Esperance Surrounds

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 November 2025, Esperance Surrounds' population is approximately 4,389, marking a 10.7% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 3,966 people. This growth is inferred from ABS estimates: 4,327 in June 2024 and an additional 26 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density stands at 0.10 persons per square kilometer. Esperance Surrounds' growth exceeded its SA3 area (5.9%) and SA4 region, indicating it as a growth leader. Natural growth contributed approximately 41.7% of overall population gains recently, with all migration factors also positive. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year.

For areas not covered by this data and post-2032 estimates, 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 demographic trends project above median population growth for Esperance Surrounds, with an expected expansion of 683 persons to 2041, reflecting a 14.2% increase 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 5 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years, totalling 26 homes. In FY-26 so far, 2 approvals have been recorded. An average of 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 value of $392,000, slightly above the regional average.

This financial year has seen $2.7 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited focus on commercial development 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. Recent building activity consists solely of standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population count per dwelling approval is 896 people. Population forecasts indicate Esperance Surrounds will gain 621 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 28thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two projects likely to impact the region: 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 most 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. Its unemployment rate was 1.7% in the year ending September 2025.

This is lower than Rest of WA's rate of 3.3%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 0.6%. As of September 2025, 2,369 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.6% and workforce participation of 65.0%, compared to Rest of WA's 59.4%. Major employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, mining, and education & training.

The area specializes in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with a share of 5.0 times the regional level. Health care & social assistance employs 4.1% of local workers, below Rest of WA's 11.9%. There were 0.7 workers per resident as at the Census, indicating above-normal employment opportunities locally. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 0.6%, labour force grew by 0.7%, and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of WA saw employment rise by 1.4%, labour force grow by 1.2%, and unemployment fall by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Esperance Surrounds' employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 3.9% over five years and 9.6% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

Esperance Surrounds SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $55,329 during financial year 2022. The average income level was $71,799 in the same period. Nationally, these figures compare to median and average incomes of $57,323 and $71,163 respectively across Rest of WA. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median income will be approximately $63,186 and the average income $81,994, based on a 14.2% growth in wages since financial year 2022. Census data indicates personal income ranks at the 74th percentile ($960 weekly), while household income is at the 44th percentile. Income distribution shows that 34.4% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 per week (1,509 individuals). This aligns with broader regional trends where 31.1% fall into the same earnings band. After housing costs, residents retain 93.0% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. 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, were 95.7% houses and 4.4% other dwellings (including semi-detached homes, apartments, and others). This contrasts with Non-Metro WA's 89.0% houses and 10.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Esperance Surrounds stood at 51.1%, with mortgaged properties 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 constitute 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 Rest of WA average.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 17.4%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 9.6% and certificates at 30.3%. Educational participation is high, with 28.7% currently enrolled in formal education: 13.1% in primary, 7.6% in secondary, and 1.8% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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.

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

Transport analysis in Esperance Surrounds indicates 27 active public transport stops operating. These are served by a mix of buses along four individual routes, offering a total of 17 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located at an average distance of 4584 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages two trips per day across all routes, resulting in 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 exhibits superior health outcomes for both younger and older age groups, with low prevalence of common health conditions.

Approximately 55% (~2,427 people) have private health cover, which is significantly higher than other areas. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (7.3%) and asthma (7.1%). A total of 72.2% of residents claim to be free from any medical ailments, compared to the Rest of WA's 68.9%. Esperance Surrounds has a lower elderly population (aged 65 and over), with 15.5% (682 people) compared to the Rest of WA's 18.2%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are 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%). The predominant religion in Esperance Surrounds is Christianity, comprising 42.6% of the population. Notably, Judaism was found to be overrepresented compared to the rest of WA, with 0.1% of Esperance Surrounds' population identifying as Jewish.

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

Esperance Surrounds's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Esperance Surrounds is 40 years, aligning with the Rest of WA's average but modestly exceeding the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 are particularly prominent, making up 14.7% of the population, while those aged 15-24 are comparatively smaller at 8.5%. Since 2021, the 25-34 age group has grown from 13.1% to 14.7%, while 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.