Murray
Statistical Area - sa2

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 2,647 as of Aug 2025, an increase of 271 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 11.4% rise from the previous population of 2,376 people. The change is inferred from ABS estimates: Murray's population was 2,530 in June 2024, with an additional 34 validated new addresses since the Census date. The current population density is 1.0 persons per square kilometer. Murray's growth exceeded both its SA3 area (5.9%) and the national average since the 2021 census. Natural growth contributed approximately 54.2% of overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and post-2032 estimates, 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). Projected demographic shifts indicate an above median population growth for Australian non-metropolitan areas. Murray is expected to expand by 362 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 8.9% 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 10 new dwelling approvals annually. Development approval data from the ABS shows 54 homes approved over the past five financial years, from FY20 to FY25, with one additional approval in FY26 so far. The average population increase per year for each dwelling built over these five financial years was 0.5 people. This indicates that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering more buyer choices while supporting potential population growth beyond projections.

New properties are being constructed at an average expected cost of $398,000, aligning with regional patterns. There have also been $2.3 million in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to the Rest of WA, Murray demonstrates 102.0% higher building activity per capita. New development consists of 80.0% detached dwellings and 20.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space. This represents a significant shift from the current housing mix, which is currently 97.0% houses, reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

With around 180 people per dwelling approval, Murray exhibits characteristics of a growth area. Future projections indicate Murray adding 236 residents by 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favorable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Murray has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 44thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely affecting this region: Dardadine Wind Farm, Additional Australind Trains Procurement, South West Interconnected System Transformation, and Provision Of Regional-Level Sporting Facilities In Growth Areas Perth And Peel are key projects. Relevant details are listed below.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Employment performance in Murray ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

Murray has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent.

The unemployment rate is 1.3% and there was an estimated employment growth of 0.7% in the past year. As of June 2025, 1,330 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.9% lower than Rest of WA's rate of 3.2%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of WA's at 59.4%. Key industries for Murray residents are mining, manufacturing, and agriculture, forestry & fishing.

Mining employment share is 2.6 times the regional level. Health care & social assistance is under-represented with only 6.8% of Murray's workforce compared to Rest of WA's 11.9%. There are 1.3 jobs per resident as at the Census, indicating Murray functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 0.7% while labour force decreased by 1.6%, causing a drop of 2.2 percentage points in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest Murray's local growth could be approximately 4.2% over five years and 10.5% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Murray's employment mix.

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

Murray's median taxpayer income is $62,795 and average is $75,050 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is higher than the national averages of $57,323 (median) and $71,163 (average). By March 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $70,085 and average $83,763 based on Wage Price Index growth. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes rank between the 44th and 44th percentiles in Murray. Income distribution reveals 30.7% of residents earn between $1,500 - 2,999. Housing costs are manageable with 87.2% retained, but disposable income is 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 contrast, 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 in Murray 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 make up 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 account for the remaining 26.5%, with lone person households at 25.0% and group households comprising 1.7% of the total. 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: 13.6% in primary, 8.7% in secondary, and 1.3% in tertiary education. The area has two schools serving 351 students collectively - Boddington District High School and Dwellingup Primary School. Murray demonstrates typical Australian school conditions with balanced educational opportunities, being a K-12 school with an ICSEA score of 977.

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

Murray has three active public transport stops currently in operation. All these stops serve buses. There are two different bus routes that run through Murray, together offering 23 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of public transport is limited in the area, with residents typically residing 13434 meters away from their nearest transport stop. On average, there are three bus trips per day across all routes, which equates to about 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. Approximately 57% (~1,511 people) have private health cover, compared to 52.7% across the rest of WA.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (10.1%) and mental health issues (8.0%). About 67.7% consider themselves free from medical ailments, compared to 65.6% in the rest of WA. Around 17.1% (451 people) are aged 65 and over, lower than the 21.7% in the rest of WA. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, even better than the general population's health metrics.

Murray ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Murray's cultural diversity was found to be below average. Its population comprised 84.8% citizens, 83.7% born in Australia, and 95.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 41.3% of Murray's population.

The most significant overrepresentation was found in the 'Other' category, which constituted 0.7% of Murray's population compared to 0.4% across the rest of WA. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (35.4%), Australian (30.6%), and Scottish (8.1%). Notably, New Zealanders were overrepresented at 0.9%, Maori at 0.8%, and French at 0.5% compared to regional averages of 0.9%, 0.8%, and 0.3% respectively.

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

Murray's median age is 44 years, which is higher than the Rest of WA average of 40 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The 55-64 age group constitutes 15.3% of Murray's population compared to Rest of WA, while the 35-44 cohort makes up 12.1%. Post-2021 Census data shows a shift in median age down by 1.2 years to 44 years. The 25 to 34 age group grew from 10.2% to 12.8%, and the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 7.4% to 9.8%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort declined from 12.8% to 9.9%, and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 14.6% to 12.3%. Population forecasts for Murray in 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 44%, adding 149 residents to reach 487. Meanwhile, both the 15 to 24 and 85+ age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.