Chart Color Schemes
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
Sales Activity
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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Sales Detail
What it costs to rent in Esperance
Median weekly rents, year-on-year movement and bond-lodgement activity for Esperance (6450). Sourced from the NSW Rental Bond Board, DCJ Family & Community Services.
Median rent
$500
per week · Q1 2026
YoY change
▲+11.5%
vs same quarter last year
Active bonds
830
currently held
New bonds
63
this quarter
Latest Quarter Breakdown · Q1 2026
| Dwelling | Bedrooms | Median $/wk | Active bonds | New bonds (Qtr) | YoY | Quality |
|---|
SOURCE: NSW Rental Bond Board (DCJ Family & Community Services), processed by AreaSearch. Imputed values are flagged. Latest publication:
Population
Esperance is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends
Esperance's population, according to AreaSearch's analysis, is approximately 12,604 as of May 2026. This figure represents a growth of 601 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 12,003. The increase was inferred from the estimated resident population of 12,580 in June 2025 and an additional 44 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a population density of 26 persons per square kilometer. Esperance's growth rate of 5.0% since the Census is within 1.5 percentage points of its SA3 area (6.5%), indicating strong growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 53.3% to recent population gains in the area.
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 growth rates by age cohort from the ABS's Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Future population trends suggest a median increase for non-metropolitan areas, with Esperance expected to grow by 1,255 persons to reach 14,259 by 2041, reflecting an overall gain of 9.8% over the 16-year period.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
Residential development activity is lower than average in Esperance according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets
Esperance has averaged approximately 46 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 234 homes. As of FY-26, 44 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.6 new residents per year have arrived for each new home constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. This rate suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and supporting population growth that may exceed current projections.
The average expected construction cost value of new properties is $317,000. In the current financial year, $32.3 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating strong local business investment. Compared to the rest of WA, Esperance has slightly more development activity, with 20.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years.
This balance supports buyer choice while maintaining current property values. New developments consist of 91.0% detached houses and 9.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's traditional low-density character focused on family homes. The population density is approximately 303 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low-density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Esperance is projected to grow by 1,231 residents by 2041. Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.
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.
Infrastructure
Esperance has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 45thth percentile nationally
No changes can affect a region's performance more than modifications to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 0 projects that are expected to impact this area. Notable projects include South Coast Highway Improvements: Albany To Esperance in Western Australia, Agricultural Supply Chain Improvements in WA, Police Satellite Technology Upgrade in WA, and Regional And Rural Road Network Safety Improvements in WA. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.
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
Resources Community Investment Initiative
A $750 million partnership between the WA Government and major resource companies (Rio Tinto, BHP, Hancock Prospecting, Roy Hill, Atlas Iron, Woodside Energy, Chevron Australia, Mineral Resources) to fund iconic community, social, and regional infrastructure across Western Australia. Key projects include the $173.3 million Perth Concert Hall redevelopment (major works commenced early 2026), $40 million for Tom Price and Paraburdoo Hospital redevelopments (via Rio Tinto), the Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Perth Zoo Master Plan, Remote Aboriginal Communities Fund, Ronald McDonald House expansion, and regional education and health initiatives. Woodside Energy has allocated $30 million to the Concert Hall and $20 million to Roebourne District High School upgrades. The initiative is facilitated in partnership with the Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA.
Enabling Infrastructure for Hydrogen Production
A national program to coordinate and deploy the enabling infrastructure required to support large-scale renewable hydrogen production across Australia. Building on the 2024 National Hydrogen Strategy and the National Hydrogen Infrastructure Assessment (NHIA), the program aligns electricity transmission, water supply, transport corridors, port and storage infrastructure with Renewable Energy Zones and prospective hydrogen hubs (Bell Bay, Darwin, Eyre Peninsula, Gladstone, Latrobe Valley, Hunter Valley, Pilbara). Two key federal mechanisms underpin delivery. The Hydrogen Headstart program provides up to 4 billion AUD in long-term revenue support via production credits, with Round 2 (2 billion AUD administered by ARENA) opening for Expressions of Interest in October 2025 with EOIs closing 8 December 2025. The Hydrogen Production Tax Incentive (HPTI), legislated through the Future Made in Australia (Production Tax Credits and Other Measures) Act 2025 which received Royal Assent on 14 February 2025, provides an uncapped refundable tax offset of 2 AUD per kilogram of eligible renewable hydrogen for up to 10 years between 1 July 2027 and 30 June 2040 for projects reaching final investment decision by 2030. The HPTI is jointly administered by the ATO and Clean Energy Regulator and requires certification under the Guarantee of Origin scheme. Round 1 of Hydrogen Headstart shortlisted six projects representing more than 3.5 GW of electrolyser capacity, with 814 million AUD ultimately awarded.
Bulk Water Supply Security
Nationwide program led by the National Water Grid Authority to improve bulk water security and reliability for non-potable and productive uses. Activities include strategic planning, science and business cases, and funding of state and territory projects such as storages, pipelines, dam upgrades, recycled water and efficiency upgrades to build drought resilience and support regional communities, industry and the environment.
National EV Charging Network (Highway Fast Charging)
Partnership between the Australian Government and NRMA to deliver a backbone EV fast charging network on national highways. Program funds and co-funds 117 DC fast charging sites at roughly 150 km intervals to connect all capital cities and regional routes, reducing range anxiety and supporting EV uptake.
WA Regional Digital Connectivity Program (WARDCP)
Statewide co-investment program delivering new and upgraded mobile, fixed wireless and broadband infrastructure to improve reliability, coverage and performance for regional and remote Western Australia. Current workstreams include the Regional Telecommunications Project, State Agriculture Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund, and the WA Regional Digital Connectivity Program (WARDCP).
Network Optimisation Program - Roads
A national program concept focused on improving congestion and reliability on urban road networks by using low-cost operational measures and technology (e.g., signal timing, intersection treatments, incident management) to optimise existing capacity across major city corridors.
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.
Western Australia Agricultural Supply Chain Improvements
Improving Western Australia's aging freight network to reduce supply chain costs and increase export volumes for agriculture, through maintenance, upgrades, and new routes.
Employment
AreaSearch assessment positions Esperance ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance
Esperance has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 2.8% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.6%. As of December 2025, 6,262 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.7% below Regional WA's rate of 3.5%.
Workforce participation was 62.7%, compared to Regional WA's 66.0%. According to Census responses, 6.4% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and transport, postal & warehousing. The area has a particular specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share of 2.1 times the regional level.
Conversely, mining shows lower representation at 4.0% versus the regional average of 11.7%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. In the 12-month period ending in May-25, employment increased by 1.6%, while labour force grew by 2.4%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.8 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Esperance's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.2% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis
AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Esperance SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $57,248 and an average of $73,508. This is higher than the national average. For Regional WA, the median was $59,973 with an average of $74,392. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, estimates for March 2026 would be approximately $63,505 (median) and $81,542 (average). Census data reveals incomes in Esperance rank modestly, between the 35th and 46th percentiles. Distribution data shows that 31.5% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999 annually, mirroring regional levels at 31.1%. After housing expenses, 86.1% of income remains for other expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Esperance is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership
Esperance's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 86.9% houses and 13.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional WA's 86.5% houses and 13.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Esperance was at 35.4%, similar to Regional WA's 35.2%. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 33.5% and rented dwellings made up 31.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,600, higher than Regional WA's average of $1,560. Median weekly rent in Esperance was $270, slightly above Regional WA's figure of $265. Nationally, Esperance's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,863 and rents were substantially lower at $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Esperance has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size
Family households constitute 67.4% of all households, including 26.1% couples with children, 29.9% couples without children, and 10.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 32.6%, with lone person households at 29.8% and group households comprising 2.8%. The median household size is 2.4 people, smaller than the Regional WA average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Esperance faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally
The area's university qualification rate is 15.1%, 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 11.5%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.0%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (31.7%).
Educational participation is high at 30.2%, comprising primary education (12.2%), secondary education (10.2%), and tertiary education (1.7%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Esperance has 124 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are serviced by six different routes that collectively provide 103 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these stops is limited, with residents typically located 622 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Esperance being primarily residential. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport, used by 92% of residents. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling.
According to the 2021 Census, only 6.4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 14 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately zero weekly trips per individual stop. A map accompanies this information, displaying the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
The level of general health in Esperance is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions
Esperance demonstrates above-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.
Both young and old age cohorts show low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 55% of the total population, which is around 6,982 people. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 8.4 and 8.1% of residents respectively. Approximately 67.8% of residents declare themselves 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 approximately 20.2% of residents aged 65 and over, which is around 2,543 people. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
Esperance is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics
Esperance's population, as per the 2016 Census, shows low cultural diversity: 84.3% are citizens, 85.3% were born in Australia, and 95.2% speak English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion (42.4%). Buddhism, though small (0.8%), is proportionally higher than Regional WA's average of 1.0%.
The top three ancestry groups are Australian (34.0%), English (31.7%), and Scottish (7.7%). Notably, New Zealanders (0.9%) and Maori (0.8%) are overrepresented compared to regional averages, while Australian Aboriginals (3.5%) are underrepresented relative to Regional WA's 6.1%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Esperance's median age exceeds the national pattern
Esperance has a median age of 41, close to Regional WA's figure of 40 and exceeding the national norm of 38. The 15-24 age group makes up 11.7%, higher than Regional WA, while the 45-54 cohort is at 11.7%. Post-2021 Census, the 35-44 age group grew from 11.6% to 13.4%, and the 45-54 cohort declined from 13.2% to 11.7%. By 2041, Esperance's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 25-34 group is expected to grow by 36%, reaching 2,049 from 1,504. Meanwhile, population declines are forecast for the 15-24 and 5-14 cohorts.