Irwin

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

According to the analysis by AreaSearch, the population of Irwin is estimated to be approximately 3,901 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 221 people (6.0%) from the 2021 Census, which recorded 3,680 people. This population shift is calculated using the ABS estimated resident population of 3,899 as of June 2025 alongside 50 validated new addresses identified since the Census. Such a population size results in a density of 1.6 persons per square kilometer, offering residents substantial personal space. Over the last ten years, Irwin has shown steady development with a compound annual growth rate of 0.6%, which is faster than the wider SA4 region. This population rise was largely fueled by interstate migration, which made up about 80.3% of the total population gains in recent times.

AreaSearch uses the ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 region published in 2024, utilizing 2022 as the baseline year. For SA2 regions lacking this dataset, and to project development past 2032, AreaSearch employs age cohort growth rates from the latest Greater Capital Region projections released by the ABS in 2023 (utilizing 2022 figures). Future population trends suggest growth slightly under the median for non-metropolitan regions across the country, with the area projected to add 423 persons by 2041 relative to the most recent annual ERP statistics, representing an overall expansion of 10.8% over the 16 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 seen approximately 27 residential building approvals annually, with 139 homes approved during the last 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25) and 37 approvals recorded during FY-26 so far. An average of 1.2 people relocated to the area for every new home constructed over the last 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25), indicating that demand matches supply and maintains a balanced market, with new dwellings carrying an average building cost of $288,000. Furthermore, $4.6 million in commercial building approvals have been registered during this financial year, showing a quiet commercial development sector.

When compared to Rest of WA, the rate of building approvals per resident in Irwin is 76.0% higher, giving buyers more options even though construction activity has declined recently. Additionally, all recent building approvals are for detached houses, which preserves the traditional low density environment of the region and prioritizes spacious family residences. With roughly 189 people for every residential approval, Irwin displays typical low density characteristics.

Population projections suggest that Irwin will add 421 residents by 2041, starting from the most recent quarterly estimate by AreaSearch. Judging by current construction trends, the supply of new housing is expected to easily accommodate this demand, creating favorable buying conditions and potentially supporting population growth that exceeds these forecasts.

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

Changes to local infrastructure, major developments, and local planning projects have a substantial impact on regional performance. AreaSearch has identified 10 key projects that are expected to influence the local area. Prominent developments include Moreton Bay Estate, The Retreat Estate, Dongara Health Centre Redevelopment, and the mixed-use development at 2 & 4 Brady Road, with key details provided below.

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

The workforce in Irwin is evenly distributed between blue and white collar occupations, with notable representation in industrial and manufacturing fields, an unemployment rate of only 2.6%, and estimated employment growth of 2.6% over the past year. In March 2026, there were 1,744 working residents, and the unemployment rate was 0.9% lower than the 3.5% rate seen in Regional WA, though the participation rate remains low at 52.4% compared to 65.6% in Regional WA. Census records show that a modest 10.9% of residents worked from home, although this may have been influenced by COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

The primary employment sectors for local residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, mining, and retail trade. The region exhibits a strong concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, employing residents at 1.4 times the rate seen across the region. On the other hand, health care & social assistance is underrepresented at 8.9% compared to the regional average of 11.9%. The balance between the local working population and resident workers suggests the area provides relatively few local jobs.

An analysis of SALM and ABS statistics by AreaSearch shows that during the 12 months ending March 2026, the number of employed individuals rose by 2.6% and the total workforce grew by 3.2%, which led to a 0.5 percentage point increase in unemployment. In comparison, Regional WA saw employment fall by 0.1%, the workforce grow by 0.3%, and the unemployment rate increase by 0.4 percentage points. National employment projections published in May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia help illustrate potential future workforce demands in Irwin. These five and ten-year projections are compared against the local industry mix to estimate future trends. Although national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, trends vary widely by sector. Applying these national sector trends to the local industry mix suggests that employment in Irwin will rise by 5.2% over five years and 11.5% over ten years, though this is a basic weighted calculation for illustration and does not incorporate local population forecasts.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The most recent postcode data from the ATO for the 2023 financial year indicates that incomes in the Irwin SA2 are above the national average, with a median of $53,855 and an average of $73,147. This is compared to Regional WA, which has a median income of $59,973 and an average of $74,392. Adjusting for a 10.93% increase in the Wage Price Index since the 2023 financial year, current estimates point to a median income of $59,741 and an average income of $81,142 as of March 2026. The 2021 Census records show that personal, family, and household incomes in Irwin are positioned between the 11th and 15th percentiles nationally. Looking at income distribution, the $400 - 799 weekly income bracket contains 27.0% of the population (1,053 individuals), which differs from the metropolitan pattern where 31.1% of residents earn between $1,500 - 2,999. Disposable income remaining after housing costs is 86.4%, placing the area in the 14th percentile nationally.

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

According to the latest Census data, the dwelling mix in Irwin consisted of 87.1% separate houses and 12.9% other property types like townhouses, apartments, or alternative structures, compared to 88.5% separate houses and 11.6% other property types in Regional WA. Home ownership without a mortgage was notably higher than the regional average at 47.9%, with mortgaged properties making up 26.6% and rented homes accounting for 25.6%. The median monthly mortgage payment was lower than the Regional WA average at $1,537, while the median weekly rent was $250, compared to regional figures of $1,560 and $265. Locally, mortgage payments are much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are also well below the national median of $375.

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

Families make up 67.7% of all households in the area, consisting of 22.2% couples with children, 36.3% couples without children, and 8.7% single parent households. The remaining 32.3% are non-family households, which are mostly single-person households at 30.5% and group living situations at 1.8%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which 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 local population presents lower academic attainment levels, with university qualification rates at 10.9% compared to the national figure of 30.4%. This highlights a clear opportunity for targeted education programs. Among these degrees, bachelor qualifications lead at 8.5%, with graduate diplomas at 1.3% and postgraduate degrees at 1.1%. Vocational and technical training is common, as 43.0% of residents aged 15+ hold trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas at 10.1% and certificates at 32.9%.

A significant proportion of the population is engaged in learning, with 27.0% of residents enrolled in an educational institution. This consists of 10.3% in primary schools, 10.2% in high schools, and 1.6% in higher education.

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

An assessment of local transit options shows there are 8 operational bus stops within Irwin. These stops are served by 3 unique routes, which provide a total of 12 passenger trips every week. Public transport access is limited, with the average distance to a stop being 912 meters. As a residential district, most commuters travel out of the area, with private cars being the primary mode of travel at 86% and walking at 6%. The average number of vehicles per household is 1.5. A small share of the population works from home at 10.9% according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 rules.

Bus services run at an average frequency of 1 trip per day across the available routes, which translates to about 1 weekly trip per bus 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 outcomes for residents of Irwin are generally positive, with analysis of death rates and chronic illnesses showing results that align closely with national averages. Common health issues are distributed normally across both younger and older residents, and the proportion of residents with private health insurance is very high at roughly 55% of the population, representing about 2,161 people.

The primary medical issues reported by local residents were arthritis and mental health challenges, affecting 11.1% and 7.0% of the population respectively. Meanwhile, 64.0% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 69.3% in Regional WA. Residents of working age exhibit higher rates of chronic health conditions than the average. Seniors aged 65 and over make up 31.0% of the population (1,208 people), which is higher than the 19.2% average across Regional WA. Senior health outcomes are very strong, ranking higher nationally than the general local population.

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

The area has a lower level of cultural diversity than average, with citizenship at 85.8%, Australian-born residents at 85.7%, and English-only speakers at home at 97.7%. Christianity is the primary religion in the area, practiced by 47.8% of residents, which compares to 44.6% in Regional WA.

In terms of parent country of birth, the three largest ancestry groups in Irwin are Australian, representing 34.9% of the population (higher than the regional rate of 28.4%), English at 33.6%, and Scottish at 7.0%. There are minor variations in other backgrounds: New Zealand ancestry is slightly higher than the regional average at 1.0% (compared to 0.9% regionally), Maori ancestry is at 0.8% (compared to 1.0% regionally), and Welsh ancestry matches the regional average at 0.6% (compared to 0.6% regionally).

Irwin ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age of 53 in Irwin is higher than the Regional WA average of 40 and the national average of 38. The 65 - 74 age bracket is highly represented at 18.7% compared to Regional WA, while the 25 - 34 bracket is less common at 7.7%. This 65 - 74 group is also much larger than the national average of 9.4%. Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 8.2% to 11.0% of the population, and the 25 to 34 group has risen from 6.0% to 7.7%. Meanwhile, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 11.5% to 8.7% and the 55 to 64 cohort dropped from 17.5% to 16.2%. Projections indicate the age profile of Irwin will change by 2041, with the 25 to 34 age group expected to grow by 165 people (55%) from 300 to 466, while the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 groups are expected to decline.