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

Esperance Surrounds' population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, is 4,389 as of Nov 2025. This figure represents an increase of 423 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,966. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,327 in June 2024 and an additional 26 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 0.10 persons per square kilometer. Esperance Surrounds' growth rate of 10.7% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA3 area (5.9%) and SA4 region, indicating it as a growth leader. Natural growth contributed approximately 41.7% to overall population gains in recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and interstate migration being positive factors.

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, 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). Based on demographic trends and latest population numbers, Esperance Surrounds is projected to expand by 683 persons by 2041, reflecting an increase of 14.2% over the 17-year period.

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

Esperance Surrounds has recorded approximately five residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years, totalling 26 homes. As of FY-26, two approvals have been recorded. On average, about 17.4 people per year moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating significant demand exceeding new supply. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $392,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting a focus on quality developments.

This financial year has seen $2.7 million in commercial approvals, reflecting limited commercial development focus compared to residential. Esperance Surrounds shows substantially reduced construction activity compared to the rest of WA, with 59.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. Recent building activity consists entirely of standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 896 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet development environment.

Population forecasts indicate Esperance Surrounds will gain 621 residents through to 2041. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could 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

AreaSearch has identified two projects that could impact the area significantly due to changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. The key projects are South Coast Highway Improvements: Albany To Esperance, Forrestania Gold, Lithium & Nickel Project, Western Australia Agricultural Supply Chain Improvements, and WA Police Satellite Technology Upgrade. The following list provides details on those most likely to be relevant.

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

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.

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 and an unemployment rate of 1.6% as of June 2025. It has 2,304 residents in work, which is below the Rest of WA's unemployment rate of 3.2%.

Workforce participation in Esperance Surrounds is 65.0%, compared to Rest of WA's 59.4%. The dominant employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, mining, and education & training. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has particularly notable concentration with employment levels at 5.0 times the regional average. Health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 4.1% of Esperance Surrounds's workforce compared to 11.9% in Rest of WA.

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. In comparison, Rest of WA recorded employment growth of 1.1%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Esperance Surrounds's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 3.9% over five years and 9.6% over ten years.

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 Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, estimated median income is approximately $63,186 and average income is around $81,994 as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, personal income ranks at the 75th percentile ($960 weekly) and household income sits at the 45th percentile. In Esperance Surrounds, 34.4% of the population (1,509 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring 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' dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, comprised 95.7% houses and 4.4% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and others. This compares to Non-Metro WA's 89.0% houses and 10.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Esperance Surrounds stood at 51.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 20.4% and rented ones at 28.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,040, lower than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent in Esperance Surrounds was $233, compared to Non-Metro WA's $260. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,863 and rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 67.5% of all households, including 28.6% couples with children, 32.2% couples without children, and 6.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.5%, with lone person households at 29.8% and group households comprising 2.3%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which matches 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 has lower university qualification rates than the Australian average, with 17.4% compared to 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%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 39.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (30.3%).

Educational participation is high at 28.7%, with 13.1% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 1.8% pursuing tertiary education. There are 9 schools operating within Esperance Surrounds educating approximately 448 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 950) and balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes 7 primary, 1 secondary, and 1 K-12 school. School places per 100 residents are lower than the regional average at 10.2 compared to 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 shows 27 active stops operating in Esperance Surrounds, serving a mix of buses. Four routes service these stops, offering 17 weekly passenger trips collectively. Transport accessibility is rated limited, with residents typically located 4584 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages two trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately zero weekly trips per individual stop.

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 shows superior health outcomes for both younger and older age groups, with low prevalence rates for common health conditions.

Approximately 55% (~2,427 people) have private health cover, a notably high rate. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (7.3%) and asthma (7.1%). A majority of residents, 72.2%, report no medical ailments, compared to 68.9% in the Rest of WA. Esperance Surrounds has 15.5% (682 people) aged 65 and over, lower than the 18.2% in the Rest of WA. Senior health outcomes are above average, mirroring the general population's health profile.

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 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 dominant religion, comprising 42.6% of Esperance Surrounds' population. Notably, Judaism, which makes up 0.1% of Esperance Surrounds' population, is overrepresented compared to the rest of WA (0.1%).

In terms of ancestry, Australian (33.0%), English (31.1%), and Scottish (8.2%) are the top three represented groups in Esperance Surrounds. Additionally, South African (1.4% vs regional 0.7%), New Zealand (0.9% vs 0.9%), and Maori (0.7% vs 0.8%) ethnicities show notable divergences in representation compared to the rest of WA.

Esperance Surrounds's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Esperance Surrounds is 40 years, aligning with the Rest of WA's average but slightly exceeding the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 are prominent at 14.7%, while those aged 15-24 are comparatively smaller at 8.5% than in Rest of WA. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has grown from 13.1% to 14.7%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 15.4% to 13.1%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Esperance Surrounds' age structure. The 25-34 age group is projected to increase by 255 people (40%), from 644 to 900. Conversely, both the 85+ and 15-24 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.