Harvey

Harvey has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Harvey's population is around 10,457 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,148 people (12.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,309 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,257 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 101 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 6.3 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Harvey's 12.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 51.1% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including overseas migration and natural growth, were positive factors.

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 utilising 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, an above-median population growth for regional areas across the nation is projected, with the area expected to expand by 1,689 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 14.2% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Harvey among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Harvey has recorded around 61 residential properties granted approval annually, with 308 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 47 so far in FY-26. With an average of 3 new residents per year gained for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), indicating healthy demand that should support property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $281,000. Additionally, $19.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity.

Relative to the Rest of WA, Harvey maintains similar construction rates (per person), preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. Meanwhile, recent building activity consists entirely of detached dwellings, preserving the area's low-density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. At around 184 people per approval, Harvey reflects a developing area.

Future projections show Harvey adding 1,489 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Harvey has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 3rdth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 56 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Forrest Highway Intersection Improvements, Kemerton Battery Energy Storage System, Binningup Development (Fiveight), and Myalup-Wellesley Road Upgrade, 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.

AreaSearch assessment positions Harvey ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Harvey possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of only 3.2%, and 5.7% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 5,672 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.3% below Regional WA's rate of 3.5%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional WA's 67.4%. Based on Census responses, a low 8.2% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include manufacturing, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and construction. The area shows particularly strong specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share of 3.5 times the regional level. Meanwhile, mining has a limited presence with 8.3% employment compared to 11.7% regionally. 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, employment increased by 5.7% while labour force increased by 5.3%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.3 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 Harvey. 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 Harvey's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.5% over five years and 10.9% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

The Harvey SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $57,070 and an average of $69,969 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is just above the national average, contrasting with Regional WA's median income of $59,973 and average income of $74,392. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $62,560 (median) and $76,700 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Harvey, between the 33rd and 35th percentiles. The earnings profile shows 30.6% of the population (3,199 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring regional levels where 31.1% occupy this bracket. After housing, 86.1% of income remains for other expenses.

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

Dwelling structure within Harvey, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 94.8% houses and 5.1% 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 Harvey was well beyond that of Regional WA, at 39.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (36.0%) or rented (24.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Regional WA average at $1,690, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $280, compared to Regional WA's $1,560 and $265. Nationally, Harvey's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 73.2% of all households, comprising 29.1% couples with children, 32.7% couples without children, and 10.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 26.8%, with lone person households at 24.3% and group households comprising 2.5% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people matches the Regional WA average.

Harvey 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 (13.7%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 10.4%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.7%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 41.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.6%) and certificates (33.1%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% in primary education, 9.5% in secondary education, and 1.6% 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 8 active transport stops operating within Harvey, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 4 individual routes, collectively providing 21 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 8490 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 90%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A relatively low 8.2% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 3 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 2 weekly trips per individual stop.

Harvey's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Harvey residents, with AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions showing results broadly in line with national benchmarks. A fairly standard level of common health conditions is seen across both young and old age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover just leads that of the average SA2 area at approximately 54% of the total population (~5,636 people). This compares to 56.4% across Regional WA.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.0 and 8.0% of residents, respectively, while 66.8% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.3% across Regional WA. Working-age residents show an above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 18.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,902 people), which is lower than the 19.2% in Regional WA. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Harvey is above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 21.6% of its population born overseas and 11.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Harvey is Christianity, which makes up 53.8% of the population, compared to 44.6% across Regional WA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Harvey are English at 32.5%, Australian at 28.5%, and Italian at 8.4%, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 3.0%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of other ethnic groups: Filipino is overrepresented at 3.7% in Harvey (vs 1.2% regionally), New Zealand at 0.9% (vs 0.9%), and Dutch at 1.6% (vs 1.5%).

Harvey hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The 43-year median age in Harvey is modestly exceeding Regional WA's average of 40 and is similarly well above the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Regional WA average, the 15 - 24 cohort is notably over-represented (12.2% locally), while 5 - 14 year-olds are under-represented (10.6%). Since the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 10.7% to 13.8% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 10.8% to 12.2%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 12.7% to 10.6% and the 75 to 84 group dropped from 6.2% to 5.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Harvey. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to see notable expansion, increasing by 566 people (39%) from 1,442 to 2,009. Meanwhile, the 85+ and 15 to 24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.