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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Merredin has an estimated 5,294 residents, up from 4,893 at the 2021 Census — a change of 401 people, or 8.2%. Growth has averaged 0.8% a year over five years. Overseas migration accounts for 75.4% of that increase. Fewer than ten people live on each square kilometre, across a boundary that takes in surrounding rural land. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
26 new dwellings have been approved in Merredin over the past five years, an average of 5 a year. That is 1.0 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 9, running ahead of that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Merredin
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks one current infrastructure or development project inside Merredin. A further 47 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $13.6 billion. 10 are already under construction and 11 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans energy, sports & recreation and transport & logistics. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
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.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Moon Village
A sustainable human habitat on the Moon, featuring workspaces, living quarters, and support systems.
Kondinin Wind and Solar Project
The Kondinin Wind and Solar Project is a major hybrid renewable energy development by Shell Energy and Foresight Group, located 5km north-east of Kondinin, WA. Delivered in two stages, the fully approved project will feature up to 46 wind turbines (230 MW), around 60 MW of solar power, and a battery energy storage system. Stage 1 (121 MW wind) is anticipated to begin construction in 2026, generating ~500 GWh/year and avoiding 360,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.The project has a secured Power Purchase Agreement with Synergy.
Great Eastern Highway Upgrades, Walgoolan to Southern Cross
Staged upgrades of Great Eastern Highway between Walgoolan and Southern Cross form part of the wider Coates Gully and Walgoolan to Coolgardie program, delivering bridge replacements, road widening and sealing, new overtaking lanes, townsite improvements and safety upgrades to improve freight efficiency and reliability on the key Perth to Kalgoorlie corridor.
Kondinin Housing Replacement Plan
A 10-year plan (2023-2033) by the Shire of Kondinin to address housing needs in the area. The plan includes the potential construction of new dwellings on vacant lots owned by the Shire.
Western Australia Agricultural Supply Chain Improvements
Improving Western Australia's aging freight network to reduce supply chain costs and increase export volumes for agriculture, through maintenance, upgrades, and new routes.
King Rocks Wind Farm Workers Accommodation
A temporary accommodation facility to house up to 189 workers during the construction phase of the King Rocks Wind Farm. The facility is being built and operated by Perth-based BBB Remote Site Services.
Hyden Townsite Expansion Plan
Local Planning Policy No. 1 provides a framework for the future subdivision and development of the Hyden townsite, ensuring that growth is managed in a coordinated and sustainable manner. The plan addresses land use, infrastructure, and environmental considerations.
Hyden Recreation Centre Extension
Long-running project to upgrade the Hyden Recreation Centre, following on from Stage 1 works completed in 2016. The scope centers on new womens and away team change rooms, additional storage, and a gymnasium. Following a June 2023 public meeting, the Shire of Kondinin resolved to obtain costings for two options: Option A, extending the existing pavilion with new change rooms, storage and a gym for an estimated 4 million AUD, or Option B, a full new-build facility estimated at 11 million AUD.Both options were included in the Shire's Long Term Financial Plan for the 2024/25 and 2025/26 financial years, with Growing Regions Funding identified as a potential funding source able to cover up to 70 percent of costs. As of mid-2025 the project remained in the planning and funding stage, with Shire information reports referencing only routine maintenance at the existing centre and no construction start date confirmed.
2,733 residents of Merredin are employed, from a labour force of 2,832. Unemployment sits at 3.5%, with participation at 66.1%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.2% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Merredin is $1,387 a week (about $72,000 a year), with median personal income at $796 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $58,901 a year against an average of $75,112. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Merredin had 1,747 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 94% detached houses and 0% apartments. 28% are owned with a mortgage, 28% rented and 44% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $200 a week and the median mortgage repayment $927 a month. Rent absorbs 14.4% of household income here and mortgage repayments 15.4%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Merredin counted 1,747 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 1,890 today, averaging 2.3 people each. 27% are couples with children, against 32% couples without children. 30% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.1 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
15.5% of adults in Merredin hold a university qualification, including 11.6% with a bachelor degree and 2.0% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 30.2% hold a vocational qualification. 5 schools serve the area, with 886 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 975 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Merredin means driving: households keep an average of 1.6 vehicles, and scheduled services reach only a handful of stops. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
65.5% of residents in Merredin report no long-term health condition. 5.1% need daily assistance with core activities, and 56.6% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.3 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Merredin is largely Australian-born, at 87.5% of residents, with 5.6% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (34.0%) and Australian (32.1%). 3.4% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
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).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Merredin is 42. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 26.0% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Merredin
8 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 8 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | May 2026 3 months ago all 13 measures |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 3 sections | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Jul 2025 about a year ago all 1 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Jul 2025. | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 25 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (4,893 at the 2021 Census → 5,294 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (509021240). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.