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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, McKail - Willyung's population is around 12,581 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,248 people (11.0%) 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 103 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 124 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. McKail - Willyung's 11.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (9.0%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 37.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although 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). Looking at population projections moving forward, an above-median population growth for Australian non-metropolitan areas is projected, with the area expected to grow by 1,934 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 12.8% 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 averaged around 68 new dwelling approvals per year, totalling 340 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 45 approvals have been recorded. Given an average of 3 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand significantly exceeds new supply, which usually results in price growth and increased buyer competition, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $244,000 —below regional norms —reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. Additionally, $47.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity.

When measured against the Rest of WA, McKail - Willyung maintains similar construction rates (per person), preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. New development consists of 87.0% standalone homes and 13.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low-density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 197 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

Future projections show McKail - Willyung adding 1,615 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

McKail - Willyung has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 34thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 27 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Centennial Park Urban Renewal Area, South Lockyer Structure Plan, Clydesdale Park, and South Regional TAFE - Albany Trade Workshop, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, and an unemployment rate of just 2.7%. As of December 2025, 6,227 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.8% below Regional WA's rate of 3.5%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (64.7% compared to Regional WA's 67.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 4.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area has particular employment specialization in retail trade, with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level. On the other hand, mining is under-represented, with only 2.8% of McKail - Willyung's workforce compared to 11.7% in Regional WA. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 5.4% alongside a 5.6% employment decline, causing unemployment to rise by 0.2 percentage points. By comparison, Regional WA recorded employment growth of 1.0%, labour force growth of 1.4%, with unemployment rising 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within McKail - Willyung. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to McKail - Willyung's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.6% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the McKail - Willyung SA2 is below the national average, with the median assessed at $49,472 while the average income stands at $61,902. This contrasts with Regional WA's figures of a median income of $59,973 and an average income of $74,392. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $54,231 (median) and $67,857 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in McKail - Willyung, between the 27th and 27th percentiles. The data shows the predominant cohort spans 33.0% of locals (4,151 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, aligning 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 ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure within McKail - Willyung, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 93.3% houses and 6.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional WA's 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within McKail - Willyung slightly lagged that of Regional WA, at 31.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (41.5%) or rented (26.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was in line with the Regional WA average at $1,560, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $295, compared to Regional WA's $1,560 and $265. Nationally, McKail - Willyung's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 72.2% of all households, comprising 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% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people is 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (11.1%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 8.7%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.3%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.1%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 43.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (33.7%).

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

Public transport analysis reveals 24 active transport stops operating within McKail - Willyung, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 2 individual routes, collectively providing 105 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 668 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 95%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling. A relatively low 4.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in McKail-Willyung, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~6,265 people). This compares to 56.4% across Regional WA and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 9.7% and 8.9% of residents, respectively, while 65.6% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.3% across Regional WA. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 15.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1,880 people), which is 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 81.8% of its population born in Australia, 89.4% being citizens, and 92.3% speaking English only at home. The main religion in McKail - Willyung is Christianity, which makes up 44.1% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 0.6% of the population, compared to 0.7% across Regional WA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in McKail - Willyung are English, comprising 33.7% of the population, Australian, comprising 30.6% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 6.8% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Dutch is notably overrepresented at 3.4% of McKail - Willyung (vs 1.5% regionally), Filipino at 2.6% (vs 1.2%) and Welsh at 0.7% (vs 0.6%).

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

At 38 years, McKail - Willyung's median age is marginally below the Regional WA average of 40, though in line with the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Regional WA average, the 15 - 24 cohort is notably over-represented (14.3% locally), while 75 - 84 year-olds are under-represented (4.4%). Following the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 12.2% to 14.3% of the population, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 11.6% to 13.7%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 14.9% to 12.9% and the 75 to 84 group dropped from 5.6% to 4.4%. Demographic modeling suggests McKail - Willyung's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 43%, adding 745 residents to reach 2,468. On the other hand, both the 85+ and 75 to 84 age groups will see reduced numbers.