Meekatharra

An assessment of population growth drivers in Meekatharra reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Meekatharra's population was 3,153 as of the 2021 Census. By May 2026, it had increased to around 3,384, reflecting a rise of 231 people (7.3%). This growth is inferred from an estimated resident population of 3,384 in June 2025 and the addition of 8 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio was 0.00 persons per square kilometer as of May 2026. Meekatharra's 7.3% growth since the census is within 0.9 percentage points of the SA4 region's 8.2%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 81.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch used growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Population projections indicate above median growth for Australia's regional areas. The area is expected to expand by 564 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 16.7% over the 16 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Meekatharra according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Meekatharra has granted approximately five residential property approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 27 homes. As of FY-26, zero approvals have been recorded. On average, around six-point-eight new residents arrive annually for each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand significantly outpaces supply. New properties are constructed at an average cost of $228,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options.

In FY-26, $25.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, showing moderate commercial development levels. Compared to Rest of WA, Meekatharra has 61.0% less development activity per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. The area's development consists of 75.0% standalone homes and 25.0% attached dwellings, maintaining its traditional low-density character focused on family homes. As of FY-25, there were approximately 1884 people per dwelling approval in the area.

Population forecasts indicate Meekatharra will gain 564 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Meekatharra has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 17thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 41 projects that are likely to impact the area. Notable projects include the Goldfields Highway Upgrade (Wiluna to Meekatharra), Yeelirrie Uranium Project, Wiluna West Iron Ore Project, and Wiluna West Gold Project. The following list details those projects most relevant to the area.

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

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Employment conditions in Meekatharra face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Meekatharra has a skilled workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate is 8.9%, showing relative stability over the past year compared to Regional WA's rate of 3.5%. The area has 1,745 residents employed, with workforce participation broadly similar to Regional WA's 66.0%.

Only 7.2% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Dominant employment sectors include mining, public administration & safety, and education & training. Mining is particularly specialized, employing 2.9 times the regional level. Health care & social assistance employs just 5.5% of local workers, below Regional WA's 11.9%.

The area functions as an employment hub with 1.5 workers per resident, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. In the year to May-25, labour force increased by 2.4%, while employment decreased by 0.1%, causing unemployment to rise by 2.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts suggest a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Meekatharra's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 4.3% over five years and 10.5% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Meekatharra SA2 has lower income compared to national averages. The median income is $55,547 and the average income stands at $64,496. In contrast, Regional WA has a median income of $59,973 and an average income of $74,392. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $61,618 (median) and $71,545 (average). Census 2021 data indicates individual earnings at the 80th percentile nationally are $1,024 weekly, while household income ranks at the 13th percentile. Income brackets show that 28.7% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999, mirroring the regional figure of 31.1%. Housing costs are modest with 93.7% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just the 23rd percentile nationally.

Meekatharra is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Meekatharra, as per the latest Census, consisted of 86.8% houses and 13.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional WA's 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Meekatharra was at 38.4%, with the rest being mortgaged (7.8%) or rented (53.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $650, below Regional WA's average of $1,560, and the median weekly rent was $120, compared to Regional WA's $265. Nationally, Meekatharra's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

Meekatharra features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 56.6% of all households, including 13.5% couples with children, 27.2% couples without children, and 13.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 43.4%, with lone person households at 39.6% and group households comprising 4.4%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Regional WA average of 2.5.

Meekatharra faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 17.7%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 48.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.3%) and certificates (38.9%). Educational participation is high, with 41.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 18.1% in primary education, 10.6% in secondary education, and 4.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Meekatharra has ten active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by one route in total, offering four weekly passenger trips collectively. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents living an average of 58621 meters from the nearest stop. In this predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 48%, followed by walking at 23% and bus at 14%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 7.2% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages zero trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately zero weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Meekatharra is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Meekatharra faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age groups exhibit high prevalence of common health conditions.

Private health cover is relatively low in Meekatharra, at approximately 51% (around 1,732 people), compared to 56.4% across Regional WA. The most prevalent medical conditions are diabetes (7.9%) and mental health issues (6.3%). Around 71.9% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 69.3% in Regional WA. Working-age residents show a higher-than-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. Meekatharra has 13.4% of its population aged 65 and over (453 people), lower than the 19.2% in Regional WA. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than those of the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Meekatharra was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Meekatharra, as per the census conducted on 29th June 2016, had a higher than average cultural diversity with 21.1% of its population born overseas and 17.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Meekatharra, comprising 44.9% of the population. Notably, the 'Other' religious category comprised 1.1%, higher than the regional average of 0.7%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (24.2%), Australian Aboriginal (24.0%), and Australian (21.0%). These percentages differed from the regional averages: English was lower at 31.3%, Australian Aboriginal was substantially higher at 6.1%, and Australian was lower at 28.4%. Some ethnic groups showed notable differences in representation: Maori at 1.1% compared to 1.0% regionally, Welsh at 0.7% versus 0.6%, and French at 0.6% against 0.4%.

Meekatharra's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Meekatharra has a median age of 37, which is lower than the Regional WA figure of 40 and close to Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 cohort is notably over-represented in Meekatharra at 21.3%, compared to the Regional WA average, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 8.2%. This over-representation of the 25-34 age group is higher than the national figure of 14.6%. Between 2021 and present, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 14.3% to 16.8%, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 19.7% to 21.3%. Conversely, the 15 to 24 cohort declined from 11.4% to 9.5% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 14.6% to 12.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Meekatharra's age profile will change significantly. The 35 to 44 age cohort is projected to expand by 207 people (37%), from 568 to 776. Conversely, both the 75 to 84 and 55 to 64 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.