Meekatharra

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Meekatharra's population is around 3,364 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 211 people (6.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,153 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,347 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 7 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 0.00 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Meekatharra's 6.7% growth since the census positions it within 1.4 percentage points of the SA4 region (8.1%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 71.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 for Australia's non-metropolitan areas is projected, with the area expected to increase by 616 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 17.8% in total 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 around 5 residential properties granted approval annually, with 27 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 0 so far in FY-26. Given an average of 6.8 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is significantly outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $228,000—below the regional average—suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. Additionally, $25.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting balanced commercial development activity.

Compared to the Rest of WA, Meekatharra has significantly less development activity (61.0% below regional average per person). This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. This is similarly below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting 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 count of 1884 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Population forecasts indicate Meekatharra will gain 599 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Meekatharra has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 21stth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 40 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Goldfields Highway Upgrade (Wiluna to Meekatharra), Yeelirrie Uranium Project, Wiluna West Iron Ore Project, and Wiluna West Gold Project, 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.

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

Meekatharra features a skilled workforce, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of 8.9%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 1,745 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 5.4% above Regional WA's rate of 3.5%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional WA's 67.4%. Based on Census responses, a low 7.2% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise mining, public administration & safety, and education & training. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in mining, 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%. With 1.5 workers for every resident, as at the Census, the area functions as an employment hub, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force increase by 2.4% alongside a 0.1% employment decline, resulting in the unemployment rate rising by 2.2 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 Meekatharra. 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 Meekatharra's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.3% over five years and 10.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Meekatharra SA2's median income among taxpayers is $55,547, with an average of $64,496. This is below the national average, and compares to Regional WA's median of $59,973 and average of $74,392. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $60,891 (median) and $70,701 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, individual earnings stand out at the 80th percentile nationally ($1,024 weekly), though household income ranks lower at the 13th percentile. Income brackets indicate 28.7% of the population (965 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen in the broader area where 31.1% similarly occupy this range. While housing costs are modest with 93.7% of income retained, the 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 within Meekatharra, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 86.8% houses and 13.2% 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 Meekatharra was well beyond that of Regional WA, at 38.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (7.8%) or rented (53.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional WA average at $650, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $120, compared to Regional WA's $1,560 and $265. Nationally, Meekatharra's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 56.6% of all households, comprising 13.5% couples with children, 27.2% couples without children, and 13.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 43.4%, with lone person households at 39.6% and group households comprising 4.4% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (17.7%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 13.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 48.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.3%) and certificates (38.9%).

Educational participation is notably 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

Public transport analysis reveals 10 active transport stops operating within Meekatharra, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 1 individual route, collectively providing 4 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 58621 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 48%, with 23% walking and 14% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 7.2% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 0 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 0 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

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Meekatharra, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~1,722 people), compared to 56.4% across Regional WA.

The most common medical conditions in the area are diabetes and mental health issues, impacting 7.9% and 6.3% of residents, respectively, while 71.9% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.3% across Regional WA. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 12.3% of residents aged 65 and over (412 people), which is lower than the 19.2% in Regional WA. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than 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 was found to be above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 21.1% of its population born overseas and 17.5% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Meekatharra is Christianity, which makes up 44.9% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 1.1% 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 Meekatharra are English, comprising 24.2% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 31.3%, Australian Aboriginal, comprising 24.0% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 6.1%, and Australian, comprising 21.0% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 28.4%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maori is notably overrepresented at 1.1% of Meekatharra (vs 1.0% regionally), Welsh at 0.7% (vs 0.6%) and French at 0.6% (vs 0.4%).

Meekatharra's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

With a median age of 37, Meekatharra is somewhat lower than the Regional WA figure of 40 and nearly matches Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Regional WA average, the 25 - 34 cohort is notably over-represented (22.1% locally), while 5 - 14 year-olds are under-represented (7.7%). This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. Since 2021, younger residents have shifted the median age down by 1.0 years to 37. In particular, the the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 14.3% to 16.9% of the population, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 19.7% to 22.1%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 9.4% to 7.6% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 14.6% to 13.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Meekatharra. Leading the demographic shift, the 35 to 44 group will grow by 37% (212 people), reaching 782 from 569. Conversely, both the 75 to 84 and 55 to 64 age groups will see reduced numbers.