Irwin

An assessment of population growth drivers in Irwin reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Irwin's population is around 3,903 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 223 people (6.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,680 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,864 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 47 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1.6 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Over the past decade, Irwin has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 0.4% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 85.2% 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 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, a population increase just below the median of non-metropolitan areas nationally is expected, with the area expected to expand by 445 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 10.4% in total over the 17 years.

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

Irwin has recorded around 27 residential properties granted approval annually, with 139 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 22 so far in FY-26. With an average of 1.4 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, while new homes are being built at an average value of $288,000. Additionally, $4.6 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating a limited commercial development focus.

Relative to the Rest of WA, Irwin records 75.0% more construction activity (per person), offering buyers greater choice, though construction activity has eased recently. Further, recent building activity consists entirely of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 188 people per dwelling approval, Irwin shows characteristics of a low density area.

Population forecasts indicate Irwin will gain 406 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.

Irwin has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 1stth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 10 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Moreton Bay Estate, The Retreat Estate, Dongara Health Centre Redevelopment, and 2 & 4 Brady Road Mixed-Use Development, 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 Irwin ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Irwin features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of just 2.6%, and 1.7% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 1,740 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.9% below Regional WA's rate of 3.5%, and workforce participation lags significantly (52.8% compared to Regional WA's 67.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 10.9% 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, mining, and retail trade. The area shows particularly strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 8.9% versus the regional average of 11.9%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 1.7% while labour force increased by 2.5%, resulting in unemployment rising by 0.7 percentage points. By comparison, Regional WA recorded employment growth of 1.0%, labour force growth of 1.4%, with unemployment rising 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Irwin. 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 Irwin's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.2% over five years and 11.5% 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 sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Irwin SA2 is higher than average nationally, with the median assessed at $53,855 while the average income stands at $73,147. This contrasts with Regional WA's figures of a median income of $59,973 and an average income of $74,392. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $59,036 (median) and $80,184 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Irwin all fall between the 11th and 15th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate the $400 - 799 earnings band captures 27.0% of the community (1,053 individuals), unlike trends in the metropolitan region where 31.1% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. After housing, 86.4% of income remains, though this ranks at only the 14th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure within Irwin, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 87.1% houses and 12.9% 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 Irwin was well beyond that of Regional WA, at 47.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (26.6%) or rented (25.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Regional WA average at $1,537, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $250, compared to Regional WA's $1,560 and $265. Nationally, Irwin's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Irwin features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 67.7% of all households, comprising 22.2% couples with children, 36.3% couples without children, and 8.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.3%, with lone person households at 30.5% and group households comprising 1.8% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people is smaller than the Regional WA average of 2.5.

Irwin 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 (10.9%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 8.5%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.3%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.1%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 43.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.1%) and certificates (32.9%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% in primary education, 10.2% 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 Irwin comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 3 individual routes, collectively providing 12 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 912 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - the car remains the dominant mode at 86%, with 6% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. A relatively low 10.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 1 trip per day across all routes, equating to approximately 1 weekly trip per individual stop.

Irwin'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 Irwin 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 is very high at approximately 55% of the total population (~2,162 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 11.1 and 7.0% of residents, respectively, while 64.0% 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 29.7% of residents aged 65 and over (1,159 people), which is higher than the 19.2% in Regional WA. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than those of the general population.

Irwin is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Irwin was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 85.8% of its population being citizens, 85.7% born in Australia, and 97.7% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Irwin is Christianity, which makes up 47.8% of people in Irwin, compared to 44.6% across Regional WA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Irwin are Australian, comprising 34.9% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 28.4%, English, comprising 33.6% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 7.0% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: New Zealand is notably overrepresented at 1.0% of Irwin (vs 0.9% regionally), Maori at 0.8% (vs 1.0%) and Welsh at 0.6% (vs 0.6%).

Irwin ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

With a median age of 52, Irwin is notably exceeding the Regional WA figure of 40 and is well above Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Regional WA average, the 65 - 74 cohort is notably over-represented (18.3% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (8.1%). This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.5%. In the period since 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 8.2% to 10.6% of the population, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 6.0% to 8.1%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 11.5% to 8.7% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 13.0% to 11.9%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Irwin's age structure. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to increase markedly, expanding by 172 people (54%) from 317 to 490. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 cohorts.