Plantagenet
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Plantagenet are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Plantagenet's population, as of August 2025, is approximately 5,826 people. This figure represents an increase of 438 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,388. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,735 in June 2024 and the addition of 63 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1.3 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Plantagenet has exhibited resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.1%, outperforming its SA3 area. Interstate migration was the primary driver of population growth, contributing approximately 76.3% of overall gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch uses growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Looking ahead, regional areas across the nation are projected to have above median population growth. Plantagenet is expected to expand by 741 persons to 2041, with an increase of 11.1% over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Plantagenet when compared nationally

Plantagenet has recorded approximately 30 residential properties granted approval annually. Development approval data is produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis, with 152 homes approved over the past five years from FY-21 to FY-25, and 7 so far in FY-26. On average, each dwelling built has resulted in 2.5 new residents per year over these five years, indicating healthy demand which supports property values. New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $293,000, below regional levels, offering more affordable housing options for buyers.

This financial year has seen $12.8 million in commercial development approvals recorded, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of WA, Plantagenet maintains similar development levels per person, preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. Recent building activity consists solely of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character and appealing to those seeking family homes with space.

With around 179 people per dwelling approval, Plantagenet exhibits characteristics of a growth area. Population forecasts indicate Plantagenet will gain 649 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

Plantagenet has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely affecting this region. Key projects include the Southdown Magnetite Mine, Cedar Woods Land Acquisition for a 130ha residential community in Mount Barker WA, the Mount Barker Growth Area's Residential Growth Outlook, and improvements to the South Coast Highway between Albany and Esperance. The following list details those projects most relevant:.

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

AreaSearch analysis places Plantagenet well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Plantagenet's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs with varied sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 1.6% as of June 2025, lower than Rest of WA's 3.2%.

Workforce participation was 53.4%, compared to Rest of WA's 59.4%. Key employment industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area has a strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing (2.9 times the regional level), but lower representation in mining (3.0% vs regional average of 11.7%). Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 0.3%, labour force decreased by 1.6%, and unemployment fell by 1.9 percentage points.

By comparison, Rest of WA recorded employment growth of 1.1%, labour force growth of 0.5%, with unemployment falling by 0.6 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May 2025 estimate a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Plantagenet's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 4.9% over five years and 11.1% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that median income in Plantagenet is $44,366 and average income stands at $53,988. This contrasts with Rest of WA's median income of $57,323 and average income of $71,163. By March 2025, estimates based on a 11.61% Wage Price Index growth suggest median income will be approximately $49,517 and average income $60,256. Census 2021 data indicates that incomes in Plantagenet fall between the 12th and 15th percentiles nationally. Income brackets reveal that 27.8% of individuals earn between $400 - $799 annually, compared to metropolitan trends where 31.1% earn between $1,500 - $2,999. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 88.2% income retention, total disposable income ranks at the 17th percentile nationally.

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

Plantagenet's dwelling structure, as assessed in the most recent Census, consisted of 97.3% houses and 2.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro WA's figures of 92.1% houses and 8.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Plantagenet stood at 47.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.5% and rented ones at 20.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,278, below Non-Metro WA's average of $1,490. Weekly rent in Plantagenet was recorded at $225, compared to Non-Metro WA's $280. Nationally, Plantagenet's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Plantagenet has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 70.1% of all households, including 24.7% couples with children, 36.1% couples without children, and 8.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 29.9%, with lone person households at 27.5% and group households comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of WA average of 2.4.

Plantagenet faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 15.9%, 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 12.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 40.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (10.9%) and certificates (30.0%).

Educational participation is high at 28.8%, including primary education (12.0%), secondary education (9.2%), and tertiary education (1.7%). The three schools in Plantagenet have a combined enrollment of 737 students. School places per 100 residents are 12.7, below the regional average of 15.9, with some students likely attending schools in adjacent areas.

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

Plantagenet has five active public transport stops, all serving buses. Two different bus routes operate here, offering a total of 24 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is considered limited, with residents on average living 5709 meters away from the nearest stop.

The service frequency across all routes averages three trips per day, which translates to roughly four weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Plantagenet is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data shows significant challenges for Plantagenet, with common health conditions prevalent among both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, at approximately 47% (around 2,738 people). This compares to 49.5% across Rest of WA, and the national average of 55.3%.

The most frequent medical issues are arthritis and mental health problems, affecting 10.8% and 9.0% respectively. Around 63.2% claim to be free from medical ailments, compared to 64.7% across Rest of WA. Plantagenet has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over, at 23.1% (1,347 people), than the rest of WA's 21.0%.

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

Plantagenet's cultural diversity was found to be below average. Its population comprised 82.9% citizens, with 78.3% born in Australia and 92.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, making up 41.3%.

However, Islam was overrepresented at 2.3%, compared to the regional average of 1.0%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (36.8%), Australian (30.1%), and Scottish (8.3%). Notably, Dutch (1.7%) and South African (0.5%) groups showed some divergence from regional averages.

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

Plantagenet's median age of 48 years is notably higher than Rest of WA's 40 and significantly older than the national norm of 38. Compared to the Rest of WA average, the 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented in Plantagenet at 15.4%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 9.2%. This concentration of the 65-74 cohort is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 9.0% to 10.3% of Plantagenet's population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 12.2% to 11.2%. Demographic modeling suggests that by 2041, Plantagenet's age profile will evolve significantly. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to expand notably, increasing by 241 people (45%) from 536 to 778. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 85+ and 15-24 cohorts.