Esperance Surrounds
Statistical Area - sa2

Esperance Surrounds is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of Aug 2025, Esperance Surrounds' population is approximately 4,387, reflecting a growth of 421 people (10.6%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3,966. This increase is inferred from the ABS's estimated resident population of 4,327 in June 2024 and an additional 25 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 0.10 persons per square kilometer. Esperance Surrounds' growth rate exceeded that of its SA3 area (5.9%) and SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader. Natural growth contributed approximately 41.7% to overall population gains during recent periods, with other drivers such as overseas migration also being positive factors. 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 for estimating growth post-2032, AreaSearch utilises growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). With demographic trends indicating above median population growth for national regional areas, Esperance Surrounds is projected to expand by 683 persons to reach a total of 5,070 by 2041, reflecting an increase of 14.2% over the 17 years.

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

Esperance Surrounds recorded approximately five residential properties granted approval annually. Development approval data, produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, totals 26 approvals across the past five financial years (between FY21 and FY25), with one approval so far in FY26. The average new residents per year for every home built over these five financial years is 17.4. Supply has been lagging demand, indicating heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

New homes are being built at an average value of $597,000, higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. In FY26, commercial development approvals amount to $2.7 million, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of WA, Esperance Surrounds shows substantially reduced construction (59.0% below regional average per person), supporting stronger demand and values for established properties. This activity is also under the national average, suggesting potential planning limitations. Recent building activity consists solely of standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature with detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

The estimated population count per dwelling approval is 896 people. Population forecasts indicate Esperance Surrounds will gain 623 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Esperance Surrounds has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 22ndth percentile nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified two projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include South Coast Highway Improvements from Albany to Esperance, Forrestania Gold, Lithium & Nickel Project, Western Australia Agricultural Supply Chain Improvements, and WA Police Satellite Technology Upgrade. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Esperance Surrounds performing better than 85% of local markets assessed across Australia

Esperance Surrounds has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. As of June 2025, it has an unemployment rate of just 1.6%.

This is below the Rest of WA's rate of 3.2%. Workforce participation in Esperance Surrounds is high at 65.0%, compared to the Rest of WA's 59.4%. Dominant employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, mining, and education & training. The area has a particularly notable concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with employment levels at 5.0 times the regional average.

However, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 4.1% of Esperance Surrounds's workforce compared to Rest of WA's 11.9%. The ratio of 0.7 workers for each resident indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm. Over the 12 months to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.5% while employment declined by 2.6%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest a potential future demand within Esperance Surrounds. These projections estimate local growth of approximately 3.9%% over five years and 9.6% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

Esperance Surrounds' median income among taxpayers was $55,329 and average income stood at $71,799 in the financial year 2022. This compares to Rest of WA's figures of $57,323 and $71,163 respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth of 11.61% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of March 2025 would be approximately $61,753 (median) and $80,135 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, personal income ranks at the 75th percentile ($960 weekly), with household income at the 45th percentile. In Esperance Surrounds, 34.4% of the population falls within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the surrounding region where 31.1% occupy this bracket. After housing costs, residents retain 93.0% of their income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Esperance Surrounds is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Esperance Surrounds' dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.7% houses and 4.4% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro WA had 89.0% houses and 10.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Esperance Surrounds was 51.1%, with mortgaged properties at 20.4% and rented ones at 28.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,040, below Non-Metro WA's average of $1,517. Median weekly rent in the area was $233, compared to Non-Metro WA's $260. Nationally, Esperance Surrounds' mortgage repayments were lower at $1,040 than Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 67.5% of all households, composed of 28.6% couples with children, 32.2% couples without children, and 6.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 32.5%, with lone person households at 29.8% and group households comprising 2.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of WA.

Esperance Surrounds faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 17.4%, 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 14.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 39.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (30.3%).

Educational participation is high, with 28.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.1% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 1.8% pursuing tertiary education. A network of 9 schools operates within Esperance Surrounds, educating approximately 448 students as of the latest data. The area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 950) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes 7 primary, 1 secondary, and 1 K-12 school. School places per 100 residents are at 10.2, below the regional average of 16.5, with some students possibly attending schools in nearby areas.

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

Transport analysis indicates 27 active transport stops operating within Esperance Surrounds as of April 2021. These stops serve a mix of bus routes totaling 4 individual routes. By the week commencing May 3rd, these routes collectively provide 17 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated limited, with residents typically located 4584 meters from the nearest transport stop as of February 2021 data. Service frequency averages 2 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 0 weekly trips per individual stop by April 2021.

The level of general health in Esperance Surrounds is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Esperance Surrounds exhibits superior health outcomes for both younger and elderly populations, with low prevalence rates for common conditions.

Approximately 55% (~2,426 people) of the total population have private health cover, a rate significantly higher than the regional average. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (7.3%) and asthma (7.1%), while 72.2% of residents report being free from medical ailments, compared to 68.9% in the rest of WA. As of 2021, 15.5% (681 people) of residents are aged 65 and over, lower than the regional average of 18.2%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors remain above average, mirroring those of the general population.

Esperance Surrounds ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Esperance Surrounds was found to have a below average level of cultural diversity, with 82.4% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (82.5%), and speaking English only at home (93.7%). Christianity is the predominant religion in Esperance Surrounds, comprising 42.6% of the population. The most notable overrepresentation was seen in Judaism, which makes up 0.1% of the population compared to the regional average of 0.1%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Australian (33.0%), English (31.1%), and Scottish (8.2%). There are also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: South African is overrepresented at 1.4% compared to the regional average of 0.7%, New Zealand is similarly represented at 0.9% regionally, and Maori is slightly underrepresented at 0.7% compared to the regional average of 0.8%.

Esperance Surrounds's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Esperance Surrounds is 40 years, which aligns with the average of Rest of WA but exceeds the national average by two years. The age profile shows that individuals aged 25-34 are prominent, making up 14.7% of the population, while those aged 15-24 constitute 8.5%. Since 2021, the proportion of individuals aged 25-34 has increased from 13.1% to 14.7%, while the proportion of those aged 45-54 has decreased from 15.4% to 13.1%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate that the age group of 25-34 will increase significantly, with an additional 255 people (a 40% rise) bringing the total to 900 individuals. Conversely, both those aged 85 and above and those aged 15-24 are projected to decrease in number.