Morawa

Morawa has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Morawa's population is around 4,138 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 262 people (6.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,876 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,077 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 29 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 0.20 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Morawa's 6.8% growth since the census positions it within 1.3 percentage points of the SA4 region (8.1%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 52.8% 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). Regarding demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is expected, with the area expected to grow by 358 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 7.2% in total over the 17 years.

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

Morawa has averaged around 15 new dwelling approvals each year, with 78 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 11 so far in FY-26. With an average of 1.6 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, while new homes are being built at an average value of $319,000. Additionally, $4.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, reflecting the area's residential character.

When measured against the Rest of WA, Morawa maintains similar construction rates (per person), preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. Meanwhile, recent development has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 313 people per dwelling approval, Morawa shows characteristics of a low density area.

Looking ahead, Morawa is expected to grow by 297 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Morawa has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 4thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 14 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Warradarge Wind Farm, Iluka Eneabba Rare Earths Refinery, Twin Hills Wind Farm, and Eneabba Mineral Sands Mine, 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.

Morawa has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Morawa has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of only 3.7%, and 2.1% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 2,072 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.2% above Regional WA's rate of 3.5%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (64.5% compared to Regional WA's 67.4%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 16.6% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, public administration & safety, and education & training. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with employment levels at 4.0 times the regional average. Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 5.1% versus the regional average of 11.9%. 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, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 2.1% and the labour force increased by 2.5%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.4 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 Morawa. 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 Morawa's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.3% over five years and 10.2% 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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Morawa SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $56,352 with the average level standing at $73,823. This is higher than average nationally and compares to levels of $59,973 and $74,392 across Regional WA respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $61,773 (median) and $80,925 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household incomes sit at the 20th percentile, while personal income performs better at the 42nd percentile. Distribution data shows 29.3% of the population (1,212 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen at regional levels where 31.1% similarly occupy this range. Housing costs are manageable with 93.8% retained, though disposable income sits below average at the 34th percentile.

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

Dwelling structure within Morawa, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 95.5% houses and 4.5% 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 Morawa was well beyond that of Regional WA, at 54.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (21.6%) or rented (23.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional WA average at $800, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $175, compared to Regional WA's $1,560 and $265. Nationally, Morawa's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 65.3% of all households, comprising 22.3% couples with children, 36.6% couples without children, and 5.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 34.7%, with lone person households at 33.8% and group households comprising 1.2% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people is smaller than the Regional WA average of 2.5.

Morawa 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 (15.2%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 11.0%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.3%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.9%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 41.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.7%) and certificates (33.2%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 15.1% in primary education, 7.3% in secondary education, and 2.3% 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 23 active transport stops operating within Morawa, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 4 individual routes, collectively providing 28 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 742 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 76%, with 14% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 16.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 4 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 1 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Morawa is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Morawa demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts see low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 56% of the total population (~2,321 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 9.8% and 7.4% of residents, respectively, while 65.8% 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 22.4% of residents aged 65 and over (926 people), which is higher than the 19.2% in Regional WA. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Morawa was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 76.9% of its population being citizens, 86.8% born in Australia, and 96.2% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Morawa is Christianity, which makes up 48.7% of people in Morawa, compared to 44.6% across Regional WA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Morawa are English, comprising 34.3% of the population, Australian, comprising 31.8% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 7.7% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maori is represented at 0.9% of Morawa (vs 1.0% regionally), Australian Aboriginal at 4.3% (vs 6.1%) and South Australian at 0.5% (vs 0.6%).

Morawa hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

With a median age of 46, Morawa is materially older than the Regional WA figure of 40 and well above the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 65 - 74 year-olds are particularly prominent (15.3%), while the 15 - 24 group is comparatively smaller (7.4%) than in Regional WA. This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.5%. Since the 2021 Census, the median age has decreased by 1.0 years from 47 to 46, indicating a younger demographic shift. Key changes show the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 12.0% to 14.8% of the population, while the 0 to 4 cohort increased from 5.9% to 7.0%. Conversely, the 75 to 84 cohort has declined from 7.2% to 5.5% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 17.0% to 15.3%. Demographic modeling suggests Morawa's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 31%, adding 138 residents to reach 580. In contrast, the 75 to 84 and 85+ cohorts are expected to experience population declines.