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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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Esperance has an estimated 12,604 residents, up from 12,003 at the 2021 Census — a change of 601 people, or 5.0%. Overseas migration accounts for 53.3% of that increase. Density is about 26 people per square kilometre. 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 May 2026, assessments from AreaSearch place the population of Esperance at approximately 12,604. This represents an addition of 601 people (5.0%) relative to the 2021 Census, when the count stood at 12,003 people. This population shift is calculated utilizing the ABS estimated resident population of 12,580 recorded as of June 2025 alongside 44 validated new addresses identified since the Census. Such a population count results in a density of 26 persons per square kilometer, indicating low density. The 5.0% post-census growth rate for Esperance is within 1.5 percentage points of the SA3 area (6.5%), indicating relatively competitive expansion.
Net gains were heavily influenced by overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 53.3% of the total growth during recent time frames. Projections from ABS/Geoscience Australia released in 2024 with a 2022 baseline are implemented by AreaSearch for each SA2 region. In instances where these figures are unavailable, and to calculate expansion in the years after 2032, growth rates by age group from the latest Greater Capital Region projections (published in 2023, based on 2022 data) are applied. Looking at future demographics, the population is projected to expand at a rate slightly under the median for national non-metropolitan locations, with an expected increase of 1,255 persons by 2041 relative to the latest annual ERP statistics, indicating a total rise of 9.8% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
234 new dwellings have been approved in Esperance over the past five years, an average of 46 a year. That is 3.8 approvals per 1,000 residents. Of the 33 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 91% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 55, broadly in line with that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Dwelling approvals in Esperance have run at an average of roughly 46 annually, accumulating to 234 homes over the last 5 financial years. Thus far in FY-26, 51 approvals have been documented. With a low average of 0.8 new residents per year added for each completed home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), building activity is keeping pace with or running ahead of demand. This gives prospective purchasers more options and supports potential population growth above current projections, with new homes registering an average construction cost of $317,000.
Furthermore, commercial approvals have reached $32.3 million this financial year, pointing to solid corporate investment locally. Compared with the Rest of WA, Esperance shows slightly higher building activity (running 20.0% above the regional average per capita over the 5 year period), which helps maintain choice for buyers while sustaining existing property values. The building mix is comprised of 91.0% detached houses and 9.0% townhouses or apartments, which preserves the traditional low-density landscape of the area with family-oriented layouts. The local market averages 303 people per dwelling approval, confirming the low density profile. Projecting forward, Esperance is anticipated to add 1,231 residents by 2041 (starting from the most recent AreaSearch quarterly estimate). The current pace of construction appears aligned with projected demand, promoting balanced market conditions and preventing sharp upward pressure on prices.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Esperance
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 62 current infrastructure and development projects close to Esperance, worth an estimated $2.3 billion. 12 are already under construction and 11 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and energy. 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
Local infrastructure projects and planning changes significantly impact area dynamics. AreaSearch has identified 0 projects expected to influence this locality. Primary initiatives include South Coast Highway Improvements: Albany To Esperance, Western Australia Agricultural Supply Chain Improvements, WA Police Satellite Technology Upgrade, and Regional And Rural Wa Road Network Safety Improvements, with those of greatest relevance detailed below.
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
South Coast Highway Improvements: Albany To Esperance
Upgrade of the South Coast Highway between Albany and Esperance aims to improve safety, reduce maintenance costs, and accommodate growth in tourism and freight.
Forrestania Gold, Lithium & Nickel Project
An exploration project focused on gold, lithium, and nickel across a dominant asset position of approximately 100km of the prospective Forrestania Greenstone Belt. The project is located near major mining and development operations, including the Covalent Lithium (Wesfarmers-SQM JV) Mt Holland Mine.
King Rocks Wind Farm
A 105 megawatt wind farm with 17 turbines, expected to power up to 70,000 homes. The project is a key part of Western Australia's energy transition and is located on predominantly cleared, freehold agricultural land with a strong wind resource. The project includes construction of associated infrastructure such as roads, transmission lines, and substation facilities.
Wave Rock Improvement Plan
A plan by the Shire of Kondinin to deliver improvements to the Wave Rock tourist facility over a three-year period (2022-2025). The plan includes removing dead vegetation, cleaning BBQs, installing solar lighting, information signs, and new plants.
Hyden Recreation Centre Extension
Long-running project to upgrade the Hyden Recreation Centre, following on from Stage 1 works completed in 2016. The scope centers on new womens and away team change rooms, additional storage, and a gymnasium. Following a June 2023 public meeting, the Shire of Kondinin resolved to obtain costings for two options: Option A, extending the existing pavilion with new change rooms, storage and a gym for an estimated 4 million AUD, or Option B, a full new-build facility estimated at 11 million AUD.Both options were included in the Shire's Long Term Financial Plan for the 2024/25 and 2025/26 financial years, with Growing Regions Funding identified as a potential funding source able to cover up to 70 percent of costs. As of mid-2025 the project remained in the planning and funding stage, with Shire information reports referencing only routine maintenance at the existing centre and no construction start date confirmed.
Hyden Townsite Expansion Plan
Local Planning Policy No. 1 provides a framework for the future subdivision and development of the Hyden townsite, ensuring that growth is managed in a coordinated and sustainable manner. The plan addresses land use, infrastructure, and environmental considerations.
King Rocks Wind Farm Workers Accommodation
A temporary accommodation facility to house up to 189 workers during the construction phase of the King Rocks Wind Farm. The facility is being built and operated by Perth-based BBB Remote Site Services.
Southdown Magnetite Mine
A proposed project to extract 10 million tonnes of iron ore per annum for export via Albany Port. Expected to create up to 2,000 construction jobs and 600 operational jobs. Postponed indefinitely due to unfavourable market conditions.
6,306 residents of Esperance are employed, from a labour force of 6,463. Unemployment sits at 2.4%, with participation at 62.9%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.7% 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
The local labor market features a balanced mix of professional and manual roles across diverse industries, with an unemployment rate of only 2.4% and an estimated employment growth of 3.2% over the past year. In March 2026, working residents numbered 6,306, while the jobless rate stood 1.1% below the 3.5% rate seen in Regional WA. Workforce participation was recorded at 62.9%, which is slightly lower than the 65.6% benchmark for Regional WA. According to Census details, a modest 6.4% of the workforce operated from home, though this may have been influenced by COVID-19 restrictions.
Most working residents are employed in health care & social assistance, retail trade, or transport, postal & warehousing. The local economy is highly concentrated in transport, postal & warehousing, which has a employment share 2.1 times that of the regional level. Conversely, mining represents only 4.0% of local jobs compared to the regional average of 11.7%. Despite local job openings, a comparison of the Census working population to the local resident base suggests a significant portion of residents travel outside the area to work. An examination of SALM and ABS statistics by AreaSearch shows that during the 12-month period, employment expanded by 3.2% while the labor force increased by 3.3%, leaving the jobless rate virtually unchanged. By comparison, Regional WA experienced a 0.1% contraction in employment, a 0.3% increase in the labor force, and a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. National employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia as of May-25 offer additional context on future demand patterns in Esperance. These five and ten-year projections have been applied to the local workforce structure to model future growth. Nationally, jobs are projected to rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though individual sector growth rates vary. Weighting these projections against the industry mix in Esperance suggests local employment would rise by 5.7% over five years and 12.2% over ten years (note that this is a basic weighted extrapolation for comparison purposes and does not incorporate local population forecasts).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Esperance is $1,492 a week (about $78,000 a year), with median personal income at $785 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $57,248 a year against an average of $73,508. 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
According to the latest postcode-level ATO data released for financial year 2023, the median income of taxpayers in the Esperance SA2 is $57,248, with an average of $73,508. This exceeds the national average, though it compares to a median of $59,973 and average of $74,392 across Regional WA. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current estimates for March 2026 would be around $63,505 for the median and $81,542 for the average. Census records show that household, family, and individual incomes in Esperance are moderate, ranking in the 35th to 46th percentiles.
Income distribution data indicates that 31.5% of the population (3,970 individuals) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly earnings bracket, matching the 31.1% regional proportion. Disposable income remaining after housing costs stands at 86.1%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Esperance had 4,379 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 87% detached houses and 2% apartments. 34% are owned with a mortgage, 31% rented and 35% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $270 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,600 a month. Rent absorbs 18.1% of household income here and mortgage repayments 24.7%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the most recent Census, the housing stock in Esperance was made up of 86.9% detached houses and 13.1% alternative dwellings (including semi-detached properties, apartments, and other housing types), compared to 88.5% houses and 11.6% alternative dwellings in Regional WA. Home ownership in Esperance stood at 35.4%, matching Regional WA, with the rest of the market split between mortgaged properties (33.5%) and rental properties (31.1%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was $1,600, which is higher than the Regional WA average of $1,560, while the median weekly rent was $270 compared to Regional WA's $265.
On a national level, mortgage costs in Esperance are much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rent payments are well below the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Esperance counted 4,379 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 4,598 today, averaging 2.4 people each. 26% are couples with children, against 30% couples without children. 30% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.0 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the majority of households at 67.4%, consisting of couples with children at 26.1%, couples without children at 29.9%, and single parent households at 10.3%. Non-family households represent the remaining 32.6% of the area, with single-person households at 29.8% and group living situations at 2.8%. The average household size of 2.4 people is slightly lower than the Regional WA average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
15.1% of adults in Esperance hold a university qualification, including 11.5% with a bachelor degree and 1.6% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 77% of areas nationally. A further 31.7% hold a vocational qualification. 8 schools serve the area, with 2,348 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 956 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
Educational attainment in the area is lower than average, with university completion rates (15.1%) falling well below the national level of 30.4%. This highlights a clear opportunity for targeted academic programs. Bachelor degrees represent the largest cohort at 11.5%, followed by graduate diplomas at 2.0% and postgraduate degrees at 1.6%. Technical qualifications are highly prevalent, with 40.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (31.7%). Academic enrollment is notably strong, with 30.2% of the local population currently engaged in formal learning. This group includes 12.2% in primary education, 10.2% in secondary education, and 1.7% in tertiary programs.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Esperance reaches 124 stops on 6 routes, timetabled for about 100 services a week. The typical home sits about 620 m from its nearest stop. Households keep an average of 1.6 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Analysis of transit options shows 124 active transport stops in Esperance, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 6 distinct routes, which together provide 103 passenger trips each week. Transport access is classified as limited, with residents living an average of 622 meters from their closest stop. The community is mainly commuter-focused, with cars being the primary mode of travel for 92% of residents. Households average 1.6 vehicles. A low 6.4% of residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-era circumstances. Transit services average 14 trips daily across all routes, which translates to roughly 0 weekly passenger trips per individual stop.
The linked map outlines the 100 closest stops relative to the central point of the location.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
67.8% of residents in Esperance report no long-term health condition. 4.7% need daily assistance with core activities, and 55.4% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 4.6 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Esperance records favorable health statistics based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality and chronic illness rates, with low rates of common health issues across both younger and older cohorts. Private health insurance coverage is high, with approximately 55% of the population (~6,982 people) holding policies. Arthritis and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 8.4 and 8.1% of local residents, respectively. A total of 67.8% of the population reported no chronic conditions, compared to 69.3% in Regional WA. Health metrics among working-age residents are typical. Residents aged 65 and over make up 20.2% of the population (2,543 people), and health outcomes for this senior cohort are strong, with national rankings aligning closely with the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Esperance is largely Australian-born, at 85.3% of residents, with 4.8% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (34.0%) and English (31.7%). 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 in Esperance is below average, with citizens making up 84.3% of the community, 85.3% born in Australia, and 95.2% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religious affiliation, representing 42.4% of residents. The most visible statistical overrepresentation is Buddhism, which accounts for 0.8% of the local population compared to 1.0% in Regional WA. In terms of parental birthplaces, the largest ancestral lines in Esperance are Australian at 34.0% (higher than the regional benchmark of 28.4%), English at 31.7%, and Scottish at 7.7%. Specific ethnic representations show minor variations, with New Zealand ancestry at 0.9% (vs 0.9% regionally), Maori ancestry at 0.8% (vs 1.0%), and Australian Aboriginal ancestry at 3.5% (vs 6.1%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Esperance is 41. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 23.6% 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
With a median age of 41, Esperance is comparable to Regional WA's median of 40 and slightly older than the national median of 38. The 15 - 24 demographic shows strong representation at 11.7% relative to Regional WA, while the 45 - 54 group is less common at 11.7%. Following the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 cohort grew from 11.6% to 13.4% of the population, while the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 13.2% to 11.7%. Age modeling indicates that Esperance's demographic profile will shift by 2041, led by a 36% increase (544 people) in the 25 to 34 age bracket, growing to 2,049 from 1,504, while contractions are projected for the 15 to 24 and 5 to 14 demographics.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Esperance
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) | May 2026 3 months ago 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 May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this 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 3 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 5 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) | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month 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 — 44 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (12,003 at the 2021 Census → 12,604 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 May 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 (511011274). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.