Merredin

Merredin is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

According to research conducted by AreaSearch, the resident count of Merredin stands at approximately 5,294 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 401 individuals (8.2%) from the 2021 Census, which documented a total of 4,893 residents. This adjustment is calculated using the ABS estimated resident population figure of 5,291 recorded in June 2025 alongside 25 validated new addresses identified after the Census. Consequently, the local density ratio is 0.50 persons per square kilometer, indicating a spacious residential environment. The post-census expansion of 8.2% in Merredin is within 1.1 percentage points of the 9.3% national average, showing favorable growth indicators. The primary driver of this demographic expansion was overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 75.4% of the total population increase in recent times.

AreaSearch implements projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024 with a 2022 baseline for each SA2 region. For locations lacking this coverage, and to calculate projections past 2032, AreaSearch applies age cohort growth dynamics from the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data. Future demographic forecasts indicate that the area is set to experience population growth above the median for non-metropolitan areas in Australia, with projections indicating an increase of 774 individuals to 2041 relative to the most recent annual ERP data, which equates to a total rise of 14.6% over the 16 years.

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

On average, Merredin registers roughly 5 new residential approvals annually, yielding a total of 26 dwellings over the previous 5 financial years. In the current FY-26 period, 9 approvals have been logged. With an average of 8 new occupants arriving per built dwelling during the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, demand outpaces supply, which typically drives up pricing and buyer competition, while newly constructed homes carry an average value of $287,000. Additionally, commercial development approvals valued at $16.7 million have been registered in the current financial year, showing moderate commercial building activity.

In comparison to the Rest of WA, development volume in Merredin is low, tracking 83.0% below the regional average per capita. This restricted level of building generally supports values and demand for existing houses, even though construction activity has accelerated recently. The rate is also below the national standard, reflecting the established character of the area and indicating possible planning constraints. Furthermore, recent construction consists entirely of single houses, maintaining a low density environment that appeals to buyers seeking spacious detached homes. The statistic of 815 people per dwelling approval reflects a quiet construction sector with minimal activity.

Looking forward, the population of Merredin is projected to increase by 771 residents to 2041 based on the most recent quarterly estimate from AreaSearch. If current building rates persist, residential supply might struggle to keep pace with this demographic expansion, potentially intensifying competition among buyers and supporting upward pressure on prices.

Merredin has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 44thth percentile nationally

Developments in local infrastructure, key project undertakings, and planning policy exert a strong influence on regional performance. AreaSearch has identified 4 main projects expected to affect the local area. Significant initiatives include the Moon Village, Great Eastern Highway Upgrades, Walgoolan to Southern Cross, Western Australia Agricultural Supply Chain Improvements, and the King Rocks Wind Farm, with details on the most relevant projects provided below.

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

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While Merredin retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.5%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

The workforce in Merredin is balanced between white and blue collar occupations across a range of sectors, with the unemployment rate sitting at just 3.5%. As of March 2026, there are 2,733 employed residents, matching the Regional WA unemployment rate of 3.5%, while the participation rate is close to the 65.6% recorded across Regional WA. According to Census data, a low proportion of residents (12.1%) worked from home, though this figure may have been influenced by COVID-19 lockdown measures.

Local employment is largely concentrated within the agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training sectors. The region exhibits a strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, which commands a workforce share 2.8 times higher than the regional benchmark. Conversely, the mining sector accounts for only 3.0% of local jobs, compared to 11.7% across Regional WA. Although there are local employment opportunities, the ratio of the Census working population to the resident population suggests a significant portion of the workforce commutes outside the area for employment.

AreaSearch's analysis of SALM and ABS figures indicates that over the 12-month period, the local labor force contracted by 5.2% and total employment fell by 6.9%, leading to a 1.7 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate. By comparison, Regional WA experienced a 0.1% dip in employment, a 0.3% expansion of the labor force, and a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. Long-term employment outlooks from Jobs and Skills Australia published in May-25 provide context for future workforce demand in Merredin. These five-year and ten-year projections are mapped to the local industry mix to estimate growth trends. Globally, national employment is projected to rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with performance varying by sector. Applying these trends to the local industry composition suggests employment in Merredin could grow by 5.2% over five years and 11.4% over ten years, though this is a simple weighted calculation that does not incorporate local population forecasts.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

The most recent postcode-level ATO data released by AreaSearch for the 2023 financial year shows that household incomes in the Merredin SA2 are high on a national scale, with a median of $58,901 and an average of $75,112. In comparison, Regional WA recorded a median income of $59,973 and an average of $74,392. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since the 2023 financial year, estimated figures as of March 2026 would be around $65,339 for the median and $83,322 for the average. The 2021 Census lists personal income at the 48th percentile ($796 per week) and household income at the 27th percentile. In terms of earnings distribution, the largest group comprises 30.8% of the local population (1,630 people) earning between $1,500 and $2,999, which is comparable to the 31.1% recorded in the wider region. Housing costs are relatively manageable, leaving residents with 91.6% of their income, though disposable income is below average at the 37th percentile.

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

At the time of the last Census, the housing mix in Merredin consisted of 93.9% separate houses and 6.1% other dwelling types, such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and alternative structures, compared to 88.5% separate houses and 11.6% other options across Regional WA. Outright home ownership in Merredin was significantly higher than the regional average, standing at 44.0%, while the remaining properties were split between mortgaged homes (27.7%) and rentals (28.3%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $927 was substantially lower than the Regional WA average, and the median weekly rent was $200, compared to regional figures of $1,560 and $265 respectively. On a national level, mortgage costs in Merredin are much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and typical rent remains well below the national median of $375.

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

Families make up the majority of households at 67.2%, consisting of couples with children at 26.5%, couples without children at 31.8%, and single parent families at 8.3%. Non-family households represent the remaining 32.8%, with single-person households at 30.3% and group housing at 2.6%. The typical household size is 2.3 individuals, which is slightly smaller than the Regional WA average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Merredin fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

Educational outcomes present areas for growth, as university degree completion (15.5%) is significantly below the national rate of 30.4%. This highlights an opportunity for targeted educational programs. Among degree holders, bachelor qualifications are most common at 11.6%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 2.0% and graduate diplomas at 1.9%. Vocational and technical qualifications are highly prevalent, with 38.0% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas at 7.8% and certificates at 30.2%.

A high proportion of the population is engaged in study, with 30.9% of residents currently enrolled in an educational institution. This group includes 13.5% in primary schools, 9.8% in high schools, and 1.9% undertaking tertiary education.

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

Analysis of transit options shows 4 active transport stops in Merredin, which are serviced by a combination of buses. These stops accommodate 2 distinct routes that provide a total of 12 passenger trips each week. Access to public transit is restricted, with residents situated an average of 15572 meters from their closest stop. As the area is predominantly residential, a high proportion of workers commute elsewhere, with private cars remaining the primary transport mode at 85%, followed by walking at 10%. Households average 1.6 vehicles. A relatively low proportion of residents (12.1%) worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.

Transit service frequency averages 1 trips per day across the available routes, which translates to roughly 3 weekly trips at each individual stop.

Merredin's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health indicators show positive trends for the population of Merredin, with AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic conditions aligning closely with national averages. The prevalence of common health conditions is standard across all age brackets, and private health insurance coverage is high, encompassing roughly 57% of the population, which equates to about 2,996 people.

The most prevalent chronic conditions in the locality are arthritis and asthma, which affect 9.8% and 8.7% of residents respectively. Conversely, 65.5% of the population reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 69.3% across Regional WA. The working-age cohort shows elevated rates of chronic illnesses. Residents aged 65 and older make up 20.6% of the population (1,093 people), which is higher than the regional proportion of 19.2%. Senior health outcomes are favorable, with national health rankings for this group exceeding those of the general local population.

Merredin is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Merredin exhibits relatively low levels of cultural diversity, with citizens making up 83.3% of the population, 87.5% born in Australia, and 94.4% using only English at home. The predominant religious affiliation is Christianity, accounting for 50.4% of residents, compared to 44.6% across Regional WA.

Regarding parental birthplace, the three most common ancestries in Merredin are English at 34.0%, Australian at 32.1%, and Scottish at 7.5%. There are notable differences in specific ethnic groups compared to the wider region: Italian ancestry accounts for 4.0% of the population (versus 3.0% regionally), Australian Aboriginal ancestry accounts for 3.4% (versus 6.1% regionally), and Maori ancestry represents 0.6% (versus 1.0% regionally).

Merredin's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age of 42 years in Merredin is slightly higher than the Regional WA median of 40 and noticeably higher than the national median of 38 years. Compared to Regional WA, Merredin has a larger proportion of young people aged 15 - 24 (12.2%) but fewer residents aged 45 - 54 (10.1%). Since the 2021 Census, the median age has decreased by 1.4 years from 43 to 42, pointing to a slight youth shift. Notable changes show the 15 to 24 cohort rising from 9.7% to 12.2% of the population, and the 25 to 34 group growing from 11.7% to 13.7%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 group decreased from 14.6% to 11.9%, and the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 12.6% to 10.1%. Population projections suggest the age distribution will shift by 2041. The 25 to 34 cohort is expected to grow substantially, adding 447 people (62%) to rise from 726 to 1,174, while declines are anticipated in the 5 to 14 and 85+ cohorts.