McKail - Willyung

Population growth drivers in McKail - Willyung are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

McKail Willyung's population is approximately 12,262 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 929 people from the 2021 Census count of 11,333, indicating an 8.2% growth since then. This change was inferred using ABS's estimated resident population data for June 2024 and additional validated new addresses post-census date. The population density is around 121 persons per square kilometer. McKail Willyung's growth rate of 8.2% exceeded the SA3 area's average of 7.9%. Natural growth contributed approximately 37.0% to overall population gains recently, with all migration factors also being positive.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 based on 2022 data and Greater Capital Region projections from the ABS released in 2023 using 2022 data for areas not covered by initial projections. Future population growth is projected to be above median non-metropolitan areas, with an increase of 1,934 persons expected by 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 15.8% over the period from 2024 to 2041.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions McKail - Willyung among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

McKail-Willyung has granted around 68 residential property approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 340 homes. As of FY26, 37 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3 new residents arrive per dwelling constructed each year between FY21 and FY25. This results in demand exceeding supply, driving price growth and increased buyer competition.

The average construction value for new dwellings is $244,000, reflecting more affordable housing options compared to regional norms. In this financial year, $47.4 million worth of commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating high local commercial activity. McKail-Willyung maintains similar construction rates per person when compared to the Rest of WA, preserving market equilibrium with surrounding areas.

New developments consist of 87% standalone homes and 13% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. There are approximately 197 people per dwelling approval in the location. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, McKail-Willyung is projected to add 1,934 residents by 2041. Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

McKail - Willyung has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 30thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 27 projects likely to impact the region. Notable initiatives include Centennial Park Urban Renewal Area, Clydesdale Park, South Lockyer Structure Plan, and South Regional TAFE - Albany Trade Workshop. The following list details those 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.

AreaSearch assessment positions McKail - Willyung ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

McKail-Willyung has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, predominantly in manufacturing and industrial sectors. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 2.2%.

There are 6,305 residents employed, which is 1.1% lower than Rest of WA's rate of 3.3%, but workforce participation is similar at 59.4%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Retail trade is particularly strong with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level. Mining, however, is under-represented at 2.8% compared to Rest of WA's 11.7%.

Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 4.3%, employment declined by 3.2%, leading to a 1.1 percentage point drop in unemployment. In contrast, Rest of WA saw employment growth of 1.4% and labour force growth of 1.2%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to McKail-Willyung's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2022 shows median income in McKail - Willyung SA2 was $47,057 and average income was $59,310. This is below national averages of $57,323 (median) and $71,163 (average) for Rest of WA. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% from July 2022 to September 2025, estimated median income in McKail - Willyung SA2 would be approximately $53,739 and average income $67,732 by the latter date. The 2021 Census ranks household, family, and personal incomes in McKail - Willyung modestly, between 27th and 27th percentiles. Predominant income cohort spans 33.0% of locals (4,046 people) earning $1,500 - 2,999 annually, similar to broader area's 31.1%. Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 83.6% of income remaining, ranking at 27th percentile.

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

In McKail-Willyung, as per the latest Census evaluation, 93.3% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 6.7% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Non-Metro WA's 92.1% houses and 8.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in McKail-Willyung stood at 31.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 41.5% and rented ones at 26.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,560, higher than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,490. Median weekly rent in McKail-Willyung was $295, compared to Non-Metro WA's $280. Nationally, McKail-Willyung's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,560 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $295 compared to the national figure of $375.

McKail - Willyung has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 72.2% of all households, including 30.7% couples with children, 28.9% couples without children, and 12.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 27.8%, with lone person households at 24.9% and group households comprising 2.7%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Rest of WA average of 2.4.

Educational outcomes in McKail - Willyung fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 11.1%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.7%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.3%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.1%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 43.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (33.7%). Educational participation is high at 28.8%, with 10.5% in primary education, 9.8% in secondary education, and 1.5% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.5% in primary education, 9.8% in secondary education, and 1.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 22 active stops operating in McKail-Willyung area, offering bus services. These stops are served by two routes, facilitating 105 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents located an average of 669 meters from the nearest stop.

Services run approximately 15 times daily across all routes, equating to about four weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in McKail - Willyung is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

McKail-Willyung faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 49% (~6,020 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues impact 9.7% of residents, while arthritis affects 8.9%. About 65.6% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 64.7% across Rest of WA. The area has 15.7% (1,922 people) aged 65 and over, 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.

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

McKail-Willyung had a cultural diversity below average, with 81.8% of its population born in Australia, 89.4% being citizens, and 92.3% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion was Christianity, comprising 44.1% of the population. Notably, the 'Other' religious category was overrepresented compared to regional averages, with 0.6% of McKail-Willyung's population.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (33.7%), Australian (30.6%), and Scottish (6.8%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: Dutch at 3.4%, Filipino at 2.6%, and Welsh at 0.7%.

McKail - Willyung's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

McKail-Willyung's median age is 38 years, which is slightly below the Rest of WA average of 40 but aligns with Australia's median age of 38. Compared to the Rest of WA average, McKail-Willyung has a notably higher proportion of 15-24 year-olds (14.3%) and a lower proportion of 65-74 year-olds (9.3%). Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the 15 to 24 age group grew from 12.2% to 14.3%, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 11.6% to 13.1%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group declined from 14.9% to 13.1%, and the 65 to 74 age group dropped from 10.4% to 9.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests McKail-Willyung's age profile will significantly change. The 25 to 34 cohort is projected to grow by 54%, adding 861 residents to reach 2,468. Meanwhile, both the 85+ and 15 to 24 age groups are expected to decrease in number.