Irwin
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Irwin's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 3,914 people. This figure represents a rise of 234 individuals, equivalent to a 6.4% increase since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3,680. The change can be inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,864 in June 2024 and an additional 37 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1.7 persons per square kilometer, indicating ample space per person. Over the past decade, Irwin has exhibited resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.4%, outperforming the SA3 area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 85.2% to overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and post-2032 estimations, AreaSearch uses growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Future population projections indicate a median increase for non-metropolitan areas nationally, with Irwin expected to expand by 445 persons to 2041, representing a total increase of 10.1% over the 17-year period.

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 approximately 27 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25139 homes were approved, with an additional 10 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, about 1.4 people moved to the area each year for every dwelling built during these five financial years.

This balance between supply and demand has created stable market conditions, while new homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $288,000. In terms of commercial development, $4.6 million in approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating limited focus on commercial projects compared to residential ones. Compared to the Rest of WA, Irwin records 75.0% more construction activity per person, offering buyers greater choice. However, recent construction activity has eased slightly.

The majority of recent building activity consists of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character and appealing to those seeking family homes with space. With approximately 188 people per dwelling approval, Irwin shows characteristics of a growth area. Population forecasts indicate that Irwin will gain around 395 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects likely to impact the area. Notable ones include Moreton Bay Estate, The Retreat Estate, Dongara Health Centre Redevelopment, and 2 & 4 Brady Road Mixed-Use Development. The following list details those most relevant.

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's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs, with prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.1%.

As of June 2025, 1,694 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.1% below the Rest of WA's rate of 3.2%. Workforce participation in Irwin stands at 48.6%, compared to Rest of WA's 59.4%. Employment is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, mining, and retail trade. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, health care & social assistance represents 8.9% versus the regional average of 11.9%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparison. Over June 2024 to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.3%, alongside a 2.3% employment decline, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 2.1%. Rest of WA experienced employment growth of 1.1% and labour force growth of 0.5%, with a 0.6 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across sectors. Applying these projections to Irwin's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.2% over five years and 11.5% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ended June 2022 shows median income in Irwin was $49,573 and average income was $70,562. This compares to Rest of WA's median income of $57,323 and average income of $71,163. Based on Wage Price Index growth rate of 14.2% since June 2022, estimated median income in Irwin as of September 2025 would be approximately $56,612 and estimated average income would be around $80,582. According to Census 2021 data, incomes in Irwin fall between the 11th and 15th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income brackets indicate that 27.0% of Irwin's community earns between $400 and $799 per week (1,056 individuals), unlike metropolitan regions where 31.1% fall within the $1,500 to $2,999 range. After housing expenses, 86.4% of income remains in Irwin, ranking at the 14th percentile nationally for disposable income.

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

The latest Census evaluation for Irwin's dwelling structure showed 87.1% houses and 12.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro WA's 87.5% houses and 12.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Irwin was at 47.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 26.6% and rented dwellings at 25.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,537, higher than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure in Irwin was $250, matching Non-Metro WA's figure of $250. Nationally, Irwin's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,537 compared to the Australian average of $1,863. Rentals in Irwin were substantially below the national figure of $375 at $250 per week.

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

Family households constitute 67.7% of all households, including 22.2% couples with children, 36.3% couples without children, and 8.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 32.3%, with lone person households at 30.5% and group households comprising 1.8% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Rest of WA average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 10.9%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.5%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.3%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.1%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 43.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (10.1%) and certificates (32.9%).

Educational participation is 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. Dongara District High School serves the local area in Irwin, with an enrollment of 331 students as of 2021. The area has varied educational conditions across Irwin, with all 1 schools offering integrated K-12 education for academic continuity. School places per 100 residents are lower at 8.5 compared to the regional average of 16.8, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

Transport analysis indicates eight active public transport stops within Irwin, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by three distinct routes, offering nine weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents generally residing 912 meters from the nearest stop.

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

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

Irwin faces significant health challenges with common conditions prevalent across age cohorts.

Private health cover is high at approximately 55%, covering around 2,152 people. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 11.1% and 7.0% of residents respectively. 64.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 66.8% across the Rest of WA. 30.5% of residents are aged 65 and over (1,194 people), higher than the 18.3% in the Rest of WA. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Irwin's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 85.8% of its population being Australian citizens, 85.7% born in Australia, and 97.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Irwin, representing 47.8% of the population, compared to 49.9% across Rest of WA. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (34.9%), English (33.6%), and Scottish (7%).

Notably, New Zealanders comprised 1.0% of Irwin's population, higher than the regional average of 0.6%, while Maori represented 0.8% compared to 0.7% regionally, and Welsh made up 0.6% versus 0.5%.

Irwin ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Irwin's median age is 52, which exceeds Rest of WA's figure of 40 and Australia's figure of 38 years. Compared to Rest of WA average, Irwin has a notably over-represented cohort of 65-74 year-olds (18.3%) and an under-represented cohort of 25-34 year-olds (7.4%). This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 8.2% to 10.8%, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 6.0% to 7.4%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 11.5% to 9.0% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 13.0% to 11.9%. By 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Irwin's age structure. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to increase by 199 people (69%), from 290 to 490. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 75 to 84 and 5 to 14 cohorts.