Katanning

Katanning is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Katanning's population is around 4,806 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 294 people (6.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,512 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,784 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 32 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1.8 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Katanning's 6.5% growth since the census positions it within 2.5 percentage points of the SA3 area (9.0%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 56.3% 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 290 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 5.6% in total over the 17 years.

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

Katanning has recorded around 8 residential properties granted approval annually, with 42 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 9 so far in FY-26. With an average of 4 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is significantly outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers, while new homes are being built at an average value of $360,000—slightly above the regional average—suggesting a focus on quality developments. Additionally, $4.9 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating a limited commercial development focus.

Compared to the rest of WA, Katanning has significantly less development activity (69.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings, though building activity has accelerated in recent years. This activity is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. Meanwhile, recent development has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, preserving the area's low-density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 712 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low-activity development environment.

Population forecasts indicate Katanning will gain 268 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers could encounter growing competition as population increases.

Katanning has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 19thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 8 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Katanning Energy Project, Piesse Lake Structure Plan and Residential Development, Katanning Supertown Heritage Centre Project, and Katanning to Kojonup Pipeline Replacement, 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.

Katanning shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Katanning possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, and an unemployment rate of 4.3%. As of December 2025, 2,406 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.7% above Regional WA's rate of 3.5%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (65.0% compared to Regional WA's 67.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 8.6% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include agriculture, forestry & fishing, manufacturing, and health care & social assistance. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with employment levels at 2.0 times the regional average. In contrast, mining employs just 1.1% of local workers, below Regional WA's 11.7%. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 5.6% alongside a 6.6% employment decline, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.0 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional WA, where employment rose by 1.0%, the labour force grew by 1.4%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Katanning. 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 Katanning's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.8% over five years and 11.1% 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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Katanning SA2's median income among taxpayers is $52,467, with an average of $62,181. This is lower than average on a national basis, and compares to Regional WA's median of $59,973 and average of $74,392. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $57,514 (median) and $68,163 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Katanning, between the 23rd and 31st percentiles. The data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 32.8% of residents (1,576 people), consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 31.1% in the same category. Housing costs are manageable with 89.5% retained, though disposable income sits below average at the 31st percentile.

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

Dwelling structure within Katanning, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 91.6% houses and 8.4% 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 Katanning was higher than that of Regional WA, at 37.0%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (32.7%) or rented (30.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional WA average at $1,076, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $200, compared to Regional WA's $1,560 and $265. Nationally, Katanning's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 68.0% of all households, comprising 26.3% couples with children, 30.5% couples without children, and 9.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.0%, with lone person households at 28.7% and group households comprising 3.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people matches the Regional WA average.

Katanning 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 (12.5%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 9.5%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.7%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.3%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 36.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (7.3%) and certificates (28.8%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.3% in primary education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 1.3% 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 6 active transport stops operating within Katanning, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 3 individual routes, collectively providing 27 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 1673 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 88%, with 6% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling. A relatively low 8.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 3 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 4 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Katanning is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Katanning, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~2,422 people). This compares to 56.4% across Regional WA. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.9% and 7.8% of residents, respectively, while 68.0% 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 17.5% of residents aged 65 and over (842 people), which is lower than the 19.2% in Regional WA. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

Katanning is more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 23.0% of its population born overseas and 19.9% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Katanning is Christianity, which makes up 48.3% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Islam, which comprises 8.7% of the population, substantially higher than the Regional WA average of 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Katanning are Australian, comprising 28.3% of the population, English, comprising 27.8% of the population, and Other, comprising 13.7% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 5.0%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maori is notably overrepresented at 2.0% of Katanning (vs 1.0% regionally), Australian Aboriginal at 6.0% (vs 6.1%), and South Australian at 0.7% (vs 0.6%).

Katanning's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The 39-year median age in Katanning is similar to Regional WA's average of 40 while also essentially aligned with Australia's 38 years. The 25 - 34 age group shows strong representation at 15.2% compared to Regional WA, whereas the 45 - 54 cohort is less prevalent at 11.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 12.7% to 15.2% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 11.8% to 13.2%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 13.3% to 12.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Katanning. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 22% (163 people), reaching 896 from 732. Conversely, the 5 to 14 and 85+ cohorts are expected to experience population declines.