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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 5,293 residents, up from 4,893 at the 2021 Census — a change of 400 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
Demographic assessments by AreaSearch indicate that the population of Merredin stands at approximately 5,293 as of Aug 2026. This represents an expansion of 400 people (8.2%) relative to the 2021 Census tally of 4,893 people. This trend is calculated using the ABS estimated resident population of 5,291 recorded as of June 2025 alongside 40 validated new addresses registered post-Census. With 0.50 persons per square kilometer, the locality maintains an expansive, low-density environment. Merredin's post-Census expansion of 8.2% tracks closely within 1.3 percentage points of the broader SA4 region (9.5%), underlining solid demographic momentum.
Inward overseas migration served as the primary growth catalyst, generating roughly 75.4% of total population additions in recent times. Projections compiled by Geoscience Australia and the ABS released in 2024 (anchored to a 2022 baseline) form the basis of AreaSearch's SA2 modelling. Where local coverage is absent or when projecting beyond 2032, models incorporate age-cohort trajectory figures from the ABS Greater Capital Region release (published 2023, utilizing 2022 data). Demographic outlooks indicate that population gains will outpace the national non-metropolitan median, with local numbers projected to rise by 735 persons to 2041 according to recent annual ERP data, amounting to a cumulative 16-year increase of 13.8%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
29 new dwellings have been approved in Merredin over the past five years, an average of 5 a year. That is 1.1 approvals per 1,000 residents. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Residential building approvals in Merredin have averaged roughly 5 dwellings annually, reaching a combined 29 homes across the preceding 5 financial years. Between FY-22 and FY-26, incoming population additions averaged 7.2 people per year for every home constructed, creating a notable supply deficit that typically fuels upward pricing pressure and heightened buyer interest, while average expected building costs for new dwellings stand at $464,000. Additionally, commercial development has progressed at a moderate pace, registering $16.7 million in non-residential approvals during the current financial year. Relative to Rest of WA, development intensity across Merredin remains subdued, tracking 82.0% below the regional per capita benchmark.
While construction volumes have picked up of late, constrained pipeline supply generally reinforces pricing and demand across the established dwelling market. Approval volumes also trail national figures, underscoring the established urban footprint and potential local planning constraints. Detached houses accounted for all recent residential construction approvals, preserving low-density neighbourhoods and offering spacious family housing. An estimated ratio of 639 people per approved dwelling highlights the quiet, modest tempo of local building activity. According to the most recent AreaSearch quarterly release, Merredin is projected to add 733 residents through to 2041. Should dwelling approval trends persist at current levels, housing additions could fall short of resident growth, potentially escalating buyer demand and underpinning asset price appreciation.
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 $13.1 billion. 10 are already under construction and 12 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
Capital investments, planning schemes, and regional infrastructure upgrades exert a major influence on local socioeconomic performance. AreaSearch has highlighted 4 key initiatives likely to shape the district, including Moon Village, Great Eastern Highway Upgrades, Walgoolan to Southern Cross, Western Australia Agricultural Supply Chain Improvements, and King Rocks Wind Farm, with subsequent sections evaluating the most pertinent developments.
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 65.7%. 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 local labour market in Merredin displays a well-rounded mix of blue and white collar roles across diverse industries, alongside a low unemployment rate of 3.5%. As of March 2026, employed residents total 2,733, matching Regional WA's jobless mark of 3.5%, while local participation aligns exactly with the regional benchmark of 65.4%. Census figures showed just 12.1% of workers operating from home, though potential distortions from Covid-19 restrictions should be kept in mind. Resident employment is primarily concentrated across agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training.
The agricultural, forestry & fishing sector represents a key regional pillar, with local workforce concentration reaching 2.8 times the Regional WA average. In contrast, mining makes up a smaller portion of the workforce at 3.0%, compared against 11.7% regionally. Although local workplaces operate within the district, Census commuting comparisons between resident workers and local employment suggest significant outward travel for employment. AreaSearch examined SALM and ABS figures to show that the labour force shrank by 5.2% and employment fell by 6.9% during the year to March 2026, which led to unemployment climbing by 1.7 percentage points. In comparison, Regional WA saw a 0.1% drop in employment, a 0.3% rise in the labour force, and a 0.4 percentage point increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia published national employment forecasts for Mar-26 that provide additional perspective on upcoming demand inside Merredin. These outlooks span five and ten year horizons and were overlaid onto Merredin's current employment structure to gauge anticipated growth trajectories. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% within five years and by 13.7% over ten years, though sectoral growth varies considerably. When these industry-level expectations are applied to Merredin's existing workforce composition, local employment is expected to rise by 5.2% over five years and by 11.4% over ten years, though this simple weighting approach is illustrative only and excludes 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
ATO taxation data compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023 indicates elevated income levels across the Merredin SA2 relative to national figures, featuring a median of $58,901 alongside an average of $75,112. These metrics compare with Regional WA benchmarks of $59,973 for median earnings and $74,392 for average earnings. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% following financial year 2023 brings modelled figures to approximately $65,339 (median) and $83,322 (average) by March 2026. At the Census, individual weekly income sat at the 48th percentile ($796 weekly), whereas household earnings placed at the 27th percentile.
The $1,500 - 2,999 weekly wage bracket accounts for 30.8% of local earners (1,630 individuals), closely tracking the 31.1% recorded regionally. Residents retain 91.6% of income after housing expenses, though overall disposable income remains modest 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
Residential property in Merredin at the most recent Census consisted of 93.9% separate houses and 6.1% semi-detached, apartment, or other dwelling formats, whereas Regional WA recorded 88.5% houses and 11.6% other property types. Fully owned homes formed 44.0% of the local tenure mix, surpassing regional rates, with mortgaged properties comprising 27.7% and rental accommodation making up 28.3%. Housing affordability metrics show typical monthly mortgage payments of $927 and weekly rents of $200, which are lower than the Regional WA figures of $1,560 and $265. Relative to broader national medians, local mortgage repayments fall well below the $1,863 Australian benchmark, with rental costs tracking substantially underneath the national rate 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
The domestic landscape is predominantly composed of family households at 67.2%, including 31.8% couples without children, 26.5% couples with children, and 8.3% single parent arrangements. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 32.8%, consisting of single-person dwellings at 30.3% and group households at 2.6%. Average household occupancy stands at 2.3 people, tracking below the Regional WA benchmark 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 attainment statistics reveal lower proportions of higher education qualifications, with university degree completion standing at 15.5% compared to the Australian benchmark of 30.4%. Within tertiary qualifications, bachelor degrees represent 11.6%, while postgraduate credentials account for 2.0% and graduate diplomas make up 1.9%. Vocational and practical skills are widely held, with 38.0% of residents aged 15+ possessing trade qualifications, divided between certificates (30.2%) and advanced diplomas (7.8%). Active participation in study is prominent throughout the community, with 30.9% of the local population engaged in educational programs. This student cohort comprises 13.5% in primary schools, 9.8% in secondary schooling, and 1.9% undertaking higher tertiary study.
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
Local transit infrastructure features 4 operating passenger stops serviced by bus routes within Merredin. These connection points are linked by 2 separate transit routes that provide a total of 12 weekly scheduled passenger trips. Regional accessibility is constrained, with residents situated an average of 15572 meters from the closest boarding stop. Private vehicles represent the primary mode of travel for outward commuting at 85%, while 10% of residents commute by foot, and vehicle ownership registers at 1.6 per household. Census records from 2021 showed 12.1% working remotely, a figure potentially influenced by COVID-19 settings.
Transit schedules provide an average of 1 trips per day across the collective network, which translates to approximately 3 weekly trips per 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
General health metrics for Merredin align closely with standard national patterns based on AreaSearch evaluations of mortality and medical diagnoses, showing balanced condition rates across all age brackets and a notable level of private medical coverage encompassing roughly 57% of residents (~2,995 people). Arthritis and asthma are the most prevalent diagnosed conditions locally, affecting 9.8 and 8.7% of the population, while 65.5% of residents reported having no chronic medical ailments, compared with 69.3% in Regional WA. Working-age cohorts record comparatively higher rates of long-term health issues. Seniors aged 65 and over constitute 22.0% of the community (1,166 people), higher than the 19.1% share seen across Regional WA, with older residents registering above-average health outcomes that rank favorably against nationwide metrics.
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
Cultural diversity measures across Merredin track below broader averages, with Australian-born residents accounting for 87.5% of the population, citizens making up 83.3%, and 94.4% using only English at home. Christianity represents the leading religious affiliation, held by 50.4% of the population, compared to 44.6% across Regional WA. Regarding reported parental heritage, the principal ancestral backgrounds in Merredin are English at 34.0%, Australian at 32.1%, and Scottish at 7.5%. Distinct variations emerge across other cultural groups, with Italian heritage overrepresented at 4.0% (against 3.0% regionally), Australian Aboriginal background recorded at 3.4% (versus 6.1% across the region), and Maori ancestry accounting for 0.6% (compared with 1.0% regionally).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Merredin is 42. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 25.4% 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 local age distribution mirrors Regional WA benchmarks, with the largest divergence across the four broad cohorts measuring 3.4 percentage points. The estimated median age is 42, down from 43 recorded at the 2021 Census, while standing 2 years above the Regional WA Census figure of 40. The most noticeable cohort shift since the Census occurred in the 45 - 64 age bracket, contracting from 27.2% to an estimated 21.8%. Looking toward 2041, the 25 - 44 demographic is projected to generate the majority of growth, adding 568 residents (42%) to reach a total of 1,904.
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) | Aug 2026 last month 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 Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · Jun 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 last 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 6 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) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 2 months ago 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 — 40 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (4,893 at the 2021 Census → 5,293 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 Aug 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.