Little Grove - Elleker

An assessment of population growth drivers in Little Grove - Elleker reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

According to the analysis by AreaSearch, the population of Little Grove - Elleker is estimated at 4,002 in May 2026. This represents an expansion of 323 residents (8.8%) from the 3,679 individuals recorded in the 2021 Census. This adjustment is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 3,995 along with 33 validated new addresses identified since the Census. The population density is 28 persons per square kilometer, which indicates a low-density environment with significant space per resident. Over the last ten years, Little Grove - Elleker has experienced steady demographic expansion, recording a 0.9% compound annual growth rate that exceeded the figures for the broader SA4 region. This population increase was mostly fueled by interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 57.2% of the gains, though other components such as international migration and natural increase also made positive contributions.

AreaSearch utilizes the 2024 population projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia, which use 2022 as their baseline year. For regions where these projections are unavailable, and to calculate population trajectories beyond 2032, AreaSearch applies age cohort growth rates from the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections, which are based on 2022 data. Future demographic patterns suggest that population growth will track slightly under the median for regional locations nationwide, with the area projected to grow by 333 people by 2041 compared to the most recent annual ERP data, representing an overall rise of 8.2% over the 16 years.

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

Residential development in Little Grove - Elleker averages approximately 19 new home approvals annually, with 95 residential approvals registered over the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, and 10 approvals recorded in FY-26 so far. With an average of 1.8 new residents added per approved dwelling during the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, residential supply is closely aligned with demand, supporting a stable local market. The average construction value for these new dwellings is $345,000. Furthermore, commercial development approvals total $806,000 for the current financial year, highlighting the predominantly residential character of local building activity.

Little Grove - Elleker shows 13.0% less building activity per capita than the Rest of WA, placing it in the 66th percentile of all examined locations nationwide. The breakdown of recent construction consists of 85.0% separate houses and 15.0% medium and high-density projects, preserving the traditional low-density profile of the community and focusing on spacious homes for families. With approximately 221 people per approval, the local property market is in a state of transition.

Looking forward, the population of Little Grove - Elleker is projected to rise by 326 residents by 2041, relative to the latest quarterly estimate from AreaSearch. Current levels of home building indicate that housing supply will be sufficient to satisfy demand, creating positive conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth that outpaces current predictions.

Little Grove - Elleker has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 23rdth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure, major developments, and urban planning play a significant role in local performance. AreaSearch has tracked 22 projects expected to affect the local area, including the Yakamia/Lange Structure Plan, Albany Waterfront Redevelopment, South Lockyer Structure Plan, and Mount Lockyer Primary School Rebuild, with the details of the most relevant initiatives listed below.

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 Little Grove - Elleker shows above-average strength when compared nationally

The local workforce in Little Grove - Elleker is highly skilled with a strong presence in essential services, and the unemployment rate stands at a minimal 1.9%. In March 2026, working residents numbered 1,818, with the unemployment rate sitting 1.6% lower than the Regional WA average of 3.5%. However, labor force participation is notably lower, standing at 54.1% compared to 65.6% for Regional WA. According to Census data, only 10.9% of the workforce operated from home, though this figure may have been affected by pandemic-related restrictions.

The primary employment sectors for local residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The area exhibits a high concentration of construction workers, with their share of employment being 1.4 times higher than the regional benchmark. In contrast, the mining sector is less prominent, employing 2.9% of residents compared to the regional average of 11.7%. A comparison of the Census working population against the resident population suggests that local employment opportunities are somewhat restricted.

Based on AreaSearch's evaluation of SALM and ABS statistics, the local labor force contracted by 5.1% and total employment fell by 6.1% over the 12 months leading up to March 2026, leading to an increase of 1.1 percentage points in the unemployment rate. Over the same timeframe, Regional WA recorded a minor 0.1% decrease in employment, a 0.3% increase in the labor force, and a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. National employment forecasts released by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25 provide a benchmark for potential workforce demand in Little Grove - Elleker. These projections for five and ten-year horizons have been applied to the local workforce structure to model future growth. While national employment is projected to rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, the rates of change vary by sector. Projecting these industry trends onto the employment profile of Little Grove - Elleker suggests local jobs could grow by 6.2% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, though this is a basic weighted calculation that does not incorporate localized population shifts.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Tax data compiled by AreaSearch for the 2023 financial year indicates that income levels in the Little Grove - Elleker SA2 are lower than the national benchmark. Taxpayers in the SA2 recorded a median income of $51,176 and an average income of $64,034, compared to Regional WA figures of $59,973 and $74,392. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index increase of 10.93% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates for March 2026 are approximately $56,770 for median income and $71,033 for average income. In the 2021 Census, household, family, and individual incomes all ranked moderately, placing between the 32nd and 35th percentiles. The most common weekly income bracket is $1,500 - 2,999, which accounts for 32.8% of taxpayers (1,312 residents), comparable to the broader region where this cohort represents 31.1%. Housing costs are generally manageable with residents keeping 88.2% of their income, though disposable income is below the national average at the 40th percentile, and the SEIFA index for income places the area in the 5th decile.

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

Census data reveals that the housing stock in Little Grove - Elleker consists of 90.8% separate houses and 9.2% other housing types, such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and alternative dwellings, compared to Regional WA where separate houses make up 88.5% and other options comprise 11.6%. Home ownership rates are high, with 50.7% of residents owning their homes outright, while the remaining properties are mortgaged (34.7%) or rented (14.6%). The median mortgage repayment in the area is $1,700 per month, higher than the Regional WA average of $1,560, while the median weekly rent is $275, compared to $265 in Regional WA. Nationally, mortgage repayments in Little Grove - Elleker are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rental costs are lower than the national figure of $375.

Little Grove - Elleker has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households represent the largest share of the community at 73.9%, consisting of couples with children (27.2%), couples without children (39.2%), and single parents (6.6%). Non-family households account for the remaining 26.1% of dwellings, with single-person households at 24.2% and group households at 2.2%. The median household size of 2.4 residents is slightly smaller than the Regional WA average of 2.5.

Little Grove - Elleker performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

Educational attainment in the area shows a lower proportion of university qualifications (19.8%) compared to the national average of 30.4%, pointing to opportunities for targeted educational programs. Among residents with tertiary qualifications, bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.3%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 3.4% and graduate diplomas at 3.1%. Technical and vocational skills are prominent, with 38.9% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.2%) and vocational certificates (27.7%).

Participation in study is high, with 31.4% of the population enrolled in an educational program. This comprises 12.2% in high school, 10.2% in primary school, and 2.4% in tertiary institutions.

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

Analysis of transport options shows 18 bus stops operating in Little Grove - Elleker. These stops are served by 1 route, providing a total of 20 weekly trips. Public transport access is limited, with residents living an average of 1747 meters from their nearest stop. The community is largely residential, with 94% of commuters traveling by car. Vehicle ownership stands at an average of 1.9 cars per household, which is above the regional average, while 10.9% of residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census, potentially influenced by pandemic conditions.

Services run at an average frequency of 2 trips per day per route, representing about 1 weekly trip per transport stop.

The level of general health in Little Grove - Elleker is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Health indicators in Little Grove - Elleker are favorable, with AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality and chronic diseases showing low rates of common health conditions across both older and younger age groups. Private health insurance coverage is relatively low, held by about 50% of the population (~2,021 people), compared to 56.4% in Regional WA and the national average of 55.7%.

Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent health issues locally, affecting 9.9% and 8.3% of the population. However, 66.2% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 69.3% across Regional WA. Health outcomes for working-age residents are typical. Residents aged 65 and over make up 25.4% of the community (1,016 people), which is higher than the Regional WA average of 19.2%. Senior health outcomes are strong, ranking higher than the general population when compared nationally.

Little Grove - Elleker ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Cultural diversity in Little Grove - Elleker is lower than average, with citizens making up 83.2% of the population, Australian-born residents at 79.7%, and English-only speakers at 96.8% at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 38.3% of the population, while Buddhism shows a slight overrepresentation at 1.1%, compared to 1.0% across Regional WA.

The top ancestries reported are English at 36.8% of the population (higher than the regional average of 31.3%), Australian at 28.5%, and Scottish at 8.4%. Some European backgrounds show higher representations than the regional average, including Dutch at 3.4% (compared to 1.5% regionally), Polish at 1.2% (compared to 0.5%), and Welsh at 0.8% (compared to 0.6%).

Little Grove - Elleker hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age of 47 years in Little Grove - Elleker is higher than the Regional WA average of 40 and the national median of 38. The area has a higher share of residents aged 65 - 74 (15.2%) and fewer aged 5 - 14 (10.0%) compared to Regional WA, with the 65 - 74 cohort also exceeding the national average of 9.4%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has risen from 6.6% to 8.2%, and the 15 to 24 group has grown from 9.0% to 10.5%, while the 55 to 64 group declined from 16.7% to 14.0%. Projections to 2041 indicate that the 35 to 44 age cohort will increase by 22% (116 people), growing from 523 to 640, while the 85+ and 15 to 24 age groups are expected to decline.