Katanning

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 from the 2021 Census figure of 4,512. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,784 in June 2024 and 31 new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a density ratio of 1.8 persons per square kilometer. Katanning's growth of 7.1% since the census was close to the SA3 area's growth of 7.9%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 56.3% of 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 utilises 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 Katanning expected to expand by 290 persons to 2041, reflecting 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 granted approximately 8 residential property approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, a total of 42 homes were approved, with an additional 7 approved so far in FY26. This results in an average of 4 people moving to the area each year for every dwelling built during this period.

The demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically influences prices upwards and intensifies competition among buyers. The average value of new homes constructed is $360,000, slightly above the regional average, indicating a focus on quality developments. In FY26, commercial development approvals amounting to $4.9 million have been recorded, suggesting limited commercial development activity in comparison to other areas in WA. Katanning has significantly less development activity than the rest of WA, with 69.0% fewer approvals per person compared to the regional average. This constrained new construction often reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings.

However, building activity has accelerated in recent years. The recent development in Katanning has been exclusively detached dwellings, preserving its low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population count of 712 people per dwelling approval reflects the area's quiet, low-activity development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Katanning is forecasted to gain 240 residents by 2041. Existing 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 30thth percentile nationally

The performance of a region can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure projects and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified eight projects that are expected to impact this area. Notable among these are the Katanning Energy Project, Piesse Lake Structure Plan and Residential Development, Katanning Supertown Heritage Centre Project, and Katanning to Kojonup Pipeline Replacement. The following list provides details on those considered 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.

While Katanning retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.5%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Katanning has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors, and an unemployment rate of 3.5% as of September 2025. There are 2,443 residents employed, with an unemployment rate 0.2% higher than Rest of WA's 3.3%.

Workforce participation is similar to Rest of WA at 59.4%. Dominant sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, manufacturing, and health care & social assistance. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employment is particularly high at 2.0 times the regional average, 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.

Between September 2024 and September 2025, Katanning's labour force decreased by 4.7%, employment declined by 4.1%, causing unemployment rate to fall by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of WA saw employment rise by 1.4%, labour force grow by 1.2%, and unemployment fall by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Katanning's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.8% over five years and 11.1% over ten years, though this is a simple 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 Katanning SA2's median income among taxpayers is $50,544, with an average of $60,618. This is lower than the national average, compared to Rest of WA's median of $57,323 and average of $71,163. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Katanning as of September 2025 would be approximately $57,721 (median) and $69,226 (average). Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Katanning rank modestly, between the 23rd and 31st percentiles. The data indicates that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 32.8% of residents (1,585 people), consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 31.1% in the same category. Housing costs are manageable with 89.5% retained, but disposable income is below average at the 31st percentile.

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

Katanning's dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 91.6% houses and 8.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared 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 was $1,076, below Non-Metro WA's average of $1,490. The median weekly rent 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 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%, consisting of 28.7% lone person households and 3.6% group households. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is 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

The area's university qualification rate is 12.5%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent 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 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

Katanning has six active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by three different routes that together offer 27 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is limited, with residents typically living 1673 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are three trips per day across all routes, resulting in 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 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).

The national average is 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.

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's population showed higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 23.0% born overseas and 19.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 48.3%, but Islam was overrepresented at 8.7%, compared to the Rest of WA average of 1.0%. In terms of ancestry, Australians made up 28.3%, English 27.8% (lower than the regional average of 34.5%), and Other groups 13.7% (substantially higher than the regional average of 4.8%).

Notably, Maori were overrepresented at 2.0% compared to the regional average of 0.5%, Australian Aboriginal at 6.0% vs 2.6%, and South African at 0.7% vs 0.6%.

Katanning's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Katanning is 40 years, which aligns with the average of Rest of WA but exceeds the national average by two years. The age profile shows that individuals aged 25-34 are particularly prominent, comprising 14.7% of the population. Conversely, those aged 45-54 make up a smaller proportion at 11.5%, compared to Rest of WA. Between 2021 and present, the percentage of 25-34 year-olds has increased from 12.7% to 14.7%. During this period, the 55-64 age group has declined from 13.3% to 12.5%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Katanning's age structure. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to increase by 186 people (26%), growing from 709 to 896 individuals. Conversely, both the 85+ and 5-14 age groups are expected to decrease in number.