Gnowangerup

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

According to the analysis by AreaSearch, the population of Gnowangerup stands at approximately 3,090 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 228 individuals (8.0%) from the 2,862 residents recorded in the 2021 Census. This adjustment is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 3,078 alongside 60 validated new addresses identified since the Census. Such a population size results in a density of 0.20 persons per square kilometer, indicating a spacious living environment. The area's 8.0% expansion post-census is within 0.8 percentage points of the wider SA3 region (8.8%), indicating robust local growth indicators. The primary driver of this demographic growth was natural increase, which accounted for roughly 58.3% of the total population gains in recent times.

AreaSearch implements the 2024 ABS/Geoscience Australia population projections for each SA2 locality, which utilize 2022 as their starting point. For any SA2 localities missing from this dataset, as well as to project growth past 2032 across all sectors, AreaSearch applies age cohort growth rates from the latest ABS Greater Capital Region projections published in 2023 and based on 2022 figures. Future demographic trends suggest that population expansion will occur at a rate slightly below the median for non-metropolitan areas. Specifically, the region is projected to grow by 315 individuals by 2041 relative to the most recent annual ERP data, marking an overall increase of 9.8% across the 16 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Gnowangerup when compared nationally

The locality has registered a yearly average of approximately 24 new residential approvals, translating to 123 dwellings over the preceding 5 financial years. In the current FY-26 period, 11 approvals have been documented so far. With an average of 1.3 additional residents settling in the area for every new home constructed during the 5 financial years spanning FY-21 to FY-25, supply and demand levels appear balanced, promoting a stable market environment. The average construction value of these new properties stands at $328,000. Furthermore, commercial approvals worth $12.0 million have been logged during the current financial year, showing a moderate volume of non-residential construction.

Gnowangerup displays a higher volume of building approvals relative to the Rest of WA, exceeding the regional per capita average by 46.0% over the 5 year timeframe. This rate of construction provides options for purchasers while helping preserve existing property values. Additionally, recent building approvals consist entirely of separate houses, preserving the traditional low-density profile of the neighborhood and focusing on spacious family accommodation. With a ratio of roughly 114 residents for each approval, Gnowangerup presents the profile of a developing community.

Looking forward, Gnowangerup is projected to add 303 residents by 2041, based on the latest quarterly calculations from AreaSearch. If the current pace of development persists, the supply of new housing will easily satisfy local demand, creating favorable buying conditions and potentially encouraging growth beyond current projections.

Gnowangerup has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 23rdth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure projects, major developments, and regional planning policies are critical factors in shaping regional outcomes. AreaSearch has identified a total of 3 major projects that are anticipated to affect this locality. The primary developments of relevance include the Southdown Magnetite Mine, the Katanning Gold Project, the South Coast Highway Improvements: Albany To Esperance, and the South West Interconnected System Transformation, with key details provided below.

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 in Gnowangerup shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

The labor force in Gnowangerup is characterized by diverse industry skills and a very low unemployment rate of 2.0%. There were 1,696 employed residents in March 2026, with the local unemployment rate sitting 1.5 percentage points below the 3.5% recorded for Regional WA. Furthermore, participation in the workforce is exceptionally high at 71.7%, compared to the 65.6% benchmark for Regional WA. According to Census data, 21.2% of the local workforce operated from home, though this figure may have been influenced by COVID-19 restrictions.

The primary sectors employing local residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, education & training, and public administration & safety. The region has an exceptionally high concentration of workers in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with employment levels reaching 5.7 times the regional average. Conversely, the mining sector employs only 0.8% of the local workforce, which is well below the Regional WA average of 11.7%. A comparison of the Census working population against the local residential population suggests that a significant number of residents travel to other areas for employment, despite the presence of local jobs.

According to AreaSearch's evaluation of SALM and ABS statistics, the 12 months leading up to March 2026 saw a 5.2% contraction in the labor force alongside a 6.1% drop in employment, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.0 percentage point. Over the same period, Regional WA recorded a 0.1% decline in employment and a 0.3% increase in the labor force, resulting in a 0.4 percentage point rise in its unemployment rate. Additional context regarding future labor demand in Gnowangerup can be gathered from the national employment projections released by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25. These five and ten-year projections have been applied to the local industrial distribution to estimate future employment trends. Although national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, the rates of growth differ across individual sectors. Applying these industry projections to the employment composition of Gnowangerup indicates that local employment would expand by 4.0% over five years and 9.6% over ten years, assuming a basic weighted calculation that does not incorporate specific local population projections.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

According to the latest ATO statistics compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023, the Gnowangerup SA2 records income levels that are significantly higher than the national average. The median taxpayer income in the Gnowangerup SA2 is $54,408, while the average taxpayer income is $74,867, compared to regional averages of $59,973 and $74,392 for Regional WA. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current income estimates for March 2026 would stand at approximately $60,355 for the median and $83,050 for the average. Data from the 2021 Census shows that individual income sits at the 71st percentile ($931 weekly) while household income falls at the 34th percentile. In terms of earnings groups, the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly band accounts for 30.9% of the local population (954 individuals), which aligns closely with the surrounding region where 31.1% of residents fall into this range. Housing costs remain manageable, leaving residents with 93.4% of their income, though disposable income is below average at the 45th percentile and the area sits in the 5th decile of the SEIFA income index.

Gnowangerup is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

An analysis of residential structures in Gnowangerup during the latest Census revealed that separate houses made up 95.8% of dwellings, while 4.2% were comprised of alternative structures such as semi-detached homes, apartments, or other dwelling types. In comparison, Regional WA recorded 88.5% separate houses and 11.6% other options. Home ownership was notably higher in Gnowangerup at 48.7% compared to Regional WA, with mortgaged properties accounting for 24.0% and rented properties making up 27.3% of the remaining market. The median monthly mortgage payment of $867 was considerably lower than the Regional WA average of $1,560, and the median weekly rent of $180 was also well below the regional benchmark of $265. At a national level, Gnowangerup's mortgage costs are far below the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are much lower than the national median of $375.

Gnowangerup has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Families represent the largest share of local households at 68.7%, consisting of couples with children at 32.1%, couples without children at 30.8%, and single-parent households at 5.3%. The remaining 31.3% consists of non-family households, with single-person residences accounting for 29.5% and group share houses making up 1.8%. The median household size stands at 2.5 residents, which is identical to the average for Regional WA.

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

The locality presents distinct educational patterns, with university attainment rates (17.2%) falling considerably short of the national benchmark of 30.4%. This gap highlights a clear area of focus for regional learning strategies. Among university graduates, bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.3%, with graduate diplomas at 1.5% and postgraduate qualifications at 1.4%. Vocational and technical training is highly prevalent, with 35.9% of residents aged 15+ possessing vocational qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas at 8.3% and certificate qualifications at 27.6%.

Engagement in learning is quite high, with 26.9% of the population enrolled in an educational program. This student population includes 13.3% in primary schools, 6.6% in secondary schools, and 1.5% undertaking tertiary studies.

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

An evaluation of local transport indicates there are 9 active passenger stops operating in Gnowangerup, which consist of bus services. These stops are connected to 3 distinct routes that provide a combined total of 6 weekly passenger trips. Access to public transport is classified as limited, with the average distance to the nearest stop being 21690 meters. Due to the residential nature of the area, most workers travel outside the locality, with private vehicles being the primary mode of travel for 80% of commuters and walking accounting for 14%. Average vehicle ownership is 2.1 cars per household, exceeding the regional average. The 2021 Census indicated that 21.2% of residents worked from home, which may reflect conditions during the pandemic.

The average frequency of transit services across all local routes is 0 trips per day, which translates to approximately 0 weekly trips at each transport stop.

Gnowangerup's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Health indicators demonstrate favorable trends for the Gnowangerup community. An analysis of mortality figures and medical diagnoses by AreaSearch shows outcomes that generally match national standards, with low rates of common illnesses across both younger and older demographics. Furthermore, the proportion of residents with private health insurance is high, sitting at approximately 56% of the population, which equates to about 1,733 individuals.

Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent medical issues in the community, affecting 8.1% and 7.6% of residents, respectively. Conversely, 71.5% of the population reported no long-term medical conditions, compared to 69.3% across Regional WA. General health outcomes for working-age residents are typical. Residents aged 65 and over make up 15.2% of the local population (468 individuals), which is lower than the 19.2% average in Regional WA. Senior citizens experience favorable health outcomes, with national health rankings for this group exceeding those of the general population.

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

Gnowangerup displays lower levels of cultural diversity than average, with citizens making up 84.1% of the population, Australian-born residents accounting for 86.0%, and English-only speakers at home representing 94.1%. Christianity is the predominant religious affiliation, chosen by 43.7% of residents, which is comparable to the 44.6% recorded across Regional WA.

Regarding family background and parental birthplaces, the most common ancestries in Gnowangerup are Australian at 35.4% of the population, which is higher than the regional average of 28.4%, English at 32.0%, and Scottish at 7.2%. There are also specific differences in ethnic representation compared to the wider region: Maori residents account for 1.1% of Gnowangerup (compared to 1.0% regionally), South Australian residents represent 0.7% (compared to 0.6%), and Filipino residents make up 1.7% (compared to 1.2%).

Gnowangerup's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age of Gnowangerup residents is 38 years, which is slightly lower than the Regional WA average of 40 years but aligns with the national median of 38 years. Compared to Regional WA, there is a higher concentration of children aged 0 - 4 (7.6% locally) and a lower proportion of seniors aged 75 - 84 (3.3%). Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age cohort has increased from 13.8% to 15.4% of the population, while the 55 to 64 group has decreased from 14.7% to 13.0%. Long-term demographic modeling indicates that Gnowangerup's age structure will change by 2041. The 25 to 34 age bracket is projected to experience the highest growth at 33%, adding 137 residents to total 558, whereas the 85+ and 15 to 24 cohorts are expected to decrease in size.