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

Gnowangerup's population is approximately 3,080 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 218 people from the 2021 Census total of 2,862 individuals. The rise in population is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,010 recorded by the ABS in June 2024 and the validation of 60 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 0.20 persons per square kilometer. Gnowangerup's growth rate of 7.6% since the census is comparable to its SA3 area, which grew by 7.9%. Natural growth contributed approximately 63.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch relies on 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 post-2032 estimations, 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 population projections indicate a median increase for locations outside capital cities, with Gnowangerup expected to expand by 336 persons to reach a total of approximately 3,416 individuals by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 8.6% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Gnowangerup recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Gnowangerup has averaged approximately 24 new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 123 homes were approved, with an additional 4 approved so far in FY-26. On average, over these five years, each new home has resulted in approximately 0.8 new residents per year, indicating that supply is meeting or exceeding demand and providing greater buyer choice while supporting potential population growth above projections.

The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings during this period was $328,000. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totaled $12.0 million, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development in the area. Compared to the rest of WA, Gnowangerup records somewhat elevated construction activity, with a rate 46.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period from FY-21 to FY-25.

This has maintained good buyer choice and supported existing property values. All new construction during this period consisted of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. As of Gnowangerup's population density, there are approximately 113 people per approval. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Gnowangerup is forecasted to gain 266 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Gnowangerup has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 29thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects that may impact this region: Southdown Magnetite Mine, Katanning Gold Project, South Coast Highway Improvements from Albany to Esperance, and South West Interconnected System Transformation. The following details the most relevant projects.

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Employment performance in Gnowangerup ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

Gnowangerup has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation and an unemployment rate of 1.2% as of September 2025. There are 1,739 residents in work, with the unemployment rate at 2.0% below Rest of WA's rate of 3.3%.

Workforce participation is higher than standard, at 66.8%, compared to Rest of WA's 59.4%. Leading employment industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, education & training, and public administration & safety. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has notable concentration with employment levels at 5.7 times the regional average. Mining employs just 0.8% of local workers, below Rest of WA's 11.7%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.6%, with employment decreasing by 4.2%, resulting in a fall of 0.4 percentage points in unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of WA experienced employment growth of 1.4% and labour force growth of 1.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Gnowangerup. Over five years, national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6%, with local employment estimated to increase by 4.0%. Over ten years, national employment is projected to grow by 13.7%, while local employment is estimated to increase by 9.6%.

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

The Gnowangerup SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $51,949 and an average income of $68,052 in the financial year 2022, according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This compares with Rest of WA's median income of $57,323 and average income of $71,163. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median income would be approximately $59,348 and the average income around $77,715, factoring in a 14.2% growth since financial year 2022. In 2021 Census data, Gnowangerup SA2's personal income ranked at the 71st percentile ($931 weekly), with household income at the 34th percentile. The $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket captured 30.9% of the community (951 individuals), aligning with surrounding region trends showing 31.1% in the same category. Housing costs allowed for 93.4% retention, but disposable income was below average at the 45th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the fifth decile.

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

The latest Census evaluation shows that in Gnowangerup, 95.8% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 4.2% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This is compared to Non-Metro WA's 92.1% houses and 8.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gnowangerup stood at 48.7%, with mortgaged dwellings making up 24.0% and rented ones 27.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $867, lower than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,490. The median weekly rent in Gnowangerup was recorded at $180, compared to Non-Metro WA's $280. Nationally, Gnowangerup's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 68.7% of all households, including 32.1% couples with children, 30.8% couples without children, and 5.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 31.3%, consisting of 29.5% lone person households and 1.8% group households. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Rest of WA average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 17.2%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 14.3%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.5%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.4%). Vocational credentials are held by 35.9% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 8.3% and certificates at 27.6%.

Educational participation is high, with 26.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.3% in primary education, 6.6% in secondary education, and 1.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Gnowangerup has nine active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by three different routes that together offer six weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is limited, with residents typically living 21690 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are no daily trips across all routes, resulting in approximately zero weekly trips per individual 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

Gnowangerup residents show relatively positive health outcomes. Prevalence of common conditions is low across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover stands at approximately 53% (1,644 people), compared to WA's 49.5%. Key medical conditions include arthritis (8.1%) and mental health issues (7.6%). 71.5% report no ailments, versus Rest of WA's 64.7%. The area has 14.6% seniors (450 people), lower than Rest of WA's 21.0%. Senior health outcomes align with the general population's profile.

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

Gnowangerup, surveyed in June 2016, had a cultural diversity index of 49.3%, below the regional average of 58.8%. Of its population, 84.1% were Australian citizens and 86.0% were born in Australia. English was spoken at home by 94.1%.

Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 43.7%, slightly higher than the Rest of WA average of 42.5%. Ancestral origins showed Australians at 35.4%, English at 32.0%, and Scottish at 7.2%. Notably, Maori ancestry was overrepresented at 1.1% compared to the regional 0.5%, South African at 0.7% (regional: 0.6%), and Filipino at 1.7% (regional: 1.2%).

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

Gnowangerup's median age is 38 years, which is slightly below the Rest of WA average of 40 but aligns with Australia's median age of 38. The 0-4 age cohort is notably higher at 8.7% compared to the Rest of WA average, while the 75-84 age group is lower at 3.1%. Post-2021 Census, the 35-44 age group has increased from 13.8% to 15.0%, and the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 14.7% to 12.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Gnowangerup's age profile. The 25-34 cohort is projected to grow by 37%, adding 154 residents to reach 567. Conversely, both the 85+ and 15-24 age groups are expected to have reduced numbers.