Irwin

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 per AreaSearch's analysis, is approximately 3914 as of November 2025. This figure indicates an increase of 234 individuals, representing a 6.4% rise since the 2021 Census which recorded a population of 3680 people. The change is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 3864 in June 2024 and the addition of 37 validated new addresses post-Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1.7 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Over the past decade, Irwin has shown resilient growth patterns with an average annual growth rate of 0.4%, outperforming its SA3 area. Interstate migration was the primary driver for population growth, contributing approximately 85.2% of overall population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch is using 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 to estimate post-2032 growth, AreaSearch employs the age cohort growth rates provided by ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023 based on 2022 data). Looking ahead, population projections suggest a median increase for non-metropolitan areas nationally, with Irwin expected to expand by 445 persons to reach 4359 by 2041. This reflects an overall increase of approximately 10.1% over the 17-year period based on latest annual ERP population numbers.

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 15 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, 1.4 people moved to the area per dwelling built over these five years, suggesting a balanced supply and demand creating stable market conditions.

The average construction value of new homes is $288,000. This financial year has seen $4.6 million in commercial approvals, indicating limited focus on commercial development. 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.

All recent building activity consists of detached dwellings, maintaining Irwin's traditional low-density character and appealing to those seeking family homes with space. Irwin shows characteristics of a growth area, with around 188 people per dwelling approval. Population forecasts indicate Irwin will gain 395 residents by 2041, based on 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Moreton Bay Estate, The Retreat Estate, Dongara Health Centre Redevelopment, and 2 & 4 Brady Road Mixed-Use Development. Below is a list of 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 has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, notably in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.3%.

Over the past year, employment has remained relatively stable. As of September 2025, Irwin's unemployment rate is 1.0% lower than Rest of WA's rate of 3.3%, but workforce participation lags behind at 48.6%. Key industries for residents include agriculture, forestry & fishing, mining, and retail trade. Agriculture, forestry & fishing stands out with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, health care & social assistance is less represented at 8.9% compared to the regional average of 11.9%. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census data comparisons. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 0.4%, labour force by 0.7%, leading to a rise in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. Rest of WA saw higher growth: employment up 1.4%, labour force up 1.2%, with a fall in unemployment by 0.2%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Irwin's industry mix suggests local employment could increase by 5.2% over five years and 11.5% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 indicates that Irwin SA2 had a median income of $49,573 and an average income of $70,562. This is higher than the national averages of $57,323 (median) and $71,163 (average). Comparing this to Rest of WA's figures, Irwin's median income was lower but its average income was slightly higher. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Irwin would be approximately $56,612 (median) and $80,582 (average) as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family and personal incomes in Irwin all fall between the 11th and 15th percentiles nationally. Income brackets show that 27.0% of Irwin's community earns between $400 and $799 (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.

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

Irwin's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.1% houses and 12.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Non-Metro WA had a similar composition with 87.5% houses and 12.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Irwin was higher at 47.9%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (26.6%) or rented (25.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Irwin was $1,537, above Non-Metro WA's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure in Irwin was recorded at $250, matching Non-Metro WA's figure. Nationally, Irwin's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were 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 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 comprise the remaining 32.3%, with lone person households at 30.5% and group households making up 1.8%. 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 has university qualification rates of 10.9%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This indicates a need for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.5%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.3%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.1%) and certificates (32.9%).

Educational participation is high, with 27.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.3% in primary, 10.2% in secondary, and 1.6% in tertiary education.

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 operating within Irwin. These stops are served by a mix of bus routes, with three individual routes providing nine weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 912 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages one trip per day across all routes, equating 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 health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Approximately 55% (~2,152 people) of Irwin's population has private health cover. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (11.1%) and mental health issues (7.0%). 64.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 66.8% across Rest of WA. Irwin has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 30.5% (1,194 people) than the Rest of WA's 18.3%. Health outcomes among seniors in Irwin 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 and 85.7% born in Australia. English is the language spoken at home by 97.7% of Irwin residents. Christianity is the predominant religion in Irwin, practiced by 47.8% of people, compared to 49.9% across the Rest of WA.

In terms of ancestry, Australians make up 34.9%, English 33.6%, and Scottish 7.0% of Irwin's population. Notably, New Zealanders are overrepresented in Irwin at 1.0% (regional average: 0.6%), Maori at 0.8% (regional average: 0.7%), and Welsh at 0.6% (regional average: 0.5%).

Irwin ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Irwin has a median age of 52, which is higher than the Rest of WA figure of 40 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of WA average, Irwin has an over-representation of the 65-74 age cohort at 18.3%, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 7.4%. This concentration of the 65-74 cohort is notably higher than the national figure of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the population of Irwin's 15 to 24 age group has increased from 8.2% to 10.8%, while the 25 to 34 cohort has risen from 6.0% to 7.4%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 11.5% to 9.0%, and the 45 to 54 age group has dropped from 13.0% to 11.9%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate 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 age cohorts.