McKail - Willyung
Statistical Area - sa2

McKail - Willyung 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, McKail-Willyung's population is around 12,262 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 929 people (8.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,333 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 12,262 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 71 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 121 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. McKail-Willyung's 8.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (7.9%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, contributing approximately 37.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

However, all drivers including interstate migration and overseas migration 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 of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is projected. The area is expected to increase by 1,934 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, with an increase of 15.8% in total over the 17 years.

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

McKail Willyung has recorded approximately 68 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling 340 homes. In FY26 so far, 29 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3 new residents arrive per dwelling constructed yearly between FY21 and FY25. This demand significantly exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition.

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

New developments consist of 87% standalone homes and 13% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. There are approximately 197 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. Future projections indicate McKail Willyung adding 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 27thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 27 projects that could impact the area. Notable ones 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 likely to be 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 analysis reveals McKail - Willyung significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

McKail-Willyung has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominently featuring manufacturing and industrial sectors. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 1.7%.

Over the past year, there was an estimated employment growth of 0.8%. There are 6,420 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 1.5% lower than Rest of WA's rate of 3.2%, and workforce participation similar to Rest of WA at 59.4%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Retail trade is particularly specialized, 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%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 0.8%, while labour force decreased by 1.5%, leading to a fall in unemployment by 2.3 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of WA had employment growth of 1.1% and unemployment falling by 0.6 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) project national growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to McKail-Willyung's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.9% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that income in McKail - Willyung is below the national average. The median income is $47,057 and the average income stands at $59,310. This contrasts with Rest of WA's figures where the median income is $57,323 and the average income is $71,163. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $53,739 (median) and $67,732 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in McKail - Willyung, between the 28th and 28th percentiles. The data indicates that the predominant cohort spans 33.0% of locals (4,046 people) with incomes in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, which aligns with the broader area where this cohort likewise represents 31.1%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 27th percentile.

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

Dwelling structure in McKail - Willyung, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 93.3% houses and 6.7% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro WA had 92.1% houses and 8.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in McKail - Willyung was 31.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (41.5%) or rented (26.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,560, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $295. Nationally, McKail - Willyung's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 72.2% of all households, consisting of 30.7% couples with children, 28.9% couples without children, and 12.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up 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, 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 the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.7%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.3%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.1%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 43.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (33.7%).

Educational participation is high at 28.8%, including 10.5% in primary education, 9.8% in secondary education, and 1.5% pursuing tertiary education. McKail-Willyung's 4 schools have a combined enrollment of 1,630 students as of the latest data. The area has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 980) with balanced educational opportunities. Educational provision is conventional, split between 2 primary and 2 secondary institutions.

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

The analysis of public transport in McKail - Willyung shows that there are currently 22 operational transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two different routes, offering a total of 105 weekly passenger trips combined. The accessibility to these transport services is considered limited, with residents generally residing 669 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 15 trips per day across all routes, which translates to roughly four weekly trips per individual 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 somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (around 6,020 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues are the most common medical condition in the area, impacting around 9.7% of residents, followed by arthritis at 8.9%. Approximately 65.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, which is slightly higher than the Rest of WA's figure of 64.7%. The area has 15.7% of residents aged 65 and over (around 1,922 people), which is lower than the Rest of WA's figure of 21.0%. 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 has a below-average cultural diversity, with 81.8% of its population born in Australia, 89.4% being citizens, and 92.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 44.1% of people in McKail-Willyung. The most notable overrepresentation is in the 'Other' category, which makes up 0.6% of the population compared to the regional average of 0.6%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (33.7%), Australian (30.6%), and Scottish (6.8%). Notably, Dutch (3.4%) and Filipino (2.6%) populations are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 2.3% and 1.2%, respectively. Welsh population is also notably present at 0.7%.

McKail - Willyung's population is slightly older than the national pattern

In Willyung-McKail, the median age is 38 years, slightly below the Rest of WA average of 40 but matching the Australian median of 38. Locally, those aged 15-24 are notably over-represented at 14.3%, while those aged 65-74 are under-represented at 9.3%. According to the 2021 Census, Willyung-McKail's population has shifted since 2016: the 15-24 age group grew from 12.2% to 14.3%, and the 25-34 cohort increased from 11.6% to 13.1%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group declined from 14.9% to 13.1%, and the 65-74 group decreased from 10.4% to 9.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Willyung-McKail's age profile. The 25-34 cohort is expected to grow by 54%, adding 861 residents to reach 2,468. Meanwhile, both the 85+ and 15-24 age groups are projected to decrease in number.