Murray

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

Murray's population is around 2,726 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 350 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,376 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 2,526 in June 2024 and an additional 67 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1.0 persons per square kilometer. Murray's 14.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (6.4%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 54.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch utilises growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for Australian non-metropolitan areas, with Murray expected to expand by 362 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 5.8% over the 17 years.

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

Murray has averaged approximately 14 new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 72 homes were approved, with an additional 6 approved so far in FY26. Each year, on average, 0.5 people have moved to the area for each dwelling built during these five financial years.

This suggests that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction cost of new properties is $226,000, which is below regional levels, indicating more affordable housing choices for buyers. In FY26, $2.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to the Rest of WA, Murray has 109.0% higher construction activity per person, offering greater choice for buyers. Recent construction comprises 80.0% detached houses and 20.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

This represents a significant shift from the current housing mix of 97.0% houses, likely due to reduced availability of development sites and changing lifestyle demands. Murray reflects a developing area with approximately 180 people per approval. Future projections estimate Murray will add 157 residents by 2041 based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Murray has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 41stth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can be significantly influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. A single project has been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting this area. Notable projects include Dardadine Wind Farm, Additional Australind Trains Procurement, South West Interconnected System Transformation, and Bellwether Wind Farm, with the following list detailing those most likely to be relevant:.

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.

Murray ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Murray's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominent. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate stands at 1.6%.

In comparison to Rest of WA's 3.3% unemployment rate, Murray has a lower rate of 1.7%, while workforce participation is similar at 59.4%. Key employment industries for residents include mining, manufacturing, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. Notably, mining employs 2.6 times the regional average in Murray. Conversely, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 6.8% of Murray's workforce compared to Rest of WA's 11.9%.

The area hosts more jobs than residents, with a ratio of 1.3 workers per resident, indicating it serves as an employment hub attracting external workers. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.1%, and employment declined by 2.9% in Murray, leading to a fall in unemployment rate by 1.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of WA saw employment growth of 1.4%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Murray's employment mix suggests local employment should rise by 4.2% over five years and 10.5% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

The Murray SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $62,795 and an average income of $75,050 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is high nationally compared to Rest of WA's median income of $57,323 and average income of $71,163. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $71,712 (median) and $85,707 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Murray rank modestly between the 43rd and 44th percentiles. Income analysis shows that the predominant cohort is 30.7% of locals (836 people) with incomes in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to surrounding regions at 31.1%. Housing costs allow for retention of 87.2%, but disposable income ranks below average at the 48th percentile.

Murray is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Murray's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.9% houses and 3.2% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro WA had 95.1% houses and 4.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Murray was at 39.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.3% and rented ones at 26.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, higher than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,105. The median weekly rent in Murray was $280, compared to Non-Metro WA's $200. Nationally, Murray's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Murray has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 73.5% of all households, including 30.0% couples with children, 33.7% couples without children, and 8.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 26.5%, with lone person households at 25.0% and group households comprising 1.7%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Rest of WA average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 15.0%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 42.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them – advanced diplomas at 8.8% and certificates at 33.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 13.6% in primary, 8.7% in secondary, and 1.3% in tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates three operational stops in Murray, all offering bus services. These stops are served by two distinct routes, collectively facilitating 23 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is rated as limited, with residents typically residing 13434 meters from the nearest stop.

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

Health performance in Murray is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Murray faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is high at approximately 57%, covering around 1,556 people in total, compared to 52.7% across the rest of WA.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 10.1% and 8.0% of residents respectively. However, 67.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, slightly higher than the 65.6% figure for the rest of WA. The area has 17.1% of residents aged 65 and over, comprising around 465 people, which is lower than the 21.7% figure in the rest of WA. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Murray's population showed low cultural diversity, with 84.8% being citizens, 83.7% born in Australia, and 95.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 41.3%. The 'Other' religious category had a higher representation in Murray (0.7%) compared to Rest of WA (0.4%).

Top ancestry groups were English (35.4%), Australian (30.6%), and Scottish (8.1%). Notable differences included New Zealanders at 0.9% (vs regional 0.9%), Maori at 0.8% (vs regional 0.8%), and French at 0.5% (vs regional 0.3%).

Murray hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Murray's median age is 44 years, which is considerably higher than the Rest of WA average of 40 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The 55-64 age group represents 15.3% of Murray's population, compared to a lower prevalence of the 35-44 cohort at 12.1%. Post-2021 Census data shows that younger residents have shifted the median age down by 1.2 years to 44 years. Notable shifts include the 25 to 34 age group growing from 10.2% to 12.8%, and the 15 to 24 cohort increasing from 7.4% to 9.8%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 12.8% to 9.9%, and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 14.6% to 12.3%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Murray, with the 25 to 34 cohort projected to grow by 40%, adding 139 residents to reach 487. However, both the 85+ and 15 to 24 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.