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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Margaret River has an estimated 12,217 residents, up from 10,193 at the 2021 Census — a change of 2,024 people, or 19.9%. Growth has averaged 3.3% a year over five years, faster than 90% of areas nationally. 432 new addresses have been validated here since Census night. Overseas migration accounts for 50.3% of that increase. Density is about 91 people per square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to research conducted by AreaSearch, the resident population of Margaret River stands at approximately 12,217 as of Aug 2026. This represents an expansion of 2,024 individuals (19.9%) relative to the 2021 Census tally of 10,193 residents. Such demographic momentum is derived from the ABS June 2025 estimated resident population of 12,077, alongside 432 validated new addresses recorded following the Census. With a density of 90 persons per square kilometer, the locality affords substantial open space alongside capacity for ongoing expansion. Outperforming both the broader Rest of WA and the nationwide benchmark of 9.5%, Margaret River's 19.9% post-2021 Census expansion establishes it among the premier regional growth corridors.
Inbound overseas arrivals served as the primary growth catalyst, generating roughly 50.3% of total population additions in recent times, supplemented by positive inflows from natural increase and interstate migration. Projections for SA2 localities released in 2024 utilizing 2022 baseline figures from the ABS and Geoscience Australia have been integrated into AreaSearch's modeling. For locations lacking this coverage, as well as for all post-2032 modeling, cohort-specific growth metrics from the 2023 release of ABS Greater Capital Region projections (benchmarked to 2022 data) are applied. Looking ahead, local population trajectory is anticipated to exceed regional Australian median benchmarks, with forecasts indicating an influx of 2,314 persons through to 2041 based on recent annual ERP statistics, culminating in an overall 16-year increase of 17.8%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
628 new dwellings have been approved in Margaret River over the past five years, an average of 125 a year. That places the area in the 95th percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 10 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Of the 126 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 96% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Residential building approvals across Margaret River have maintained a pace of roughly 125 dwellings per year, totaling 628 residential approvals over the 5 financial years spanning FY-22 through FY-26. During this same 5 financial years timeframe (between FY-22 and FY-26), the region absorbed an average of 2.9 incoming residents annually for every newly built residence, demonstrating solid underlying demand supportive of property values, with residential builds averaging a construction cost of $463,000. Furthermore, commercial building approvals registered this financial year reached $6.9 million, underscoring the area's predominantly residential character. Per-capita building rates in Margaret River align closely with the Rest of WA, maintaining regional market equilibrium despite an uptick in building activity across recent cycles.
Building volume substantially exceeds nationwide averages, highlighting strong developer appetite. Recent residential building activity has been concentrated in detached houses at 96.0%, with townhouses or apartments accounting for 4.0%, thereby preserving a low-density urban footprint tailored toward buyers prioritizing space. Approvals currently stand at approximately 69 people per approval, pointing to an active development environment. Based on the most recent AreaSearch quarterly projection, Margaret River is forecast to add 2,174 inhabitants by 2041. Ongoing building volumes appear well-positioned to satisfy incoming accommodation demand, fostering a balanced environment for property purchasers while offering potential for expansion beyond baseline forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Margaret River
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 11 current infrastructure and development projects inside Margaret River, worth an estimated $1 billion. A further 70 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $23.2 billion. 18 are already under construction and 31 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, tourism and communities, precincts & urban renewal. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local capital works, major development initiatives, and planning schemes play a decisive role in shaping regional performance. AreaSearch has identified 16 key projects holding strategic importance for the area. Prominent undertakings include the Margaret River Net-Positive Circular Hotel, the Goldfields Group Darch Road Development, Margaret River Wa 6285, and the Margaret River South Structure Plan.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Margaret River Net-Positive Circular Hotel
Australia's first net-positive circular hotel in Margaret River with 32 rooms and 5 villas, designed to enhance local tourism while operating with net-positive environmental impact through renewable energy and sustainable design.
Rapids Landing Masterplanned Community
A comprehensive masterplanned community by The Lester Group located 800 metres from Margaret River town centre. The development includes an established residential estate with various sized lots, a proposed over-50s lifestyle community, village centre with retail and commercial spaces, Rapids Landing Primary School, parklands, and native bush reserves. The community features modern infrastructure including reticulated gas, NBN fibre, and extensive walking/cycling trails.
Lot 112 Andrews Way Margaret River Structure Plan
Structure plan for Lot 112 Andrews Way establishing residential (approx R20) and a future commercial development area to facilitate subdivision and new housing supply in Margaret River.
Witchcliffe Ecovillage
A pioneering sustainable residential development featuring 350+ homes across 11 residential clusters with extensive permaculture areas, community gardens, renewable energy systems, and environmental conservation areas. The 120-hectare ecovillage is designed to be self-sufficient in renewable energy, water, and fresh food production.
Goldfields Group Darch Road Development
A major residential development by Goldfields Group featuring a 400-lot masterplanned residential community with various housing densities, parks, and community facilities located near Margaret River township.
Gnarabup Beach Resort and Village (Westin Margaret River Resort & Spa)
A $138 million luxury coastal tourism precinct comprising the 121-room five-star Westin Margaret River Resort & Spa and the Gnarabup Beach Village. The development includes 51 beach houses, 4 townhouses, 25 apartments, a general store, and a cafe across 8.1 hectares. Environmental approval was granted by the WA Environment Minister on February 3, 2026, under Ministerial Statement 1265, following an EPA assessment that recommended strict height limits (7m for the resort, 8m for the village).As of March 2026, the project is under active assessment by the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) via the Part 17 Significant Development Pathway, with recent amendments including changes to floor area and external facade design.
Margaret River South Structure Plan
A comprehensive 67.63-hectare residential development featuring 411 residential lots at a variety of densities ranging from R10-R60, a 250-dwelling lifestyle living component, and an integrated open space network. The structure plan facilitates subdivision and development following LPS1 Amendment 74.
Margaret River Wa 6285
A high-end hotel and spa in Margaret River region, restoring a historic homestead destroyed by bushfire with luxury accommodation and wellness facilities designed to showcase the region's natural beauty.
7,053 residents of Margaret River are employed, from a labour force of 7,190. Unemployment sits at 1.9%, with participation at 73.6%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.5% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth, so in an area growing as fast as this one it understates the likely rise in local jobs. The working-day population is estimated at 11,174, about 91% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Margaret River boasts a highly skilled labor pool where tourism and hospitality industries play major roles, alongside an unemployment rate of 1.9% and an estimated employment growth of 0.9% during the previous year. By March 2026, the number of residents employed reached 7,053 while the unemployment rate stood at 1.6%, which was 3.5% lower than the rate for Regional WA, and workforce participation was 73.6% compared to 65.4% in Regional WA. Census data indicates that only 12.7% of residents worked from home, although the effects of Covid-19 lockdowns should be taken into account.
Key industries for resident employment include accommodation & food, construction, and retail trade. Specialization in accommodation & food is pronounced, capturing a labor proportion 1.9 times that of regional levels. In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing accounts for 4.1% of employment locally versus 9.3% across the wider region. While local jobs exist within the area, Census comparisons between resident workers and local workplace positions point to significant outward commuting. AreaSearch evaluation of ABS and SALM figures indicates that over the 12-month period, a 0.9% rise in employment was matched by an identical 0.9% increase in the labor force, maintaining unemployment stability. In comparison, Regional WA observed a 0.1% employment contraction, a 0.3% labor force gain, and a 0.4 percentage points rise in unemployment. Looking at prospective labor demand, Jobs and Skills Australia national projections published in Mar-26 provide indicative trajectory across five-year and ten-year intervals. While total employment nationally is projected to rise 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, trends vary across distinct sectors. Weighting these sectoral trajectories against the local industry profile indicates Margaret River employment could expand by 5.5% over five years and 12.0% across ten years (representing an illustrative weighting model that does not incorporate local population forecasts).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Margaret River is $1,678 a week (about $87,000 a year), with median personal income at $851 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $47,777 a year against an average of $64,850. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
ATO taxpayer statistics for financial year 2023 compiled by AreaSearch indicate the Margaret River SA2 records a median income of $47,777 alongside an average income of $64,850. These figures track below national benchmarks, as well as below Regional WA medians of $59,973 and averages of $74,392. Adjusting for 10.93% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, modeled figures as of March 2026 sit at roughly $52,999 for the median and $71,938 for the average. In the 2021 Census, personal, family, and household earnings aligned around the 52nd percentile nationally.
The $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket accounts for 35.8% of the local population (4,373 individuals), mirroring regional patterns where 31.1% fall within this tier. Severe housing cost pressures leave residual income at only 84.0%, positioning the locality at the 46th percentile, while socioeconomic ranking places the area within the 5th decile on the SEIFA income index.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Margaret River had 3,487 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 92% detached houses and 1% apartments. 42% are owned with a mortgage, 27% rented and 31% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $380 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,700 a month. Rent absorbs 22.6% of household income here and mortgage repayments 23.4%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Census data reveals Margaret River's residential landscape comprises 92.4% separate houses and 7.7% other dwellings including apartments and semi-detached properties, compared to Regional WA distributions of 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Outright home ownership stood at 30.8%, slightly below Regional WA levels, with remaining properties either held under a mortgage (42.2%) or tenanted (27.0%). Monthly mortgage repayments recorded a median of $1,700, surpassing the Regional WA figure of $1,560, while median weekly rent was $380, compared to $265 across Regional WA. Across Australia, local mortgage payments sit beneath the national median of $1,863, whereas local rents exceed the national benchmark of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Margaret River counted 3,487 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 4,179 today, averaging 2.6 people each. 33% are couples with children, against 27% couples without children. 23% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.6 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family units constitute 72.4% of all local dwellings, divided into couples with children (32.9%), couples without children (27.2%), and single parent households (11.9%). Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 27.6%, comprising 22.5% single-person households and 4.9% group households. The area records a median household size of 2.6 people, slightly above the Regional WA figure of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
30.3% of adults in Margaret River hold a university qualification, including 22.2% with a bachelor degree and 4.7% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 78% of areas nationally. A further 27.0% hold a vocational qualification. 5 schools serve the area, with 2,487 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,048 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Tertiary qualification levels in Margaret River substantially exceed wider averages, with 30.3% of individuals aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared with 17.6% across the Rest of WA and 18.0% across the SA4 region. This educational baseline provides strong alignment with knowledge-intensive sectors. Bachelor degrees represent the largest share at 22.2%, alongside 4.7% for postgraduate degrees and 3.4% holding graduate diplomas. Technical qualifications are also prominent, with vocational credentials held by 40.0% of the population aged 15+, consisting of certificates at 27.0% and advanced diplomas at 13.0%. Participation in study is robust, with 30.8% of local residents actively engaged in educational programs.
Among the population, primary education accounts for 12.5%, secondary school enrollment represents 9.7%, and tertiary studies comprise 2.2%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Margaret River means driving: households keep an average of 1.6 vehicles, and scheduled services reach only a handful of stops. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transit infrastructure within Margaret River includes 1 active transit stop offering bus connections. This facility is served by 1 bus route providing an aggregate of 22 weekly passenger trips. Transit access is constrained, with residents living an average distance of 2681 meters from the nearest stop. Given the outward commuting tendency of this residential community, private vehicles serve as the main travel mode for 88% of commuters, while 5% walk and 2% cycle. Households maintain an average of 1.6 vehicles. Meanwhile, 12.7% of employed residents worked from home during the 2021 Census, subject to prevailing COVID-19 settings.
Transit services run at a frequency of 3 trips per day across the network, corresponding to roughly 22 weekly trips at each stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
76.4% of residents in Margaret River report no long-term health condition. 3.2% need daily assistance with core activities, and 51.2% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.9 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health indicators across Margaret River are positive based on AreaSearch metrics for chronic illness and mortality, with low incidences of standard medical ailments observed across both older and younger demographics. Private health insurance membership covers approximately 51% of residents (~6,255 people), which sits below the 56.4% recorded across Regional WA. The most frequently diagnosed ailments within the community are mental health conditions and arthritis, reported by 7.1 and 6.1% of residents respectively, while 76.4% reported no chronic medical issues compared to 69.3% in Regional WA. Health among working-age individuals remains solid with minimal incidence of chronic illness.
Residents aged 65 and over make up 15.0% of the population (1,828 people), tracking below the 19.1% share found across Regional WA. Older demographics experience strong health outcomes, achieving national standings that exceed the broader local population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
26.2% of Margaret River residents were born overseas and 10.3% speak a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (33.1%) and Australian (25.5%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity metrics for Margaret River indicate above-average levels, with 26.2% of residents born abroad and 10.3% communicating in a language other than English at home. Christianity represents the leading religious affiliation at 27.3% of the community. In addition, Buddhism shows a notable local presence at 1.6% of the population, relative to 1.0% across Regional WA. Looking at parental birthplace and ancestry, the prominent identities reported are English at 33.1%, Australian at 25.5%, and Irish at 8.2%. Specific European ancestries display heightened representation compared to broader regional baselines, with Dutch at 1.9% (vs 1.5%), French at 1.1% (vs 0.4%), and Welsh at 0.8% (vs 0.6%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Margaret River is 40. 22.7% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
Demographics in Margaret River trend toward younger age brackets. Based on figures updated to August 2026, young to middle aged adults (25 - 44) comprise 29.9% of the local population, compared to 26.6% in Regional WA, whereas seniors and retirees (65+) represent 15.0% against a regional level of 19.1%. The estimated median age is 40, matching the 2021 Census outcome and identical to Regional WA's median of 40 recorded at that Census. The most noticeable demographic shift since the Census occurred in the 25 - 44 bracket, rising from 28.3% to 29.9%.
Through to 2041, the largest numerical expansion is forecast for young to middle aged adults, projected to increase by 1,031 residents (28%) to reach 4,690.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Margaret River
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · Jun 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 last month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | May 2026 4 months ago all 11 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 6 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 2 months ago all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 432 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (10,193 at the 2021 Census → 12,217 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (501011004). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.