Harvey

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

According to investigations by AreaSearch, the resident count for Harvey stands at approximately 10,647 in May 2026. This represents an addition of 1,338 people (14.4%) from the 2021 Census, when 9,309 people were recorded. This adjustment is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 10,457 alongside 106 validated new addresses registered after the Census. The resulting density sits at 6.4 persons per square kilometer, which indicates a low-density environment with significant personal space. This 14.4% expansion rate since the 2021 census outpaces the national benchmark (9.3%) as well as the surrounding SA3, positioning the locality as a regional leader in expansion. The gains were mostly stimulated by overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 47.3% of the overall population rise, although natural increase and interstate migration also made positive contributions.

AreaSearch incorporates projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia for individual SA2 sectors, published in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For locations lacking this specific data, and to project trends past 2032, AreaSearch implements cohort-specific growth rates from the latest ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, which are grounded in 2022 data. Future trends point to population gains exceeding the national regional median, with the locality projected to add 1,553 persons by 2041 relative to the most recent annual ERP figures, representing a total increase of 12.8% over the 16 years.

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

Approvals for residential construction in Harvey average approximately 61 properties annually, totaling 308 homes over the recent 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 77 during FY-26 so far. Because the area has seen a ratio of 3.2 people arriving per year for every new home built over the recent 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand continues to outrun supply, typically driving up prices and elevating rivalry among prospective purchasers, with new dwellings showing a mean building cost of $281,000. Furthermore, commercial building approvals have reached $19.7 million this financial year, demonstrating consistent commercial investment.

Per capita development activity in Harvey aligns closely with the Rest of WA, maintaining a balanced market in line with nearby areas. Additionally, recent building approvals consist entirely of standalone houses, preserving the classic low-density lifestyle of the town and providing spacious options for families. With approximately 188 people per building approval, Harvey exhibits the hallmarks of a developing region.

Demographic projections estimate that Harvey will add 1,363 residents by 2041, based on the most recent quarterly figures from AreaSearch. Looking at established construction trends, the volume of new housing should comfortably satisfy this demand, creating favorable buying opportunities and potentially supporting growth beyond current forecasts.

Harvey has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 2ndth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure projects, major planning decisions, and civil works are primary drivers of regional growth. AreaSearch has tracked 55 projects that are expected to influence this locality. Prominent examples include the Forrest Highway Intersection Improvements, the Kemerton Battery Energy Storage System, the Binningup Development (Fiveight), and the Myalup-Wellesley Road Upgrade, with details of the most significant initiatives presented below.

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

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AreaSearch analysis indicates Harvey maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Harvey possesses a diverse labour force with representation across both professional and industrial roles, showing a significant manufacturing presence, a low unemployment rate of 3.3%, and job growth estimated at 1.1% over the prior year. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 5,570, while the local unemployment rate sat 0.2% below the Regional WA average of 3.5%, and the participation rate matched the Regional WA figure of 65.6%. According to Census data, a minor share of 8.2% of the workforce operated from home, though this figure may have been influenced by pandemic-related restrictions.

The primary employment sectors for local workers are manufacturing, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and construction. The community exhibits a strong concentration in manufacturing, where employment is 3.5 times the regional average. On the other hand, mining is underrepresented, employing 8.3% of the workforce compared to the Regional WA benchmark of 11.7%. Despite the availability of local positions, the relationship between local workers and resident jobholders suggests many commute outside the area for employment.

AreaSearch's analysis of SALM and ABS statistics shows that for the 12 months ending March 2026, local employment expanded by 1.1% and the labour force grew by 1.0%, causing the unemployment rate to drop by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Regional WA experienced a 0.1% contraction in employment, a 0.3% rise in the labour force, and a 0.4 percentage point increase in unemployment. National forecasts released by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25 help outline potential future demand patterns in Harvey. These five and ten-year projections have been integrated with local industry structures to model prospective changes. Globally, national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though individual sector trajectories vary widely. Applying these sectoral outlooks to the local employment distribution suggests Harvey's workforce could grow by 4.5% over five years and 10.9% over ten years, representing a basic weighted projection that does not factor in local population adjustments.

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

The latest postcode-level tax data from the ATO for financial year 2023 indicates that personal earnings in the Harvey SA2 are slightly higher than national benchmarks, with a median of $57,070 and a mean of $69,969. This is below the Regional WA figures, which show a median of $59,973 and a mean of $74,392. Adjusting for Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, estimates for March 2026 would be roughly $63,308 for the median and $77,617 for the average. In the 2021 Census, household, family, and individual incomes in Harvey fell within the moderate 33rd to 35th percentiles. The weekly earnings band of $1,500 - 2,999 is the most common, accounting for 30.6% of the population (3,257 individuals), which is comparable to the metropolitan average of 31.1% for this bracket. Discretionary income remaining after housing costs stands at 86.1%.

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

The residential landscape in Harvey at the time of the latest Census was composed of 94.8% standalone houses and 5.1% alternative dwellings such as townhouses, apartments, or other structures, compared to Regional WA's breakdown of 88.5% houses and 11.6% other options. Home ownership rates in Harvey were notably higher than the regional average, with 39.5% owning outright, while 36.0% held mortgages and 24.4% rented. The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,690 was higher than the Regional WA median of $1,560, and the median weekly rent of $280 was higher than the regional level of $265. Locally, mortgage costs are lower than the national average of $1,863, and rents are also well below the Australian median of $375.

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

Families comprise the majority of local households at 73.2%, consisting of 29.1% couples raising children, 32.7% couples without children, and 10.1% single parents. Non-family living situations account for 26.8% of the total, with single person dwellings making up 24.3% and shared houses at 2.5%. The average household size of 2.5 people is identical to the Regional WA standard.

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

Educational attainments in the region show room for advancement, with tertiary qualification levels (13.7%) sitting well below the national benchmark of 30.4%. This gap highlights key areas for targeted learning programs. Bachelor degrees represent 10.4% of qualifications, with graduate diplomas at 1.7% and postgraduate degrees at 1.6%. Vocational and technical training is highly represented, with 41.7% of residents aged 15+ holding practical qualifications, split between advanced diplomas (8.6%) and certificates (33.1%).

Enrolment rates are strong in the local area, with 26.4% of residents actively participating in academic programs. This cohort is made up of 10.3% in primary schools, 9.5% in high schools, and 1.6% in tertiary institutions.

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

Analysis of transit options shows 8 active passenger transport stops in Harvey, consisting of bus services. These facilities are connected to 4 distinct routes, offering a total of 21 weekly passenger journeys. Accessibility is classified as low, with residents situated an average of 8490 meters from their closest transit point. Given the residential nature of the area, most workers travel outside the suburb, with private vehicles remaining the primary choice for 90% of commuters. Households own an average of 1.8 cars, which is above the regional norm. A minor portion of 8.2% of the workforce worked from home, based on 2021 Census data collected under pandemic conditions.

The average frequency of transit operations is 3 services daily across all routes, which corresponds to roughly 2 weekly trips per transit 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

The local population displays generally positive health outcomes, with AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality data and medical conditions showing rates that align with national averages. The prevalence of common illnesses is consistent across different age brackets, and private health insurance coverage is slightly above the typical SA2 average at approximately 54% of residents (~5,738 people), compared to 56.4% across Regional WA.

The primary medical diagnoses recorded locally are arthritis and mental health challenges, affecting 10.0 and 8.0% of the population, respectively. Meanwhile, 66.8% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 69.3% in Regional WA. Working-age citizens show a higher-than-average rate of chronic illnesses. Residents aged 65 and over make up 19.7% of the community (2,092 people), with senior health metrics ranking favorably and matching national general population standards.

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 registers a higher level of cultural diversity than average, with 21.6% of the local population born overseas and 11.4% using a non-English language at home. Christianity is the predominant religious affiliation, claimed by 53.8% of residents, compared to 44.6% in Regional WA.

Regarding parent birthplaces, the three largest ancestry groups are English at 32.5%, Australian at 28.5%, and Italian at 8.4%, with the Italian share being significantly higher than the regional average of 3.0%. Other distinct demographic differences include a Filipino representation of 3.7% in Harvey (compared to 1.2% regionally), New Zealanders at 0.9% (compared to 0.9%), and Dutch descendants at 1.6% (compared to 1.5%).

Harvey hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age of 43 years in Harvey is slightly higher than the Regional WA average of 40 and well above the Australian average of 38. The 55 - 64 age bracket is noticeably larger than the regional standard, making up 14.3% of the community, while the 5 - 14 group is smaller at 10.5%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 25 to 34 increased from 10.7% to 13.1%, and the 15 to 24 group grew from 10.8% to 11.8%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 group fell from 12.7% to 10.5%, and the 45 to 54 cohort decreased from 14.0% to 12.9%. Projections for 2041 anticipate significant demographic shifts, with the 25 to 34 age bracket expected to grow by 529 people (38%) from 1,392 to 1,922, while the 85+ and 15 to 24 age groups are projected to contract.