Geraldton - South
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Geraldton - South are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Geraldton - South's population was around 11,077 as of August 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This figure represents an increase of 744 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 10,333. The growth is inferred from ABS estimates showing a population of 11,077 in June 2024 and five additional validated addresses after the census date. This results in a population density ratio of 421 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Geraldton - South has shown resilient growth with a compound annual growth rate of 0.7%, outperforming its SA3 area. Natural growth accounted for approximately 64% of recent population gains.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024, based on 2022 data, for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data and post-2032 estimates, AreaSearch employs growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections from 2023, using 2022 data as a base. Nationally, non-metropolitan areas are projected to have above-median population growth. Geraldton - South is expected to grow by 1,951 persons by 2041, reflecting a 17.6% increase over the next 17 years based on the latest population numbers.

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

Geraldton - South averaged approximately 27 new dwelling approvals per year. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis, showing 135 homes approved over the past five financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), with 16 approvals so far in FY-26. On average, 4.6 new residents were associated with each home built during these years. Supply has substantially lagged demand, suggesting heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

New homes are being constructed at an average value of $389,000, aligning with regional trends. This financial year saw $2.1 million in commercial approvals, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Comparatively, Geraldton - South has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person relative to the Rest of WA and ranks among the 45th percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing homes. This activity is below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints.

New building activity comprises 94.0% detached dwellings and 6.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 614 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate Geraldton - South will gain 1,951 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Geraldton - South has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 0thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects that could impact the region. Notable ones are Revised Wandina Structure Plan, Meru Waste Management Facility Gas Flaring System Project, Wandina Tiny Social Homes, and Double Beach Estate. Below is a list of those most likely to be relevant.

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

Geraldton - South ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Geraldton - South has a skilled workforce with an unemployment rate of 1.7% as of June 2025. It has 5,760 residents in work and its unemployment rate is 1.5% below the Rest of WA's rate of 3.2%.

Workforce participation in Geraldton - South is 67.3%, compared to 59.4% in the Rest of WA. Leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. The area has a particularly strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level. However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 3.7% of Geraldton - South's workforce compared to 9.3% in Rest of WA.

Labour force data from June 2024 to June 2025 shows a decrease of 2.2% while employment declined by the same percentage, leaving unemployment broadly flat. In contrast, Rest of WA experienced employment growth of 1.1% and labour force growth of 0.5%, with a drop in unemployment of 0.6 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections suggest Geraldton - South's growth could be approximately 6.4%% over five years and 13.5% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Geraldton - South had a median income of $55,121 and an average income of $68,797. This is above the national average. The Rest of WA had a median income of $57,323 and an average income of $71,163 in the same period. As of March 2025, based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.61%, estimated incomes are approximately $61,521 (median) and $76,784 (average). Census data indicates that Geraldton - South's incomes cluster around the 68th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that 36.3% of individuals in Geraldton - South earn between $1,500 and $2,999, aligning with 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 5th decile.

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

Geraldton - South's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 86.9% houses and 13.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro WA's 86.5% houses and 13.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Geraldton - South stood 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 in Geraldton - South was $300, compared to Non-Metro WA's $250. Nationally, Geraldton - South's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,661 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $300 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 is 19.5%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 13.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 42.0% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 10.6% and certificates at 31.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 12.1% in primary, 9.8% in secondary, and 2.4% in tertiary education. Wandina Primary School and Mount Tarcoola Primary School serve a total of 861 students. Geraldton - South has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 959) with balanced educational opportunities. Both schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. Local school capacity is limited at 7.8 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 16.8, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

Geraldton - South has 65 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 7 different routes that together offer 99 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically living 235 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 14 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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 demonstrates above-average health outcomes with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 54% of the total population (~5,948 people). The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 8.2 and 7.5% of residents respectively. Seventy-point-seven percent declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 66.8% across Rest of WA. Fourteen-point-six percent of residents are aged 65 and over (1,620 people), which is lower than the 18.3% in Rest of WA. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

In terms of cultural diversity, Geraldton - South records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Geraldton-South's cultural diversity is roughly aligned with the wider regional average. Citizens comprise 88.1%, those born in Australia are 82.1%, and English speakers at home total 89.6%. Christianity is the predominant religion, making up 51.7% of Geraldton-South residents, compared to 43.9% regionally (as of June 2016).

Islam's representation is higher than average, with 2.2% compared to 1.3% across Rest of WA. The top three ancestral groups are English at 29.8%, Australian at 29.2%, and Irish at 7.6%. Notably, South African ancestry is overrepresented at 1.2% (versus regional 0.6%), Australian Aboriginal at 4.4% (versus 3.4%), and New Zealand at 0.8% (versus 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 matches the Australian median of 38. The 5-14 age cohort is notably higher at 14.6% locally compared to the Rest of WA average, while the 55-64 age group is under-represented at 10.6%. As per 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. Conversely, both the 65 to 74 and 85+ age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.