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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Murray's population is around 2,680 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 304 people (12.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,376 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 2,521 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 66 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1.0 persons per square kilometer, a level providing ample space per person. Murray's 12.8% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (6.1%), along with the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 54.2% 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). Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth of Australian non-metropolitan areas is projected, with the area expected to expand by 362 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting reflecting an increase of 7.6% in total 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 around 14 new dwelling approvals each year, with 72 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 7 so far in FY-26. With an average of only 0.5 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $226,000—under regional levels—indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. Additionally, $2.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting the area's residential character.

When measured against Rest of WA, Murray shows 109.0% higher construction activity (per person). creating greater choice for buyers. Recent construction comprises 80.0% detached houses and 20.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. This shows a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 97.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. At around 180 people per approval, Murray reflects a developing area.

Future projections show Murray adding 203 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on 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 emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 39thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects and planning initiatives. In total 1 a single project has been identified by AreaSearch that is likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Dardadine Wind Farm, Additional Australind Trains Procurement, South West Interconnected System Transformation, and Bellwether Wind Farm, with the below list 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.

Employment conditions in Murray demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Murray has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, and an unemployment rate of just 2.0%. As of December 2025, 1,307 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.5% 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 8.6% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise mining, manufacturing, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. The area has particular employment specialization in mining, with an employment share of 2.6 times the regional level. On the other hand, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 6.8% of Murray's workforce compared to 11.9% in Regional WA. With 1.3 workers for every resident, as at the Census, the area functions as an employment hub, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 5.3% while employment declined by 5.2%, resulting in the unemployment rate fall by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Regional WA experienced employment growth of 1.0% and labour force growth of 1.4%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Murray. 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 Murray's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.2% over five years and 10.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Murray SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $64,874 and an average of $80,500 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is extremely high nationally, contrasting with Regional WA's median income of $59,973 and average income of $74,392. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $71,115 (median) and $88,244 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Murray, between the 43rd and 44th percentiles. Income analysis reveals the predominant cohort spans 30.7% of locals (822 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 31.1% in the same category. Housing costs are manageable with 87.2% retained, though disposable income sits below average at the 48th percentile.

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

Dwelling structure within Murray, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 96.9% houses and 3.2% 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 Murray was well beyond that of Regional WA, at 39.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (34.3%) or rented (26.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional WA average at $1,733, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $280, compared to Regional WA's $1,560 and $265. Nationally, Murray's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Murray has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households dominate at 73.5% of all households, comprising 30.0% couples with children, 33.7% couples without children, and 8.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 26.5%, with lone person households at 25.0% and group households comprising 1.7% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people matches the Regional WA average.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (15.0%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 11.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 42.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (33.3%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.6% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 1.3% 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 3 active transport stops operating within Murray comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 2 individual routes, collectively providing 23 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 13434 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 85%, with 7% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, above the regional average. A relatively low 8.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 3 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 7 weekly trips per individual stop.

Murray's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Murray's health metrics sit close to national benchmarks, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts , and the rate of private health cover found to be exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (1,594 people). This compares to 56.4% across Regional WA.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.1 and 8.0% of residents, respectively, while 67.7% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.3% across Regional WA. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 15.9% of residents aged 65 and over (426 people), which is lower than the 19.2% in Regional WA. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

Murray was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 84.8% of its population being citizens, 83.7% born in Australia, and 95.5% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Murray was found to be Christianity, which makes up 41.3% of people in Murray. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 0.7% of the population, compared to 0.7% across Regional WA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Murray are English, comprising 35.4% of the population, Australian, comprising 30.6% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 8.1% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: New Zealand is notably overrepresented at 0.9% of Murray (vs 0.9% regionally), Maori at 0.8% (vs 1.0%) and French at 0.5% (vs 0.4%).

Murray hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The 43-year median age in Murray is modestly exceeding Regional WA's average of 40 similarly well above the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Regional WA average, the 55 - 64 cohort is notably over-represented (14.8% locally), while 65 - 74 year-olds are under-represented (9.3%). Since the 2021 Census, the area has become younger, with median age dropping 1.7 years to 43 from 45. In particular, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 10.2% to 13.6% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 7.4% to 9.9%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 12.8% to 9.3% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 14.6% to 11.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Murray. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, expanding by 121 people (33%) from 365 to 487. Conversely, both 15 to 24 and 75 to 84 age groups will see reduced numbers.