Harvey
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Harvey's population was approximately 10,332 as of August 2025. This figure represents an increase of 1,023 people, a 11.0% rise from the 9,309 people recorded in the 2021 Census. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,257 reported by the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 88 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 6.2 persons per square kilometer. Harvey's growth rate of 11.0% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average of 8.6%. The primary driver for this growth was interstate migration, contributing approximately 51.1% of overall population gains during recent periods.

Other factors such as overseas migration and natural growth were also positive contributors. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. According to these projections, Harvey's population is expected to increase by 1,689 persons to reach a total of 12,021 by 2041, marking a 15.6% rise over the 17-year period.

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

Harvey has recorded approximately 61 residential properties granted approval annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, with 308 homes approved over the past five financial years from FY21 to FY25, and 20 so far in FY26. On average, each dwelling built has resulted in three new residents per year over these five financial years. The average construction cost value of new homes built is $461,000.

Additionally, Harvey has recorded $19.7 million in commercial development approvals this financial year. Compared to the rest of WA, Harvey maintains similar development levels per person, preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. Recent building activity consists exclusively of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes.

With around 184 people per dwelling approval, Harvey exhibits characteristics of a growth area. Population forecasts indicate Harvey will gain approximately 1,614 residents by 2041. Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Harvey has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 13thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 60 projects likely to affect the region. Notable initiatives include Forrest Highway Intersection Improvements, Kemerton Strategic Industrial Area Expansion, Kemerton Battery Energy Storage System, and Binningup Development (Fiveight). The following list outlines those most relevant.

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

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

Harvey has a diverse workforce with equal representation of white and blue-collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent, with an unemployment rate of 3.7% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 5.7%. As of June 2025, 5,543 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.7%, slightly higher than Rest of WA's 3.2%. The leading employment industries include manufacturing, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and construction. Manufacturing is particularly strong, with an employment share 3.5 times the regional level.

Conversely, mining has lower representation at 8.3% compared to the regional average of 11.7%. Many residents commute outside Harvey for work. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 5.7%, labour force grew by 5.5%, and unemployment fell by 0.2 percentage points. Rest of WA recorded lower growth rates in employment (1.1%) and labour force (0.5%), with a larger decrease in unemployment (0.6 percentage points). Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project an expansion of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Harvey's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 4.5% over five years and 10.9% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

Income in Harvey for financial year 2022 was slightly above national average with median at $54,658 and average at $66,422. Rest of WA had median income of $57,323 and average of $71,163. As of March 2025, estimates based on 11.61% Wage Price Index growth are approximately $61,004 (median) and $74,134 (average). Census 2021 income data ranks Harvey incomes modestly between 33rd and 36th percentiles. Income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 30.6% of Harvey community (3,161 individuals), similar to metropolitan region at 31.1%. After housing costs, 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

In Harvey, according to the latest Census data, 94.8% of dwellings were houses while 5.1% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Non-Metro WA's figures of 88.1% houses and 11.8% other dwellings. The home ownership rate in Harvey stood at 39.5%, higher than Non-Metro WA's rate. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (36.0%) or rented (24.4%). Residents paid a median monthly mortgage repayment of $1,690, exceeding the Non-Metro WA average of $1,616. The median weekly rent in Harvey was recorded at $280, compared to Non-Metro WA's $300. Nationally, Harvey's median mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while median rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 73.2% of all households, including 29.1% couples with children, 32.7% couples without children, and 10.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 26.8%, with lone person households at 24.3% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 2.5 people, matching the average for the Rest of WA.

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

Harvey faces educational challenges, with its university qualification rate of 13.7% significantly below Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 10.4%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.7%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.6%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 41.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (8.6%) and certificates (33.1%).

Educational participation is high, with 26.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.3% in primary, 9.5% in secondary, and 1.6% in tertiary education. Harvey operates a robust network of 8 schools educating approximately 1,458 students, demonstrating typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 969) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes 5 primary, 2 secondary, and 1 K-12 school.

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

Harvey's public transport analysis shows eight operational stops serving buses. Four routes operate here, offering a combined total of 21 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is limited with average residential proximity to the nearest stop at 8490 meters.

Service frequency averages three trips daily across all routes, equating to roughly two weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Harvey is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Harvey faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 52%, leading that of the average SA2 area (~5,413 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis (10.0%) and mental health issues (8.0%). A total of 66.8% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.4% across Rest of WA. Harvey has 18.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,945 people), higher than the 17.6% in Rest of WA. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Harvey was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Harvey's population shows above-average cultural diversity, with 21.6% born overseas and 11.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Harvey, comprising 53.8%, compared to 45.9% across Rest of WA. The top three ancestral groups are English (32.5%), Australian (28.5%), and Italian (8.4%).

Notably, Filipino representation is higher than regional averages at 3.7% versus 1.2%. Dutch representation stands at 1.6%, equal to regional levels. New Zealand representation is slightly above regional averages at 0.9% compared to 0.8%.

Harvey hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Harvey is 43 years, which is slightly higher than Rest of WA's average of 40 years, and also above Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of WA average, the percentage of people aged 15-24 in Harvey is notably higher at 12.0%, while those aged 5-14 are under-represented at 10.9%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 25 to 34 has grown from 10.7% to 13.2%, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 10.8% to 12.0%, and the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 12.7% to 10.9%. Population forecasts for Harvey in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes, with the 25 to 34 age cohort projected to expand by 645 people (47%) from 1,363 to 2,009. Meanwhile, the population aged 85+ and those aged 75-84 are expected to decrease.