Geraldton

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

Geraldton's population was 12,552 as of November 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This figure represents a 664-person increase from the 2021 Census total of 11,888 people, marking a 5.6% growth rate since then. The change is inferred from an estimated resident population of 12,500 in June 2024 and an additional 29 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 573 persons per square kilometer. Geraldton's 5.6% growth rate positions it within 1.9 percentage points of the SA3 area (7.5%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth during recent periods.

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 to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch utilises 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 project an above-median growth for national non-metropolitan areas. The area is expected to increase by 1,535 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 10.5% over the 17-year period.

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

Geraldton averaged approximately 28 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 142 homes. As of FY-26, 27 approvals have been recorded. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an average of 2.4 people moved to the area per new home constructed, indicating robust demand that supports property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $374,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting a focus on quality developments.

In FY-26, there have been $104.7 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Rest of WA, Geraldton has roughly half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 32nd percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings. New development consists of 74.0% detached dwellings and 26.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count is 507 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment.

Future projections estimate Geraldton adding 1,317 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Geraldton has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 2ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified sixteen projects likely to influence the area. Notable projects include Geraldton Homemaker Centre Expansion, 7-Eleven Service Station at Durlacher Street, Geraldton, Geraldton Green Connect Project, and Geraldton Youth Precinct Masterplan Development. 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.

The labour market performance in Geraldton lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Geraldton's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate in September 2025 was 5.7%.

There were 5,535 residents employed at this time, with an unemployment rate of 2.4% higher than the Rest of WA's rate of 3.3%. Workforce participation lagged significantly at 52.9%, compared to the Rest of WA's 59.4%. The leading employment industries among Geraldton residents were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Health care & social assistance had particularly notable concentration with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average.

Mining had a limited presence in Geraldton with 5.4% employment compared to the regional average of 11.7%. As of the Census, there was one worker for every resident, indicating that the area functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force increased by 0.3% while employment declined by 0.7%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, the Rest of WA saw employment rise by 1.4%, labour force grow by 1.2%, and unemployment fall by 0.2 percentage points during this period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Geraldton. These projections estimate that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates differing significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Geraldton's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Geraldton SA2's median income among taxpayers was $54,838 and average income was $68,551 in financial year 2022, according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is higher than national averages of $57,323 (median) and $71,163 (average). By September 2025, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% suggest median income will be approximately $62,625 and average income will be around $78,285. Census 2021 data shows Geraldton's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 9th and 22nd percentiles nationally. In Geraldton, 26.5% of locals (3,326 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, similar to the broader area where 31.1% occupy this income range. After housing costs, 85.3% of income remains, ranking at the 12th percentile nationally.

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

In Geraldton, as per the latest Census, 75.8% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 24.3% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This differs from Non-Metro WA's dwelling structure, which was 87.5% houses and 12.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Geraldton stood at 34.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.2% and rented ones at 40.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Geraldton was $1,300, lower than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,517. Weekly rent in Geraldton averaged $230, compared to Non-Metro WA's $250. Nationally, Geraldton's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,300 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Geraldton features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 56.8% of all households, including 17.2% couples with children, 26.2% couples without children, and 12.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 43.2%, with lone person households at 39.9% and group households comprising 3.3%. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Rest of WA average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 16.4%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (30.7%). Educational participation is high at 27.5%, comprising primary education (9.2%), secondary education (8.7%), and tertiary education (2.7%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.2% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 2.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Geraldton's public transport analysis shows 140 active stops in operation, all of which are bus services. These stops are covered by 13 different routes that together facilitate 506 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these services is rated as excellent, with residents usually located 176 meters from their nearest stop.

On average, there are 72 daily trips across all routes, equating to roughly three weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Geraldton is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Geraldton faces significant health challenges, affecting both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 54% (~6,740 people) of Geraldton's population has private health cover, a rate higher than that of Rest of WA. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (9.9%) and mental health issues (9.8%). In contrast, 60.4% of residents report being free from medical ailments, compared to 66.8% in Rest of WA. Geraldton has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 21.8% (2,732 people), compared to the 18.3% in Rest of WA. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges similar to those seen in the general population.

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

Geraldton had a cultural diversity index below the average, with 84.1% of its population being Australian citizens, 82.3% born in Australia, and 90.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, making up 51.0% of Geraldton's population. Islam was overrepresented compared to the rest of Western Australia, comprising 2.0% versus 1.3%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (29.6%), Australian (28.0%), and Irish (8.0%). There were notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal at 7.1% compared to 6.9% regionally, Maori at 0.7%, and South African at 0.5% versus 0.6%.

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

Geraldton's median age is 45 years, which is significantly higher than the Rest of WA average of 40 years and Australia's median age of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 85 years and above make up 3.2% of the population, while those aged 5 to 14 years constitute 10.1%. This is smaller than the Rest of WA average for both groups. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of Geraldton's population aged 25 to 34 has increased from 11.3% to 13.8%, while those aged 35 to 44 have risen from 11.0% to 12.2%. Conversely, the percentage of those aged 85 and above has decreased from 4.5% to 3.2%, and the proportion of those aged 75 to 84 has fallen from 8.2% to 7.0%. Population forecasts for Geraldton in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 47%, adding 823 residents to reach a total of 2,558. Conversely, population declines are projected for those aged 85 and above and those aged 15 to 24 years.