Wagin

Wagin 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, Wagin's population is around 5,145 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 286 people (5.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,859 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,058 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 67 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 0.50 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Over the past decade, Wagin has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a -0.1% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 51.1% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including interstate migration and natural growth, were positive factors.

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). Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of non-metropolitan areas nationally is expected, with the area expected to increase by 290 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 4.0% in total over the 17 years.

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

Wagin has experienced around 13 dwellings receiving development approval annually, totalling 66 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 7 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 2.2 new residents per year gained for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), reflecting robust demand that underpins property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $253,000, aligned with broader regional development. There have also been $9.1 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating limited commercial development focus.

Relative to the Rest of WA, Wagin maintains similar construction rates (per person), supporting market stability in line with regional patterns. This activity is similarly under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Further, new construction has been completely comprised of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 555 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Looking ahead, Wagin is expected to grow by 203 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Wagin has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 43rdth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 29 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Darkan Swimming Pool Upgrade, Darkan Railway Reserve Upgrade, Regional Road Infrastructure Upgrades, and the Narrogin BESS Project, 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.

The labour market in Wagin shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Wagin possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with diverse sector representation, and an unemployment rate of just 1.8%. As of December 2025, 2,691 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.8% below Regional WA's rate of 3.5%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional WA's 67.4%. Based on Census responses, a moderate 19.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area has particular employment specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 4.3 times the regional level. Meanwhile, mining has a limited presence with 3.8% employment compared to 11.7% regionally. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 5.5% while employment declined by 5.6%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.1 percentage points. This compares to Regional WA, where employment grew by 1.0%, the labour force expanded by 1.4%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Wagin. 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 Wagin's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.6% over five years and 10.7% 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

The Wagin SA2's income level is slightly lower than the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Wagin SA2's median income among taxpayers is $52,140 and the average income stands at $66,830, compared to figures for Regional WA of $59,973 and $74,392 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $57,156 (median) and $73,259 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows personal income ranks at the 44th percentile ($779 weekly), while household income sits at the 24th percentile. Income analysis reveals 30.3% of the population (1,558 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring the metropolitan region where 31.1% occupy this bracket. Housing costs are manageable with 92.1% retained, though disposable income sits below average at the 35th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Wagin, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 96.1% houses and 3.9% 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 Wagin was well beyond that of Regional WA, at 52.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (27.3%) or rented (20.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional WA average at $1,083, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $190, compared to Regional WA's $1,560 and $265. Nationally, Wagin's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 67.8% of all households, comprising 23.2% couples with children, 36.6% couples without children, and 7.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.2%, with lone person households at 29.6% and group households comprising 2.4% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Regional WA average of 2.5.

Wagin 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 (15.6%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 12.3%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 36.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (27.6%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.9% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 1.9% 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 10 active transport stops operating within Wagin, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 3 individual routes, collectively providing 33 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 5370 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 86%, with 9% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 19.0% 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 3 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Wagin faces significant health challenges, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover slightly lags that of the average SA2 area at approximately 52% of the total population (~2,680 people). This compares to 56.4% across Regional WA.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 10.9 and 7.2% of residents, respectively, while 66.1% 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 23.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,198 people), which is higher than the 19.2% in Regional WA. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than those of the general population.

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

Wagin was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 83.5% of its population being citizens, 85.6% born in Australia, and 97.1% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Wagin is Christianity, which makes up 48.1% of people in Wagin, compared to 44.6% across Regional WA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Wagin are English, comprising 37.1% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 31.3%, Australian, comprising 33.0% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 8.0% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maori is represented at 1.0% of Wagin (vs 1.0% regionally), New Zealand at 0.8% (vs 0.9%) and South Australian at 0.5% (vs 0.6%).

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

Wagin's median age of 47 years stands significantly above Regional WA's 40 as well as well above the 38-year national average. Relative to Regional WA, Wagin has a higher concentration of 65 - 74 residents (14.9%) but fewer 35 - 44 year-olds (11.8%). This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.5%. Since the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 9.1% to 11.9% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 8.0% to 9.0%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 16.8% to 15.0% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 13.3% to 11.6%. By 2041, Wagin is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 26% (162 people), reaching 777 from 614. On the other hand, the 75 to 84 and 65 to 74 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.