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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Gnowangerup's population is around 3,085 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 223 people (7.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,862 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,010 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 62 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 0.20 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Gnowangerup's 7.8% growth since the census positions it within 1.2 percentage points of the SA3 area (9.0%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 63.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is utilizing the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of locations outside of capital cities is expected, with the area expected to expand by 336 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 8.5% in total over the 17 years.

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 around 24 new dwelling approvals annually, with 123 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 4 so far in FY-26. At an average of just 0.8 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply is meeting or surpassing demand, providing greater buyer choice and supporting potential for population growth above projections, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $328,000. Additionally, $12.0 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

Compared to the Rest of WA, Gnowangerup records somewhat elevated construction (46.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. Meanwhile, new construction has been completely comprised of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. At around 113 people per approval, Gnowangerup reflects a developing area.

Population forecasts indicate Gnowangerup will gain 261 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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 28thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 3 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Southdown Magnetite Mine, Katanning Gold Project, South Coast Highway Improvements: Albany To Esperance, and South West Interconnected System Transformation, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

Employment conditions in Gnowangerup demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Gnowangerup has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation and an unemployment rate of just 1.5%. As of December 2025, 1,721 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 2.0% below Regional WA's rate of 3.5%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (74.6% compared to Regional WA's 67.4%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 21.2% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise agriculture, forestry & fishing, education & training, and public administration & safety. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with employment levels at 5.7 times the regional average. In contrast, mining employs just 0.8% of local workers, below Regional WA's 11.7%. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 5.5% combined with employment decreasing by 5.8%, resulting in the unemployment rate rising by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Regional WA experienced employment growth of 1.0% and labour force growth of 1.4%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Gnowangerup. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Gnowangerup's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.0% over five years and 9.6% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Gnowangerup SA2's income level is well above the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Gnowangerup SA2's median income among taxpayers is $54,408 and the average income stands at $74,867, which compares to figures for Regional WA's of $59,973 and $74,392 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $59,642 (median) and $82,069 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, personal income ranks at the 71st percentile ($931 weekly), while household income sits at the 34th percentile. Income brackets indicate the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 30.9% of the community (953 individuals), consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 31.1% in the same category. Housing costs are manageable with 93.4% retained, though disposable income sits below average at the 45th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Gnowangerup, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 95.8% houses and 4.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional WA's 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Gnowangerup was well beyond that of Regional WA, at 48.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (24.0%) or rented (27.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional WA average at $867, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $180, compared to Regional WA's $1,560 and $265. Nationally, Gnowangerup's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 68.7% of all households, comprising 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%, with lone person households at 29.5% and group households comprising 1.8% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people matches the Regional WA average.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (17.2%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 14.3%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.5%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.4%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 35.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.3%) and certificates (27.6%).

Educational participation is notably 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

Public transport analysis reveals 9 active transport stops operating within Gnowangerup, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 3 individual routes, collectively providing 6 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 21690 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 80%, with 14% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 2.1 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 21.2% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 0 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 0 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

Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Gnowangerup residents. AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions shows results broadly in line with national benchmarks, with the prevalence of common health conditions remaining low across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very high, at approximately 56% of the total population (~1,730 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.1 and 7.6% of residents, respectively. Meanwhile, 71.5% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.3% across Regional WA. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 14.0% of residents aged 65 and over (432 people), which is lower than the 19.2% in Regional WA. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 84.1% of its population being citizens, 86.0% born in Australia, and 94.1% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Gnowangerup is Christianity, which makes up 43.7% of the population. This compares to 44.6% across Regional WA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Gnowangerup are Australian, comprising 35.4% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 28.4%, English, comprising 32.0% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 7.2% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maori is notably overrepresented at 1.1% of Gnowangerup (vs 1.0% regionally), South Australian at 0.7% (vs 0.6%) and Filipino at 1.7% (vs 1.2%).

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

At 38 years, Gnowangerup's median age is marginally below the Regional WA average of 40, though in line with the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Regional WA average, the 0 - 4 cohort is notably over-represented (8.4% locally), while 75 - 84 year-olds are under-represented (2.8%). Following the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 13.8% to 15.6% of the population, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 12.9% to 14.1%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 14.7% to 12.7%. Demographic modeling suggests Gnowangerup's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 31%, adding 132 residents to reach 567. On the other hand, both the 85+ and 15 to 24 age groups will see reduced numbers.