Margaret River
Statistical Area - sa2

Margaret River lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Margaret River's population was around 11,898 as of November 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 1,705 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 10,193. The growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 11,690 in June 2024 and an additional 118 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 88 persons per square kilometer. Margaret River's growth rate of 16.7% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average of 8.9%. Interstate migration contributed approximately 45.7% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 based on a 2022 base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Projecting demographic shifts, an above median population growth is expected for Australian non-metropolitan areas. By 2041, Margaret River's population is projected to expand by 2,611 persons, reflecting a total increase of 20.1% over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Margaret River was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Margaret River averaged approximately 131 new dwelling approvals annually. Between financial years FY-21 and FY-25655 homes were approved, with an additional 25 approved so far in FY-26. Each year, around 2.5 new residents were gained per dwelling built over the past five financial years.

The average construction cost of new homes was $315,000. In FY-26, $6.9 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded. Margaret River's construction activity per person is comparable to the Rest of WA, supporting market stability aligned with regional patterns, and notably higher than national levels, indicating strong developer confidence. New developments consist of 95% detached dwellings and 5% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character focused on family homes.

With around 85 people per approval, Margaret River reflects a developing area. Future projections estimate an addition of 2,398 residents by 2041. Current construction levels are expected to adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth exceeding current forecasts.

Margaret River has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 22ndth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 16 projects that could impact this region. Key projects include the Margaret River Net-Positive Circular Hotel (Margaret River WA 6285), Goldfields Group Darch Road Development, and Margaret River South Structure Plan. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Margaret River performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Margaret River has a highly educated workforce with prominent tourism and hospitality sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.0% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 5.3% over the past year.

As of that date, 6,946 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.2% below Rest of WA's rate of 3.2%. Workforce participation was 67.0%, compared to Rest of WA's 59.4%. Key industries for employment among residents are accommodation & food, construction, and retail trade. Margaret River has a particular specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 4.1% of its workforce compared to Rest of WA's 9.3%. While local employment opportunities exist, many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 5.3%, and labour force increased by 5.4%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable at 1.9%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Margaret River's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.5% over five years and 12.0% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Margaret River had a median taxpayer income of $47,488 and an average of $63,297 in financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was slightly lower than the national average, with Rest of WA having a median income of $57,323 and an average income of $71,163. By September 2025, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth suggest these figures would be approximately $54,231 (median) and $72,285 (average). Census data indicates that incomes in Margaret River cluster around the 52nd percentile nationally. Income distribution shows 35.8% of the population falls within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, consistent with surrounding regions at 31.1%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.0% of income remaining, ranking at the 47th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Margaret River's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, comprised 92.4% houses and 7.7% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro WA had 89.8% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Margaret River stood at 30.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 42.2% and rented ones at 27.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,700, lower than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,733, and the median weekly rent figure was $380 compared to Non-Metro WA's $360. Nationally, Margaret River's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Margaret River features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 72.4% of all households, including 32.9% couples with children, 27.2% couples without children, and 11.9% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 27.6%, with lone person households at 22.5% and group households making up 4.9%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Rest of WA average of 2.5.

Margaret River shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Margaret River is notably high, with 30.3% of residents aged 15+ having university qualifications, compared to 17.6% in the rest of WA and 18.0% in its SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most common at 22.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.7%) and graduate diplomas (3.4%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 40.0% of residents holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas comprise 13.0% and certificates make up 27.0%. Educational participation is high, with 30.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 12.5% in primary education, 9.7% in secondary education, and 2.2% pursuing tertiary education. Margaret River's five schools have a combined enrollment of 2,487 students as of the latest data available. The area has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1048) with balanced educational opportunities. It includes three primary, one secondary, and one K-12 school. School capacity exceeds residential needs, with 20.9 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 16.5, indicating that Margaret River serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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

Margaret River has one active public transport stop operating, serving a mix of buses. This stop is serviced by one route, offering 22 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 2681 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages three trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 22 weekly trips per individual stop.

Margaret River's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Margaret River has low prevalence rates for common health conditions across all age groups, as shown by health outcomes data.

The area has approximately 51% private health cover, slightly lower than the average SA2 area. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 7.1% and 6.1% of residents respectively. A total of 76.4% of residents report no medical ailments, higher than the 69.5% reported across Rest of WA. The population aged 65 and over is 13.9%, or 1,659 people, lower than the 20.0% in Rest of WA. Health outcomes among seniors are strong and align with the general population's health profile.

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

Margaret River had a cultural diversity index above the average, with 10.3% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 26.2% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Margaret River, accounting for 27.3% of people. However, Buddhism showed an overrepresentation compared to the rest of WA, comprising 1.6% of Margaret River's population versus 1.1%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (33.1%), Australian (25.5%), and Irish (8.2%). Notably, French (1.1%) was overrepresented compared to the regional average of 0.7%, as were Dutch (1.9% vs 1.7%) and Welsh (0.8% vs 0.7%).

Margaret River's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Margaret River is 40 years, aligning with the Rest of WA's average but slightly higher than the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that individuals aged 45-54 are notably prominent at 15.9%, while those aged 55-64 comprise a smaller proportion at 10.6% compared to the Rest of WA. Between 2021 and present, the population aged 25-34 has grown from 11.8% to 13.7%. Conversely, the age groups 5-14 and 55-64 have decreased from 15.2% to 13.4% and 11.7% to 10.6%, respectively. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Margaret River's age structure. The 25-34 age group is projected to increase by 664 people (41%), from 1,624 to 2,289. Conversely, both the 15-24 and 85+ age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.