and diverse industry coverage, Dowerin maintains an unemployment rate of just 3.5%. As of March 2026, employed residents total 2,084, matching the 3.5% jobless rate seen across Regional WA, while the participation rate equals Regional WA's 65.4%. Census figures indicate that 16.5% of working residents performed their duties from home, an outcome that warrants consideration of Covid-19 lockdown influences. Agriculture, forestry & fishing, education & training, and public administration & safety represent the primary fields of employment for local residents. A particularly heavy concentration is evident in agriculture, forestry & fishing, where the proportion of workers reaches 3.9 times the regional average.
Conversely, mining accounts for only 3.0% of the local workforce, trailing the 11.7% observed in Regional WA. Although jobs exist locally, comparing the Census working population against the resident total indicates that a substantial share of workers commute beyond the area for work. According to AreaSearch evaluations of ABS and SALM metrics, the year to March 2026 saw a 5.2% contraction in the labour force and a 7.0% drop in total employment, driving an increase of 1.8 percentage points in the unemployment rate. Over the same timeframe, Regional WA recorded an employment dip of 0.1%, labour force growth of 0.3%, and an unemployment uptick of 0.4 percentage points. Prospective labor requirements in Dowerin can be contextualised through Jobs and Skills Australia's Mar-26 national employment projections. Applying these five- and ten-year national growth forecasts—which anticipate nationwide workforce expansions of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years across varying industries—to Dowerin's specific sector distribution indicates potential local job gains of 4.6% over five years and 10.6% over ten years (note that this represents a simple weighted extrapolation for illustrative use and excludes local population forecasts).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Dowerin is $1,202 a week (about $63,000 a year), with median personal income at $738 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $59,009 a year against an average of $76,102. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
ATO postcode statistics compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023 indicate that taxpayers in the Dowerin SA2 generated a median income of $59,009 and an average income of $76,102, exceeding the national average and comparing favorably against Regional WA figures of $59,973 and $74,392 respectively. Factoring in Wage Price Index expansion of 10.93% since financial year 2023, updated figures as of March 2026 are estimated at roughly $65,459 for median earnings and $84,420 for average earnings. In the 2021 Census, household income placed at the 13th percentile, while personal earnings tracked higher at the 36th percentile.
The $400 - 799 income bracket accounts for 27.5% of local earners (1,092 individuals), differing from the wider regional environment where the $1,500 - 2,999 band leads at 31.1%. Even though residents retain 92.9% of income after housing expenses, overall disposable income sits at only the 22nd percentile across Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Dowerin had 1,557 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 95% detached houses and 0% apartments. 23% are owned with a mortgage, 25% rented and 53% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $163 a week and the median mortgage repayment $867 a month. Rent absorbs 13.6% of household income here and mortgage repayments 16.6%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Data from the latest Census reveals that housing stock in Dowerin is made up of 95.2% houses and 4.8% other dwellings (comprising semi-detached units, apartments, and 'other' structures), compared with 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings throughout Regional WA. Fully owned homes represent 52.5% of local properties, noticeably exceeding the Regional WA proportion, with mortgaged properties accounting for 22.7% and rented homes making up 24.8%. Typical mortgage payments stand at a median of $867 per month and weekly rents average a median of $163, both substantially lower than Regional WA benchmarks of $1,560 and $265.
Relative to nationwide benchmarks, Dowerin's mortgage obligations sit well beneath the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are markedly under the national level of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Dowerin counted 1,557 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.2 people each. 22% are couples with children, fewer than in 81% of areas nationally, against 31% couples without children. 36% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.2 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families constitute 61.8% of local households, consisting of couples without children (31.0%), couples with children (21.8%), and single parent households (8.0%). The remaining 38.2% comprises non-family living arrangements, with lone person households representing 36.0% and group households making up 2.1%. The average household size of 2.2 people tracks below the Regional WA benchmark of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
12.5% of adults in Dowerin hold a university qualification, including 10.1% with a bachelor degree and 1.0% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 93% of areas nationally. A further 29.3% hold a vocational qualification. 7 schools serve the area, with 523 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 943 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
University attainment levels highlight educational hurdles within the locality, with 12.5% holding higher education qualifications compared to the nationwide benchmark of 30.4%, creating clear scope for focused educational strategies. Bachelor degrees account for 10.1% of qualifications, followed by graduate diplomas at 1.4% and postgraduate degrees at 1.0%. Conversely, vocational and technical credentials are widespread, held by 37.3% of the population aged 15+, encompassing certificates (29.3%) and advanced diplomas (8.0%). Enrolment in structured schooling remains strong, with 26.2% of the local population actively participating in education. This cohort comprises 14.0% attending primary school, 5.4% in secondary education, and 1.3% enrolled in tertiary institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Dowerin means driving: households keep an average of 1.7 vehicles, and scheduled services reach only a handful of stops. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Local transit analysis identifies 8 bus stops operating across Dowerin, which are linked by 1 route delivering 4 passenger trips per week. Transit accessibility is constrained, as residents live an average distance of 21784 meters from the nearest stop. Given the area's residential character, commuter travel is mostly outbound, with driving being the primary method of transport at 85%, followed by walking at 10%. Households own an average of 1.7 motor vehicles. Additionally, 16.5% of working residents carried out their roles from home (2021 Census; potential COVID-19 influences apply). Public transport services operate at a frequency averaging no trips per day across the network, which equates to roughly no weekly trips at each individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
62.5% of residents in Dowerin report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 77% of areas nationally. 5.0% need daily assistance with core activities, and 57.0% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.9 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health metrics assessed by AreaSearch indicate notable challenges across Dowerin, with chronic illnesses and elevated mortality patterns present among both younger and older demographics, alongside a substantial private health insurance adoption rate of approximately 57% of all residents (~2,265 people). Arthritis and asthma constitute the most prevalent diagnosed conditions locally, affecting 10.1% and 8.1% of the population respectively, while 62.5% reported no chronic medical conditions compared with 69.3% in Regional WA. Working-age residents experience elevated rates of chronic health issues. Seniors aged 65 and over account for 25.3% of the community (1,004 people), surpassing the 19.1% share recorded across Regional WA, with national comparative percentiles tracking even higher than the wider populace.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Dowerin is largely Australian-born, at 87.3% of residents, with 2.7% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (34.6%) and Australian (33.5%). 3.5% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity measures in Dowerin track beneath national norms, with Australian citizens making up 86.9% of the population, 87.3% born in Australia, and 97.3% speaking solely English in the home. Christianity represents the predominant religious affiliation, encompassing 51.6% of residents in Dowerin compared to 44.6% throughout Regional WA. Looking at parental country of birth, the primary ancestries in Dowerin are English (34.6%), Australian (33.5%, notably higher than the regional level of 28.4%), and Scottish (8.2%). Other cultural backgrounds show specific variations relative to regional figures: Dutch ancestry stands at 1.5% in Dowerin (vs 1.5% regionally), Australian Aboriginal ancestry accounts for 3.5% (vs 6.1%), and South Australian background represents 0.5% (vs 0.6%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Dowerin is 47, older than 84% of areas nationally. 18.2% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The demographic structure of Dowerin skews older than Regional WA overall. Older residents and retirees (65+) comprise 25.3% of the community as at August 2026 compared to 19.1% across Regional WA, whereas children and young adults (0 - 24) account for 25.0% against 29.1% regionally. Consequently, the estimated median age remains at 47, matching the 2021 Census level and sitting 7 years above the Regional WA median of 40 and higher than the national median of 38 recorded at that Census. Since the Census, the most prominent shift has occurred in the young to middle aged adult group (25 - 44), rising from 21.2% to an estimated 22.6%.
This cohort is also projected to see the strongest numeric gain through to 2041, increasing by 108 residents (12%) to reach 1,007, while cohorts comprising retirees and elderly individuals, as well as children and young adults, are anticipated to decline.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Dowerin
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · Jun 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 last month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 4 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 6 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 2 months ago all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 59 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (3,801 at the 2021 Census → 3,974 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (509021238). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.