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 has a population of approximately 12,531 as of May 2026, according to analysis by AreaSearch. Since the 2021 Census, which recorded 11,333 people, the population has expanded by 1,198 people (10.6%). This growth calculation is based on the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 12,448 combined with 121 validated new addresses identified since the Census. The region has a population density of 123 persons per square kilometer, indicating low density and capacity for future housing development. The 10.6% expansion rate outpaced the broader SA3 area (8.8%) and the national benchmark, positioning the locality as a regional leader in population growth. Positive contributions were recorded across all growth components, including interstate and overseas migration, though natural increase was the primary driver, accounting for roughly 37.5% of the total population gains.

AreaSearch incorporates population projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia published in 2024, utilizing 2022 as the baseline year. For locations lacking this data, and to project trends beyond 2032, growth rates by age cohort from the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections (using 2022 data) are applied. Future demographic trends indicate expansion above the median for non-metropolitan Australia, with the local population projected to increase by 1,773 persons by 2041 relative to the most recent annual ERP statistics, representing a overall rise of 13.5% over the 16 years.

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

Residential development in McKail - Willyung has averaged approximately 68 new dwelling approvals annually, resulting in 340 homes over the last 5 financial years. Records indicate 61 approvals during the current FY-26 period. Strong demand is demonstrated by an average intake of 2.6 people per year for every new residence built over the 5 financial years spanning FY-21 to FY-25. The average construction cost for new homes stands at $244,000, which sits below the regional standard and indicates a focus on affordable building options. Furthermore, commercial approvals have reached $47.4 million this financial year, showing active commercial expansion.

Per capita construction rates in McKail - Willyung are comparable to the Rest of WA, assisting in keeping the property market stable and aligned with regional trends. Modern building activity is focused on detached housing, with standalone homes accounting for 87.0% of construction and townhouses or apartments making up the remaining 13.0%, thereby maintaining a low-density character appealing to buyers seeking space. The ratio of residents to yearly dwelling approvals is approximately 200 people per dwelling approval, indicating market expansion.

Based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimates, McKail - Willyung is projected to add 1,690 residents by 2041. The volume of current construction seems appropriate for future housing demand, which should support stable market conditions and prevent major upward pressure on property values.

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

Local infrastructure projects, major planning policies, and development initiatives are key drivers of regional performance. AreaSearch has tracked 27 projects with the potential to influence the locality. Major works include the Centennial Park Urban Renewal Area, the South Lockyer Structure Plan, Clydesdale Park, and the South Regional TAFE - Albany Trade Workshop, with details on the most significant projects listed below.

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

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Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.3%, McKail - Willyung has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

The local workforce displays a balanced mix of white and blue collar jobs, with notable representation in industrial and manufacturing fields, alongside a low unemployment rate of 3.3%. Workplaces employ 6,127 residents as of March 2026, with the unemployment rate sitting 0.2% below the 3.5% recorded for Regional WA. Workforce participation is registered at 63.4%, which is lower than the Regional WA average of 65.6%. Data from the Census showed that a low 4.4% of residents worked from home, although this figure may reflect the influence of Covid-19 restrictions.

The major employment sectors for residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Retail trade exhibits a high concentration locally, with its share of employment reaching 1.6 times the regional rate. Conversely, mining represents a small portion of the workforce at 2.8% compared to the regional figure of 11.7%. The relationship between the census working population and resident population suggests that local employment opportunities are somewhat limited.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS statistics, the labour force shrank by 5.1% and employment fell by 6.6% over the 12-month period, leading to a 1.5 percentage point increase in unemployment. In comparison, Regional WA experienced a minor employment decline of 0.1%, labour force expansion of 0.3%, and a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. Future local employment trends can be examined using the May-25 national employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia. These projections, spanning five and ten years, have been applied to the local workforce structure. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with performance varying by sector. Applying these figures to the industry mix of McKail - Willyung suggests local job numbers could grow by 5.9% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, representing a basic weighted extrapolation that does not incorporate local population projections.

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

According to postcode-level ATO data compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023, taxpayers in the McKail - Willyung SA2 recorded a median income of $49,472 and an average income of $61,902. These figures are below national averages and compare to a median of $59,973 and average of $74,392 across Regional WA. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would stand at approximately $54,879 for the median and $68,668 for the average. In the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes all placed in the lower range, at the 27th percentile. The data shows that 33.0% of the population (4,135 individuals) earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, similar to the 31.1% observed in the wider region. Affordability metrics indicate significant pressure, with residents retaining only 83.6% of their income after housing costs, placing the area in the 27th percentile.

McKail - Willyung is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

The housing stock in McKail - Willyung at the time of the last Census consisted of 93.3% separate houses and 6.7% alternative housing types, such as townhouses and apartments, compared to 88.5% houses and 11.6% other options across Regional WA. Home ownership stood at 31.9%, slightly below the Regional WA level, with mortgaged properties making up 41.5% and rental properties accounting for 26.6%. The median monthly mortgage payment was identical to the Regional WA benchmark at $1,560, while the median weekly rent was $295, compared to regional figures of $1,560 and $265. On a national level, mortgage payments are lower than the Australian median of $1,863, and rent is below the national median of $375.

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

Families make up the majority of households at 72.2%, consisting of couples with children at 30.7%, couples without children at 28.9%, and single parent families at 12.0%. The remaining 27.8% are non-family households, which include lone person households at 24.9% and group living situations at 2.7%. The median household size is 2.6 residents, which is slightly higher than the Regional WA average of 2.5.

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

Educational data highlights low levels of tertiary attainment, with university graduation rates at 11.1% compared to the national figure of 30.4%, pointing to opportunities for targeted educational programs. Among those with university degrees, bachelor degrees account for 8.7%, followed by graduate diplomas at 1.3% and postgraduate degrees at 1.1%. Vocational and technical training is common, with 43.6% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas at 9.9% and certificates at 33.7%.

Enrolment in education is high, with 28.8% of the population participating in formal study. This student population includes 10.5% in primary schools, 9.8% in secondary schools, and 1.5% studying at the tertiary level.

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

Public transport services in McKail - Willyung feature 24 active stops utilizing a bus network. These stops are served by 2 distinct routes, which provide a total of 105 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is low, with residents living an average of 668 meters from their nearest stop. The area is predominantly residential, leading to high levels of outward commuting, with cars being the primary mode of travel for 95% of commuters. Average vehicle ownership stands at 1.7 cars per household. A low proportion of residents (4.4%) worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which was likely affected by pandemic conditions.

Bus routes run at an average frequency of 15 trips per day, which translates to approximately 4 weekly passenger trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in McKail - Willyung are marginally below the national average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Health profiles for McKail - Willyung indicate below-average outcomes based on AreaSearch assessments of mortality and chronic disease rates, with medical conditions present across different age groups and private health insurance coverage low at roughly 50% of the population (~6,240 people). This rate of coverage is below the 56.4% recorded for Regional WA and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health conditions and arthritis are the most prevalent diagnoses, affecting 9.7% and 8.9% of the population, respectively. Meanwhile, 65.6% of residents reported having no chronic health issues, compared to 69.3% in Regional WA. Chronic illness rates are elevated among the working-age cohort. Residents aged 65 and over make up 16.4% of the population (2,057 people), which is lower than the Regional WA average of 19.2%. Senior health metrics in the area are generally consistent with national trends.

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

The population shows lower cultural diversity than average, with Australian-born residents making up 81.8% of the community, citizens accounting for 89.4%, and English-only speakers at home representing 92.3%. Christianity is the largest religious group, adhered to by 44.1% of the population. The most notable deviation from regional averages is in the Other category, which accounts for 0.6% of residents compared to 0.7% across Regional WA.

Regarding parental country of birth, the main ancestries reported are English at 33.7%, Australian at 30.6%, and Scottish at 6.8%. Specific differences from regional patterns include an overrepresentation of Dutch ancestry at 3.4% (compared to 1.5% regionally), Filipino ancestry at 2.6% (compared to 1.2%), and Welsh ancestry at 0.7% (compared to 0.6%).

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

The median age of 38 years in McKail - Willyung is slightly below the Regional WA average of 40 and matches the national median of 38. The 15 - 24 age bracket is larger than the Regional WA average at 13.9% of the population, while the 75 - 84 cohort is smaller at 5.1%. Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group grew from 12.2% to 13.9%, and the 25 to 34 group increased from 11.6% to 12.9%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort decreased from 14.9% to 13.3%, and the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 12.9% to 11.9%. Demographic forecasts for 2041 suggest significant changes, with the 25 to 34 age group projected to grow by 45%, adding 721 residents to reach 2,333, while the 85+ and 75 to 84 cohorts are expected to decrease in size.