Geraldton - South

Population growth drivers in Geraldton - South are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Geraldton - South's population was approximately 11,079 as of November 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This figure represents a rise of 746 individuals (7.2%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 10,333 people. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,077 in June 2024 and an additional six validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 421 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential room for further development. Over the past decade, Geraldton - South exhibited resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.7%, outperforming the SA3 area. Natural growth drove population growth, contributing approximately 64.0% 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 to estimate growth post-2032, 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). Nationally, non-metropolitan areas are projected to have above median population growth. The area is expected to grow by 1,951 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 17.6% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Geraldton - South when compared nationally

Geraldton - South averaged approximately 27 new dwelling approvals annually between FY-21 and FY-25, with a total of 135 homes approved during this period. In FY-26, up to the present date, 31 dwellings have been approved. This results in an average of around 4.6 new residents arriving per dwelling constructed over these five financial years.

Consequently, demand significantly exceeds supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction cost value for new properties is approximately $289,000. In the current financial year, $2.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of WA, Geraldton - South has roughly two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person.

Nationally, it ranks around the 44th percentile among assessed areas, offering more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. This activity is lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and suggesting possible development constraints. New building activity in Geraldton - South consists predominantly of detached dwellings (94.0%) with a smaller proportion of townhouses or apartments (6.0%), maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 614, reflecting its quiet and low activity development environment. Looking ahead, Geraldton - South is projected to grow by approximately 1,949 residents by the year 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current development rates persist, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Geraldton - South has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 22ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 17 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include the Revised Wandina Structure Plan, Geraldton Cycling Network Expansion Project, and Meru Waste Management Facility Gas Flaring System Project, with the following list providing more details on key projects.

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

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AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Geraldton - South performing better than 85% of local markets assessed across Australia

Geraldton - South has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 1.8% in September 2025, lower than the Rest of WA's rate of 3.3%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 0.6%. There were 5,888 residents employed with an unemployment rate of 1.5%, and workforce participation was 67.3% compared to Rest of WA's 59.4%. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Health care & social assistance is particularly strong, with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 3.7% compared to Rest of WA's 9.3%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 0.6% while labour force grew by 0.8%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of WA experienced employment growth of 1.4% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with a drop in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Geraldton - South's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

The latest postcode level ATO data released for the financial year ending June 2022 shows that Geraldton - South SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $55,121 and an average income of $68,797. This is above the national average. In comparison, Rest of WA had a median income of $57,323 and an average income of $71,163. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since June 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $62,948 (median) and $78,566 (average). Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Geraldton - South cluster around the 68th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that the $1,500 to $2,999 earnings band captures 36.3% of the community (4,021 individuals), which is similar to the broader area where this cohort represents 31.1%. After housing costs, residents retain 87.7% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

Geraldton - South is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Geraldton - South had 86.9% houses and 13.1% other dwellings in its latest Census evaluation, compared to Non-Metro WA's 87.5% houses and 12.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Geraldton - South was at 29.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 41.4% and rented ones at 28.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,661, higher than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure was $300, compared to Non-Metro WA's $250. Nationally, Geraldton - South's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,661 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Geraldton - South has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 74.8% of all households, including 32.6% couples with children, 30.0% couples without children, and 11.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 25.2%, with lone person households at 22.7% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Rest of WA average of 2.4.

Educational outcomes in Geraldton - South fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate of 19.5%, recorded as of the latest available data in 2021, is significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 13.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 3.1% and graduate diplomas at 2.8%. Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 42.0% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 10.6% and certificates at 31.4%.

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of the 2021 census. This includes 12.1% in primary education, 9.8% in secondary education, and 2.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transportation in Geraldton - South indicates that there are currently 65 operational transport stops. These stops cater to a variety of bus routes, with a total of 7 individual routes serving the area. Collectively, these routes facilitate 99 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport services is deemed good, with residents on average being situated approximately 235 meters away from their nearest transport stop. On an average day, there are about 14 trips across all routes, which translates to roughly one weekly trip per individual stop.

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

Geraldton - South shows superior health outcomes for both young and elderly residents, with low prevalence rates of common health conditions.

Around 54%, or approximately 5,949 people, have private health cover. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (8.2%) and mental health issues (7.5%), while 70.7% report no medical ailments, compared to 66.8% in the rest of WA. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 14.6% or 1,620 people, compared to 18.3% in Rest of WA. Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, outperforming general population metrics.

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

Geraldton-South, surveyed in 2016, had a population with 88.1% being citizens, 82.1% born in Australia, and 89.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 51.7%. Islam's representation stood at 2.2%, higher than the regional average of 1.3%.

The top three ancestral groups were English (29.8%), Australian (29.2%), and Irish (7.6%). Notable differences included South African ancestry at 1.2% compared to 0.6% regionally, Australian Aboriginal at 4.4% versus a regional average of 6.9%, and New Zealand ancestry at 0.8% compared to 0.6%.

Geraldton - South's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Geraldton - South's median age is 38 years, which is slightly below the Rest of WA average of 40 but aligns with the Australian median of 38. The 5-14 age cohort is notably over-represented in Geraldton - South at 14.6%, compared to the Rest of WA average. Conversely, the 55-64 year-olds are under-represented at 10.6%. Post the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 11.9% to 13.2%, while the 55 to 64 cohort has decreased from 12.2% to 10.6% and the 5 to 14 group has dropped from 15.8% to 14.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Geraldton - South's age profile. The 25 to 34 cohort is projected to grow by 49%, adding 719 residents to reach 2,183. Meanwhile, both the 65 to 74 and 85+ age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.