Margaret River

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Margaret River's population is around 12,898 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,705 people (26.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,193 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,685 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 237 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 95 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Margaret River's 26.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%) and the Rest of WA, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 45.7% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including overseas migration and natural growth, were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is utilising the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Anticipating future population dynamics, an above-median population growth for Australia's regional areas is projected, with the area expected to increase by 2,611 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 10.8% in total 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 has experienced around 131 dwellings receiving development approval each year, with 655 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 93 so far in FY-26. With an average of 2.5 people per year moving to the area per new home constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), reflecting robust demand that underpins property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $315,000. Additionally, $6.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, reflecting the area's residential character.

Relative to the Rest of WA, Margaret River shows comparable new home approvals (per person), supporting market stability in line with regional patterns. This activity is significantly above the national average, indicating robust developer interest in the area. Recent construction comprises 95.0% standalone homes and 5.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 85 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

Population forecasts indicate Margaret River will gain 1,398 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Margaret River has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 2ndth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 16 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Margaret River Net-Positive Circular Hotel, Goldfields Group Darch Road Development, Margaret River Wa 6285, and the Margaret River South Structure Plan, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

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

Margaret River possesses a well-educated workforce, with tourism and hospitality sectors prominently featured, an unemployment rate of just 1.7%, and 5.5% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 7,186 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.8% below Regional WA's rate of 3.5%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (77.7% compared to Regional WA's 67.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 12.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include accommodation and food, construction, and retail trade. The area shows particularly strong specialization in accommodation and food, with an employment share of 1.9 times the regional level. Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry and fishing has a limited presence with 4.1% employment compared to 9.3% regionally. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 5.5% and the labour force increased by 5.3%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.1 percentage points. By comparison, Regional WA recorded employment growth of 1.0%, labour force growth of 1.4%, with unemployment rising 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Margaret River. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Margaret River's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.5% over five years and 12.0% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Margaret River SA2's income level is below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Margaret River SA2's median income among taxpayers is $47,777 and the average income stands at $64,850, which compares to figures for Regional WA's of $59,973 and $74,392 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $52,373 (median) and $71,089 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Margaret River cluster around the 52nd percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 35.8% of the community (4,617 individuals), consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region showing 31.1% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.0% of income remaining, ranking at the 46th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Margaret River is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure within Margaret River, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 92.4% houses and 7.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional WA's 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Margaret River slightly lagged that of Regional WA, at 30.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (42.2%) or rented (27.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Regional WA average at $1,700, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $380, compared to Regional WA's $1,560 and $265. Nationally, Margaret River's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceed the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 72.4% of all households, comprising 32.9% couples with children, 27.2% couples without children, and 11.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 27.6%, with lone person households at 22.5% and group households comprising 4.9% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people is larger than the Regional 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 significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 30.3% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 17.6% in Rest of WA and 18.0% in SA4 region. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 22.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.7%) and graduate diplomas (3.4%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 40.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (13.0%) and certificates (27.0%).

Educational participation is notably 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.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 1 active transport stop operating within Margaret River, comprising a mix of buses. This stop is serviced by 1 individual route, collectively providing 22 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 2681 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 88%, with 5% walking and 2% cycling. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling. A relatively low 12.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 3 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 22 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Margaret River demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts show a low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~6,603 people), compared to 56.4% across Regional WA.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 7.1% and 6.1% of residents, respectively, while 76.4% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.3% across Regional WA. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 13.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,727 people), which is lower than the 19.2% in Regional WA. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

Margaret River is above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 10.3% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 26.2% born overseas. The main religion in Margaret River is Christianity, which makes up 27.3% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Buddhism, which comprises 1.6% of the population, compared to 1.0% across Regional WA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Margaret River are English, comprising 33.1% of the population, Australian, comprising 25.5% of the population, and Irish, comprising 8.2% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: French is notably overrepresented at 1.1% of Margaret River (vs 0.4% regionally), Welsh at 0.8% (vs 0.6%) and Dutch at 1.9% (vs 1.5%).

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

The 40-year median age in Margaret River is aligned with Regional WA's average of 40, though modestly exceeding the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 45 - 54 year-olds are particularly prominent (16.0%), while the 75 - 84 group is comparatively smaller (3.5%) than in Regional WA. Since 2021, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 11.8% to 14.0% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 15.2% to 13.0%, and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 11.7% to 10.7%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Margaret River's age structure. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to increase solidly, expanding by 478 people (26%) from 1,810 to 2,289. Conversely, both the 5 to 14 and 85+ age groups will see reduced numbers.