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

Wagin's population was around 5,168 as of November 2025. This reflected an increase of 309 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,859 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,058 from the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 64 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equated to a density ratio of 0.50 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Wagin demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a -0.1% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 51.1% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and post-2032 growth estimation, AreaSearch utilized growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Population projections expected a median increase for non-metropolitan areas nationally, with Wagin expected to increase by 290 persons to 2041, representing a total increase of 3.5% 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 approximately 13 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 66 homes. In FY2025 to date, there have been 5 approvals recorded. Each dwelling built resulted in an average of 2.2 new residents per year between FY2021 and FY2025. The average construction cost for new homes was $253,000.

There were $9.1 million in commercial approvals in the current financial year. Wagin's construction rates are similar to those of the Rest of WA but below the national average, suggesting established development patterns and potential planning limitations. All new constructions have been detached dwellings, maintaining the area's low-density character. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 555 people.

By 2041, Wagin is projected to grow by 180 residents. Current construction levels should meet demand, creating favourable buying conditions and potentially exceeding current growth forecasts.

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

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified 29 potential impact projects. Key initiatives are Darkan Swimming Pool Upgrade, Darkan Railway Reserve Upgrade, Regional Road Infrastructure Upgrades, and Narrogin BESS Project. Relevant details follow.

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

Wagin has a balanced workforce with representation across various sectors. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 1.0%.

The unemployment rate in Wagin is 2.1% lower than the Rest of WA's rate of 3.2%, and workforce participation is similar to the regional average of 59.4%. Major industries employing residents include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Notably, employment in agriculture, forestry & fishing is significantly higher than the regional level, with a share 4.3 times greater. However, mining has limited presence in Wagin, with only 3.8% of residents employed in this sector compared to the regional average of 11.7%.

Over the past year, from June 2024 to June 2025, the labour force decreased by 1.6%, and employment declined by 0.1% in Wagin. This resulted in a decrease in unemployment rate by 1.4 percentage points. In comparison, the Rest of WA saw an increase in employment by 1.1%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project that overall employment will grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Wagin's current employment mix suggests a potential local growth of approximately 4.6% over five years and 10.7% over ten years.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

Wagin's median income among taxpayers was $53,844 during financial year 2022. The average income stood at $66,725 in the same period. These figures compare to the Rest of WA's median and average incomes of $57,323 and $71,163 respectively. Based on a 14.2% growth rate according to the Wage Price Index from financial year 2022 to September 2025, estimated median income is approximately $61,490 and average income is around $76,200 by that date. Census 2021 data shows personal income ranks at the 45th percentile with weekly earnings of $779, while household income sits at the 24th percentile. Income analysis reveals that 30.3% of Wagin's population (1,565 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to metropolitan regions where 31.1% occupy this bracket. Housing costs allow for retention of 92.1% of income, but disposable income ranks below average at the 35th percentile. 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

Wagin's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.1% houses and 3.9% other types (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). Non-Metro WA had 95.1% houses and 4.9% others. Home ownership in Wagin was 52.4%, with mortgages at 27.3% and rentals at 20.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, below Non-Metro WA's $1,105. Median weekly rent in Wagin was $190, compared to Non-Metro WA's $200. Nationally, Wagin's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,083 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 67.8 percent of all households, including 23.2 percent couples with children, 36.6 percent couples without children, and 7.3 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 32.2 percent, with lone person households making up 29.6 percent and group households comprising 2.4 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of WA.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 15.6%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 12.3%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.5%). Vocational credentials are held by 36.4% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 8.8% and certificates at 27.6%. Educational participation is high, with 27.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 12.9% in primary, 7.6% in secondary, and 1.9% in tertiary education. Wagin has three schools with a combined enrollment of 399 students, operating under typical Australian conditions (ICSEA: 981) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes two primary and one K-12 school. School places per 100 residents are lower than the regional average at 7.7, indicating some students may attend schools in nearby areas.

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

The analysis of public transport in Wagin shows that there are nine active transport stops currently operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with three individual routes providing service to the area. Together, these routes offer 33 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport is rated as limited, with residents typically located approximately 5374 meters from the nearest transport stop. On average, services run four times per day across all routes, which equates to about three 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 with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 52% of the total population (~2,708 people), leading that of the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, impacting 10.9 and 7.2% of residents respectively. Sixty-six point one percent of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 65.6% across Rest of WA. The area has 23.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,222 people), which is higher than the 21.7% in Rest of WA. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Wagin's population showed low cultural diversity, with 83.5% citizens, 85.6% born in Australia, and 97.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 48.1%, compared to 49.0% regionally. The top three ancestral groups were English (37.1%), Australian (33.0%), and Scottish (8.0%).

Notably, Maori (1.0%) and South African (0.5%) were underrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.8% and 0.6%, respectively.

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

Wagin's median age is 47 years, which is significantly higher than Rest of WA's 40 years and the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of WA, Wagin has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (15.0%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (11.4%). The percentage of residents aged 65-74 in Wagin is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of residents aged 25 to 34 has increased from 9.1% to 11.3%, while the proportions of residents aged 55 to 64 have decreased from 16.8% to 15.3% and those aged 45 to 54 have dropped from 13.3% to 11.9%. By 2041, Wagin's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 33%, reaching 777 people from the current 582. Conversely, the populations of the 75 to 84 and 65 to 74 age groups are expected to decline.