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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Merredin's population is around 5,308 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 415 people (8.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,893 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,249 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 23 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 0.50 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Merredin's 8.5% growth since the census positions it within 1.4 percentage points of the SA4 region (9.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 81.1% 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). Looking at population projections moving forward, an above-median population growth for national non-metropolitan areas is projected, with the area expected to expand by 823 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 14.4% in total over the 17 years.

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

Merredin has averaged around 5 new dwelling approvals annually, with 26 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 7 so far in FY-26. Given an average of 5.8 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply is substantially lagging demand, which generally means heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures, while new dwellings are developed at an average cost of $287,000. Additionally, $16.7 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

Compared to the Rest of WA, Merredin records markedly lower building activity (83.0% below regional average per person). This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, though building activity has accelerated in recent years. This is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. Further, recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature, with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 804 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Future projections show Merredin adding 764 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 4 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Moon Village, Great Eastern Highway Upgrades, Walgoolan to Southern Cross, Western Australia Agricultural Supply Chain Improvements, and King Rocks Wind Farm, 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.

While Merredin retains a healthy unemployment rate of 2.8%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Merredin has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with diverse sector representation and an unemployment rate of just 2.8%. As of December 2025, 2,781 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 0.7% below Regional WA's rate of 3.5%, and workforce participation is on par with Regional WA's 67.4%. Based on Census responses, a low 12.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area has a particular employment specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 2.8 times the regional level. In contrast, mining employs just 3.0% of local workers, below Regional WA's 11.7%. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 5.5% alongside a 5.9% employment decline, resulting in the unemployment rate rising by 0.5 percentage points. This compares to Regional WA, where employment grew by 1.0%, the labour force expanded by 1.4%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Merredin. 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 Merredin's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.2% over five years and 11.4% 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 align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Merredin SA2 is very high nationally, with the median assessed at $58,901 while the average income stands at $75,112. This contrasts to 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 $64,567 (median) and $82,338 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, personal income ranks at the 48th percentile ($796 weekly), while household income sits at the 27th percentile. Income brackets indicate the predominant cohort spans 30.8% of locals (1,634 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, aligning with the surrounding region where this cohort likewise represents 31.1%. Housing costs are manageable with 91.6% retained, though disposable income sits below average at the 37th percentile.

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

Dwelling structure within Merredin, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 93.9% houses and 6.1% 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 Merredin was well beyond that of Regional WA, at 44.0%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (27.7%) or rented (28.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional WA average at $927, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $200, compared to Regional WA's $1,560 and $265. Nationally, Merredin's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 67.2% of all households, comprising 26.5% couples with children, 31.8% couples without children, and 8.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.8%, with lone person households at 30.3% and group households comprising 2.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is 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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (15.5%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 11.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 38.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (7.8%) and certificates (30.2%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.5% in primary education, 9.8% in secondary education, and 1.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 4 active transport stops operating within Merredin, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 2 individual routes, collectively providing 12 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 15572 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 85%, with 10% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling. A relatively low 12.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 1 trip per day across all routes, equating to approximately 3 weekly trips per 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 data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Merredin residents, with AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions showing results broadly in line with national benchmarks. A fairly standard level of common health conditions is seen across both young and old age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~3,004 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 9.8% and 8.7% of residents, respectively, while 65.5% 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 19.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,041 people). Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

Merredin was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 83.3% of its population being citizens, 87.5% born in Australia, and 94.4% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Merredin is Christianity, which makes up 50.4% of people in Merredin, compared to 44.6% across Regional WA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Merredin are English, comprising 34.0% of the population, Australian, comprising 32.1% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 7.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Italian is notably overrepresented at 4.0% of Merredin (vs 3.0% regionally), Australian Aboriginal at 3.4% (vs 6.1%) and Maori at 0.6% (vs 1.0%).

Merredin's median age exceeds the national pattern

With a median age of 41, Merredin is close to the Regional WA figure of 40 and modestly exceeds the national norm of 38. The 15 - 24 age group shows strong representation at 12.7% compared to Regional WA, whereas the 45 - 54 cohort is less prevalent at 9.9%. Following the 2021 Census, younger residents have shifted the median age down by 1.6 years to 41. Specifically, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 9.7% to 12.7% of the population, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 11.7% to 14.2%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.6% to 9.9% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 14.6% to 12.1%. By 2041, Merredin is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 61%, adding 459 residents to reach 1,214. Meanwhile, the 5 to 14 and 85+ cohorts are expected to experience population declines.