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 around 12,531 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,198 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,333 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 12,448 in June 2025 and an additional 121 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 123 persons per square kilometer. McKail-Willyung's growth rate of 10.6% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (8.8%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 37.5% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including interstate migration and overseas migration being positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are utilized to estimate post-2032 growth. An above median population growth is projected for Australia's non-metropolitan areas, with McKail-Willyung expected to increase by 1,773 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 13.5% over the 16 years.

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

McKail-Willyung recorded approximately 68 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling 340 homes. In FY26 so far, 57 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3 new residents arrive per year per dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25, indicating significant demand exceeding supply. New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost of $244,000, below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options.

This financial year, $47.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting high levels of local commercial activity. McKail-Willyung maintains similar construction rates per person compared to the Rest of WA, preserving market equilibrium with surrounding areas. New development consists predominantly of standalone homes (87.0%) and townhouses or apartments (13.0%), preserving the area's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

There are approximately 197 people per dwelling approval in the location, indicating an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, McKail-Willyung is projected to add 1,690 residents by 2041. Present 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 that could impact this region. Notable ones include Centennial Park Urban Renewal Area, South Lockyer Structure Plan, Clydesdale Park, 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 indicates McKail - Willyung maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

McKail-Willyung has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominently featuring manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate stands at 2.7%. As of December 2025, 6,227 residents are employed, which is below the Regional WA average participation rate of 66.0%, despite an unemployment rate 0.8% lower than the regional average of 3.5%.

Census data shows that only 4.4% of residents work from home. Key industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction, with retail trade being particularly prominent at 1.6 times the regional level. Conversely, mining is underrepresented, accounting for just 2.8% of employment compared to 11.7% regionally. The area appears to have limited local job opportunities, as indicated by a lower working population than resident population count.

Between December 2024 and December 2025, the labour force decreased by 5.4%, alongside a 5.6% employment decline, resulting in an unemployment rate increase of 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Regional WA saw employment grow by 1.0% and labour force grow by 1.4%. 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 these estimates are simple extrapolations 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 ended June 2023 shows median income in McKail - Willyung SA2 is $49,472 and average income is $61,902. This contrasts with Regional WA's figures of median income at $59,973 and average income at $74,392. Based on Wage Price Index growth rate of 10.93% from July 2023 to March 2026, estimated median income is approximately $54,879 and average income is $68,668 as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in McKail - Willyung rank modestly, between 27th and 27th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. The predominant income cohort spans 33.0% of locals (4,135 people), falling within the $1,500 - $2,999 category, similar to the broader area at 31.1%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 27th percentile.

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

The dwelling structure in McKail - Willyung, as per the latest Census, consisted of 93.3% houses and 6.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional WA's 88.5% houses and 11.6% 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, aligning with Regional WA's average, while the median weekly rent was $295, compared to Regional WA's $265. Nationally, McKail - Willyung's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were below 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 27.8%, with lone person households at 24.9% and group households making up 2.7%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger 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

The area's university qualification rate is 11.1%, significantly lower than the Australian 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 prevalent, 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%, comprising primary education (10.5%), secondary education (9.8%), and tertiary education (1.5%).

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

The public transport analysis indicates that as of 2021 Census data, there are 24 active transport stops operating within McKail - Willyung. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with two individual routes collectively providing 105 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport is rated as limited, with residents typically located 668 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents in this primarily residential area commute outward, with car being the dominant mode at 95%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling. Only 4.4% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 15 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 4 weekly 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

AreaSearch's assessment indicates below-average health outcomes in McKail - Willyung based on mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~6,240 people), compared to 56.4% in Regional WA and a national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues impact 9.7% of residents, while arthritis affects 8.9%. A total of 65.6% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.3% across Regional WA. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. There are 16.4% of residents aged 65 and over (2,057 people), lower than the 19.2% in Regional WA. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 lower-than-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, accounting for 44.1% of McKail-Willyung's population. The most significant overrepresentation is seen in the 'Other' category, which comprises 0.6% compared to Regional WA's 0.7%.

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 in McKail-Willyung compared to Regional WA's 1.5% and 1.2%, respectively. Welsh representation is also slightly higher 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 Regional WA's average of 40 but aligns with Australia's median of 38. The 15-24 cohort is notably higher at 13.9% locally compared to the Regional WA average, while the 75-84 age group is under-represented at 5.1%. According to the 2021 Census, the 15-24 age group increased from 12.2% to 13.9%, and the 25-34 cohort rose from 11.6% to 12.9%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort decreased from 14.9% to 13.3%, and the 45-54 group fell from 12.9% to 11.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in McKail-Willyung's age profile. The 25-34 cohort is expected to grow by 45%, adding 721 residents to reach 2,333. Meanwhile, both the 85+ and 75-84 age groups are projected to decrease.