Meekatharra
Statistical Area - sa2

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 approximately 3,153 people according to the 2021 Census. By August 2025, it had increased to around 3,347 people, a rise of 194 individuals (6.2%). This growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 3,347 in June 2024 and the addition of 3 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 0.00 persons per square kilometer. Meekatharra's 6.2% growth rate since the census places it within 1.2 percentage points of its SA3 area's 7.4% growth, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 71.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs growth rates by age cohort from the ABS's latest Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. Future population dynamics anticipate above median growth for Australia's non-metropolitan areas. Based on the latest population numbers, Meekatharra is projected to increase by 616 persons by 2041, representing an 18.4% total increase over the 17 years.

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

Meekatharra has recorded approximately 4 residential properties granted approval annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, with around 20 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-20 and FY-25). There have been 0 approvals so far in FY-26. Around 6.8 people have moved to the area annually for each dwelling built over these years.

This demand significantly exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $468,000. In this financial year, $25.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating balanced commercial development activity compared to the Rest of WA. Meekatharra has significantly less development activity than the regional average (61.0% below), which generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. This is also under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations.

Recent construction comprises 75.0% detached dwellings and 25.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population count per dwelling approval is 1884 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate Meekatharra will gain approximately 616 residents through to 2041. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Meekatharra has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 1stth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 40 projects that could impact this region. Notable ones include the Goldfields Highway Upgrade from Wiluna to Meekatharra, the Yeelirrie Uranium Project, the Wiluna West Iron Ore Project, and the Wiluna West Gold Project. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

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

Meekatharra has a skilled workforce with prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate here is 7.4%.

As of June 2025, 1,732 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 4.3% higher than the Rest of WA's rate of 3.2%. Workforce participation in Meekatharra lags at 45.5%, compared to the Rest of WA's 59.4%. Leading employment industries among residents include mining, public administration & safety, and education & training. Mining is particularly notable with employment levels at 2.9 times the regional average.

Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 5.5% versus the regional average of 11.9%. There are 1.5 workers for every resident in Meekatharra, indicating it functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between June 2024 and July 2025, labour force decreased by 3.0%, employment declined by 3.3%, resulting in a rise of the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of WA recorded employment growth of 1.1% and labour force growth of 0.5%, with unemployment falling by 0.6 percentage points during this period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest potential future demand within Meekatharra. These projections estimate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Meekatharra's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 4.3% over five years and 10.5% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data, released for the financial year ending June 30, 2022, shows Meekatharra had a median income among taxpayers of $50,577 and an average of $63,545. These figures are slightly below the national averages. In comparison, Rest of WA had a median income of $57,323 and an average of $71,163. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.61% since June 2022, estimated incomes for March 2025 would be approximately $56,449 (median) and $70,923 (average). According to the 2021 Census, individual earnings ranked at the 81st percentile nationally ($1,024 weekly), but household income ranked lower at the 13th percentile. Income brackets indicate that 28.7% of Meekatharra's population falls within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, which is similar to the broader area's pattern where 31.1% occupy this range. Housing costs are modest, with 93.7% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just the 24th percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Meekatharra, as per the latest Census, consisted of 86.8% houses and 13.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Non-Metro WA's 87.5% houses and 12.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Meekatharra was 38.4%, with the rest being mortgaged at 7.8% or rented at 53.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $650, below Non-Metro WA's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent was $120, compared to Non-Metro WA's $250. Nationally, Meekatharra's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were 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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 43.4%, with lone person households at 39.6% and group households at 4.4%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of WA average of 2.4.

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

The area faces significant educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 17.7%, substantially 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 13.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 48.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.3%) and certificates (38.9%).

Educational participation is notably high at 41.5%, including 18.1% in primary education, 10.6% in secondary education, and 4.1% pursuing tertiary education. As of 2021, a robust network of 8 schools operates within Meekatharra, educating approximately 400 students. The educational mix includes 1 primary, 1 secondary, and 6 K-12 schools. School places per 100 residents stand at 11.9, below the regional average of 16.8, with some students likely attending schools in adjacent areas.

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 on average located 58621 meters from the nearest stop.

The service frequency averages zero trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately zero weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Meekatharra are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Meekatharra's health indicators show below-average results with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is also less common at approximately 51% of the total population (~1,713 people), compared to Rest of WA's 53.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are diabetes (7.9%) and mental health issues (6.3%), while 71.9% claim no medical ailments, higher than Rest of WA's 66.8%. Meekatharra has a lower proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 12.6% (~421 people), compared to Rest of WA's 18.3%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are above average and better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Meekatharra's cultural diversity was above average, with 21.1% born overseas and 17.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the main religion in Meekatharra, making up 44.9%. The 'Other' religion category comprised 1.1%, higher than the regional average of 0.5%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (24.2%), Australian Aboriginal (24.0%), and Australian (21.0%). These percentages differed from regional averages: English was lower (30.7%), Australian Aboriginal was higher (6.9%), and Australian was lower (30.2%). Notably, Maori (1.1% vs 0.7%), Welsh (0.7% vs 0.5%), and French (0.6% vs 0.3%) were overrepresented in Meekatharra compared to regional averages.

Meekatharra's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Meekatharra's median age is 37, slightly lower than the Rest of WA's figure of 40 and close to Australia's median age of 38. The 25-34 cohort makes up 21.4% of Meekatharra's population, higher than the Rest of WA average but still lower than the national figure of 14.5%. Meanwhile, those aged 5-14 make up only 8.2%, compared to the Rest of WA average. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has grown from 14.3% to 16.3%, while the 25-34 cohort increased from 19.7% to 21.4%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort declined from 9.4% to 8.1% and the 45-54 group dropped from 14.6% to 13.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Meekatharra's age profile. The 35-44 cohort is projected to expand by 235 people (43%), from 546 to 782. Conversely, the 75-84 and 55-64 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.