Katanning
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Katanning's population was around 4,834 as of November 2025. This showed an increase of 322 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 4,512. The growth was inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,784 in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a density ratio of 1.8 persons per square kilometer. Katanning's 7.1% growth since the census was comparable to its SA3 area's 7.9%, indicating strong growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 56.3% of overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch used 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 growth estimation, AreaSearch utilized ABS' Greater Capital Region projections from 2023, based on 2022 data. Future population projections indicate an increase just below the median for non-metropolitan areas nationally, with a predicted expansion of 290 persons to 2041 and a total increase of 5.0% over 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 approved approximately 8 residential properties annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, a total of 42 homes were approved, with another 6 granted approval so far in FY-26. On average, about 4 people have moved to the area each year for every dwelling built over these past five financial years.

This high demand has outpaced supply, putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers. The average construction cost of new homes is $360,000, slightly above the regional average, indicating a focus on quality developments. In FY-26, commercial development approvals have reached $4.9 million, suggesting limited commercial development activity compared to the rest of WA, where Katanning has 69.0% less development activity per person. This constrained construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings, although building activity has accelerated in recent years. Nationally, however, development activity remains lower than average, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints.

All recent developments have consisted of detached dwellings, preserving Katanning's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 712 people, indicating a quiet, low-activity development environment. Population forecasts project an increase of 240 residents by 2041. Current development levels appear aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones are the Katanning Supertown Heritage Centre Project, Katanning Energy Project, Piesse Lake Structure Plan and Residential Development, and Katanning to Kojonup Pipeline Replacement. The following 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.

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

Katanning has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, notably in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.6%, with an estimated employment growth of 0.8% over the past year as of June 2025.

There are 2,550 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.5% lower than Rest of WA's 3.2%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of WA at 59.4%. Key employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, manufacturing, and health care & social assistance. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has a particularly high share at 2.0 times the regional level, while mining employs only 1.1% of local workers compared to Rest of WA's 11.7%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data analysis. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 0.8%, labour force decreased by 1.7%, resulting in a unemployment fall of 2.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of WA saw employment rise by 1.1% and unemployment fall by 0.6%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Katanning's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 4.8% over five years and 11.1% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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 compare to Rest of WA's median and average incomes of $57,323 and $71,163 respectively. By September 2025, current estimates suggest Katanning's median income will be approximately $57,721 and the average income $69,226, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, household incomes in Katanning ranked at the 28th percentile, family incomes at the 31st percentile, and personal incomes at the 24th percentile. The income bracket $1,500 - $2,999 dominated with 32.8% of residents (1,585 people). Housing costs allowed for retention of 89.5% of income, but disposable income ranked 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 structure, 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 was at 37.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.7% and rented ones at 30.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,076, lower than 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 at $1,076 versus Australia's 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 account for 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 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 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 the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common 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 at 28.9%, including 12.3% in primary education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 1.3% in tertiary education. Katanning operates a network of 6 schools educating approximately 786 students, with 4 primary and 2 secondary schools serving distinct age groups.

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

The analysis of public transport in Katanning shows that there are six active transport stops currently operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with three individual routes providing service. Collectively, these routes offer 27 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport is rated as limited, with residents typically located 1673 meters away from the nearest transport stop. On average, service frequency across all routes is 3 trips per day, which equates to approximately 4 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 being somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~2417 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

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 64.7% across Rest of WA. The area has 17.9% of residents aged 65 and over (864 people), which is lower than the 21.0% in Rest of WA. Health outcomes among seniors present some 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's population showed higher cultural diversity compared to most local markets, with 23.0% born overseas and 19.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Katanning, accounting for 48.3%. Islam, however, was significantly overrepresented at 8.7%, higher than the Rest of WA average of 1.0%.

In terms of ancestry, Australians comprised 28.3% and English 27.8%, both lower than regional averages of 34.5% for English. The 'Other' category stood at 13.7%, significantly higher than the regional average of 4.8%. Notable differences were seen in Maori representation at 2.0% (vs regional 0.5%), Australian Aboriginal at 6.0% (vs regional 2.6%), and South African at 0.7% (vs regional 0.6%).

Katanning's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Katanning is 40 years, matching the average for Rest of WA but slightly higher than the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 are notably prominent at 14.7%, while those aged 45-54 make up a smaller proportion at 11.5% compared to Rest of WA. Between 2021 and present, the percentage of Katanning's population aged 25-34 has increased from 12.7% to 14.7%. Conversely, the percentage of those aged 55-64 has decreased from 13.3% to 12.5%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Katanning's age structure. The number of people aged 25-34 is projected to increase by 186 (26%) from 709 to 896. Conversely, both the 85+ and 5-14 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.