Esperance
Statistical Area - sa2

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 was around 12,527 as of November 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 524 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,003. The change is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 12,515 in June 2024 and an additional 28 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 26 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Esperance has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.1%, outpacing its SA4 region. Natural growth contributed approximately 54.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 estimations, AreaSearch uses growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Future population trends indicate a median increase for non-metropolitan areas, with Esperance expected to grow by 1,350 persons to 2041, recording a gain of 10.7% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Esperance according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Esperance averaged approximately 46 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 234 homes. As of FY-26, 18 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.6 new residents arrived per new home constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. The average construction value for new properties was $317,000.

In FY-26, commercial approvals amounted to $32.3 million. Compared to the Rest of WA, Esperance had 19.0% more development per person over the five-year period. New development consisted of 91.0% detached houses and 9.0% townhouses or apartments.

The area has approximately 303 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low-density market. By 2041, Esperance is projected to grow by 1,338 residents. Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Esperance has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 24thth percentile nationally

No factors influence a region's performance more than alterations to its local infrastructure, significant projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that could impact this area. Notable projects include South Coast Highway Improvements: Albany To Esperance in Western Australia, Agricultural Supply Chain Improvements, WA Police Satellite Technology Upgrade, and Regional And Rural Wa Road Network Safety Improvements, with the most relevant detailed below.

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

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AreaSearch assessment positions Esperance ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Esperance has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation as of June 2025. There are 6,148 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.4%.

This is 0.7% lower than the Rest of WA's rate of 3.2%, and workforce participation is similar at 59.4%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and transport, postal & warehousing. The area has a notable concentration in transport, postal & warehousing, with employment levels at 2.1 times the regional average. Mining has limited presence, accounting for 4.0% of employment compared to 11.7% regionally.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. In the 12 months prior, labour force decreased by 2.4%, and employment declined by 2.7%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of WA where employment rose by 1.1%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Esperance's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.7% over five years and 12.2% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

Esperance's median income among taxpayers was $55,230 in the financial year ending June 2022. The average income stood at $71,723 during this period. Comparing these figures with the rest of Western Australia, Esperance's median and average incomes were lower by $2,093 and $660 respectively. Based on a 14.2% growth in wages since June 2022, estimated median income as of September 2025 would be approximately $63,073, with the average standing at $81,908. According to census data, incomes in Esperance rank modestly, between the 35th and 46th percentiles for households, families, and individuals. Income distribution shows that 31.5% of Esperance's population (3,946 individuals) fall within the $1,500 to $2,999 income range, which is consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region where 31.1% also fall into this category. After accounting for housing expenses, 86.1% of income remains for other expenses.

Esperance is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Esperance's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 86.9% houses and 13.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro WA's 89.0% houses and 10.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Esperance stood at 35.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.5% and rented ones at 31.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,600, higher than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent in Esperance was $270, compared to Non-Metro WA's $260. Nationally, Esperance's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,600 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Esperance has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 67.4% of all households, including 26.1% that are couples with children, 29.9% that are couples without children, and 10.3% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.6%, with lone person households at 29.8% and group households comprising 2.8% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which matches the average for the Rest of WA.

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%. 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 such qualifications, 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%).

Eight schools operate in Esperance, educating approximately 2,348 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 956) and balanced educational opportunities. Education provision is balanced with five primary and three secondary schools serving distinct age groups.

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

Esperance has 125 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by six different routes that together offer 103 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is limited, with residents typically living 622 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 14 trips per day across all routes, equating to roughly 0 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Esperance are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Esperance's health indicators show below-average results with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 55% (~6,927 people) of Esperance's total population has private health cover, which is very high compared to other areas. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (8.4%) and asthma (8.1%). A total of 67.8% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.9% across the rest of WA. Esperance has 19.1% (2,393 people) of its population aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Esperance's cultural diversity was found to be below average. As of the census, 84.3% of its population were citizens, 85.3% were born in Australia, and 95.2% spoke English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 42.4% of Esperance's population.

Buddhism, however, was overrepresented, making up 0.8% compared to 0.7% across the rest of WA. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were Australian (34.0%), English (31.7%), and Scottish (7.7%). Notably, New Zealanders were equally represented at 0.9%, Maori at 0.8%, and Australian Aboriginals were slightly overrepresented at 3.5% compared to regional averages of 0.9%, 0.8%, and 3.2% respectively.

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

Esperance's median age is 41, close to Rest of WA's figure of 40 and slightly exceeding the national norm of 38. The 15-24 age group comprises 11.8%, higher than Rest of WA, while the 45-54 cohort stands at 11.8%. Post the 2021 Census, the 35-44 age group grew from 11.6% to 13.2%, and the 25-34 cohort increased from 11.1% to 12.2%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort decreased from 13.2% to 11.8%. By 2041, Esperance's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 25-34 group is expected to grow by 45%, reaching 2,207 from 1,527. Meanwhile, population declines are forecast for the 55-64 and 15-24 cohorts.