Katanning
Statistical Area - sa2

Katanning has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Katanning's population was 4,826 as of August 2025. This figure shows an increase of 314 people from the 2021 Census total of 4,512. The ABS estimated resident population in June 2024 was 4,784, with an additional 28 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this growth. This results in a population density ratio of 1.8 persons per square kilometer. Katanning's 7.0% growth since the census is comparable to its SA3 area's 8.1%. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 56.3% of recent population gains.

AreaSearch uses 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 estimates, AreaSearch employs growth rates by age cohort from the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Future population projections indicate an increase just below the median of non-metropolitan areas nationally. By 2041, Katanning's population is expected to reach 5,116, marking a 5.1% total increase over the seventeen-year period.

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 approximately 8 residential properties granted approval annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis. Over the past 5 financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 42 homes have been approved. In FY-26, up to 3 residential developments have received approval so far.

On average, about 4 people per year have moved to the area for each dwelling built over these past 5 financial years. This indicates that demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically exerts upward pressure on prices and intensifies competition among buyers. The average expected construction cost of new homes is $432,000. In terms of commercial development, Katanning has recorded approximately $4.9 million in approvals this financial year, suggesting limited focus on commercial development compared to residential. When compared to the Rest of WA, Katanning has significantly less development activity, with 69.0% below the regional average per person.

This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. However, building activity has accelerated in recent years. Recent development in Katanning has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature. Detached housing tends to attract space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 712 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate that Katanning will gain approximately 248 residents through to 2041. Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers may encounter growing competition as population increases.

Katanning has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 36thth percentile nationally

The performance of a region can be significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. A total of 9 such projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting this area. Notable projects include the Katanning Supertown Heritage Centre Project, the Katanning Energy Project, the Piesse Lake Structure Plan and Residential Development, and the Katanning to Kojonup Pipeline Replacement. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant:.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

The employment environment in Katanning shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Katanning has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors, and an unemployment rate of 2.6%. Over the past year, employment grew by 0.8%.

As of June 2025, 2,550 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.1%, below Rest of WA's 3.2%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of WA at 59.4%. Key industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, manufacturing, and health care & social assistance. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs twice the regional average, while mining employs just 1.1%, compared to Rest of WA's 11.7%.

Many residents may commute for work based on Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 0.8%, labour force decreased by 1.7%, leading to a 2.4% unemployment rate drop. In contrast, Rest of WA saw employment rise by 1.1%, labour force grow by 0.5%, and unemployment fall by 0.6%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Katanning's industry mix suggests local growth of approximately 4.8% over five years and 11.1% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Katanning's median income among taxpayers was $50,544 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $60,618 during the same period. These figures are lower than those for the Rest of WA, which were $57,323 and $71,163 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.61% since financial year 2022, estimated median income would be approximately $56,412 as of March 2025, with average income estimated at $67,656 during the same period. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Katanning rank modestly, between the 24th and 31st percentiles. Income brackets indicate that 32.8% of residents (1,582 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket. Housing costs are manageable with 89.5% retained, but disposable income ranks below average at the 32nd percentile.

Katanning is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Katanning's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.6% houses and 8.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro WA's 92.1% houses and 8.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Katanning stood at 37.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.7% and rented dwellings at 30.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,076, below Non-Metro WA's average of $1,490. The median weekly rent figure in Katanning was $200, compared to Non-Metro WA's $280. Nationally, Katanning's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Katanning has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 68.0% of all households, including 26.3% couples with children, 30.5% couples without children, and 9.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 32.0%, with lone person households at 28.7% and group households at 3.6%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Rest of WA average of 2.4.

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

Katanning faces educational challenges with university qualification rates at 12.5%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This discrepancy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common university qualifications in Katanning at 9.5%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.7%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.3%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 36.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (7.3%) and certificates (28.8%).

Educational participation is 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. Katanning has a robust network of schools, operating 6 institutions that educate approximately 786 students. The educational provision is balanced with 4 primary and 2 secondary schools serving distinct age groups. Note: for schools marked 'n/a' regarding enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Katanning has six active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops are served by a mix of buses along three individual routes. Together, these routes offer 27 weekly passenger trips.

The town's transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents located an average of 1673 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages three trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately four weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Katanning faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately half of its total population (~2413 people) has private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (9.9%) and mental health issues (7.8%), while 68% report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 64.7% in the Rest of WA. About 18% of residents are aged 65 and over (863 people), lower than the 21% in Rest of WA. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Katanning was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Katanning, surveyed in June-August 2016, had a more diverse population than most local markets: 23.0% born overseas and 19.9% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity dominated Katanning's religious landscape with 48.3%, while Islam was overrepresented at 8.7%, compared to WA's average of 1.0%. Ancestry wise, Australians made up 28.3%, English 27.8% (below regional average), and Other 13.7% (above regional average).

Notable differences existed for Maori (2.0% vs 0.5%), Australian Aboriginal (6.0% vs 2.6%), and South African (0.7% vs 0.6%) groups.

Katanning's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Katanning is 40 years, similar to the Rest of WA's average but slightly higher than the national average of 38 years. The age profile indicates that those aged 25-34 are notably prominent at 14.7%, while the 45-54 group is relatively smaller at 11.5% compared to the Rest of WA. Since 2021, the 25-34 age group has increased from 12.7% to 14.7% of Katanning's population. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 13.3% to 12.5%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Katanning's age structure. The 25-34 age group is projected to increase by 188 people (27%) from 707 to 896. Conversely, both the 85+ and 5-14 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.