Wagin

Wagin has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

As of Nov 2025, Wagin's population is approximately 5168. This figure represents an increase of 309 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 4859 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5058 in June 2024 and an additional 64 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 0.50 persons per square kilometer, indicating ample space per person. Over the past decade, Wagin has shown resilient growth patterns with a -0.1% compound annual growth rate, outperforming the SA3 area. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 51.1% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all factors including interstate migration and natural growth were positive.

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 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 ahead, a population increase just below the median of non-metropolitan areas nationally is expected, with an anticipated increase of 290 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of approximately 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 received approximately 13 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 66 homes. So far in the financial year 2026 (FY-26), 5 approvals have been recorded. Each dwelling built since FY-21 to FY-25 has resulted in an average of 2.2 new residents annually, indicating strong demand that supports property values. The average construction cost for these dwellings is $253,000, aligning with broader regional development trends.

This year, there have been $9.1 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited focus on commercial development. Compared to the Rest of WA, Wagin maintains similar construction rates per person, contributing to market stability and reflecting regional patterns. However, these rates are below the national average, indicating an established area with potential planning limitations. All new constructions have been detached dwellings, preserving Wagin's traditional low-density character and appealing to those seeking family homes with space.

The estimated population density is 555 people per dwelling approval, reflecting a quiet development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Wagin is projected to grow by 180 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth beyond current forecasts.

Wagin has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 30thth percentile nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified 29 potential impact projects in total. Notable initiatives include Darkan Swimming Pool Upgrade, Darkan Railway Reserve Upgrade, Regional Road Infrastructure Upgrades, and Narrogin BESS Project. The following details projects likely most relevant.

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 Wagin demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Wagin has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, diverse sector representation, and an unemployment rate of 1.4% as of September 2025. There are 2,721 residents employed, with the unemployment rate being 1.9% lower than Rest of WA's 3.3%.

Workforce participation is similar to Rest of WA's 59.4%. Leading employment industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Wagin specializes in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share 4.3 times the regional level, while mining has limited presence at 3.8% compared to region's 11.7%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as seen by Census working population vs resident population comparison.

In the 12-month period ending September 2025, labour force decreased by 4.5%, employment declined by 3.9%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.6 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of WA where employment grew by 1.4% and labour force expanded by 1.2%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections suggest Wagin's employment should increase by 4.6% over five years and 10.7% over ten years.

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

The Wagin SA2's income level is above the national average according to AreaSearch data aggregated from ATO records for financial year 2022. The median income among taxpayers in Wagin SA2 was $53,844 and the average income stood at $66,725. This compares to figures of $57,323 (median) and $71,163 (average) for Rest of WA. Based on a 14.2% growth in wages since financial year 2022, current estimates suggest the median income would be approximately $61,490 and the average around $76,200 by September 2025. According to Census data from 2021, personal income ranks at the 44th percentile ($779 weekly), while household income is at the 24th percentile. Income analysis shows that 30.3% of Wagin SA2's population (1,565 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the metropolitan region where 31.1% occupy this bracket. Housing costs consume less than half of income for most residents, with 92.1% retained after housing expenses. However, disposable income is below average at the 35th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

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

In Wagin, as per the latest Census evaluation, 96.1% of dwellings were houses while 3.9% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro WA's 95.1% houses and 4.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wagin stood at 52.4%, with mortgaged properties accounting for 27.3% and rented ones at 20.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, lower than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,105. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent in Wagin was $190 compared to Non-Metro WA's $200. Nationally, Wagin's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,083 against Australia's average of $1,863, while 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, consisting of 23.2 percent couples with children, 36.6 percent couples without children, and 7.3 percent single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.2 percent, with lone person households at 29.6 percent and group households comprising 2.4 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which matches 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 the most common at 12.3%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 36.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (27.6%). Educational participation is 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

Transport analysis shows nine active public transport stops in Wagin, operated by a mix of buses. These stops are served by three different routes, offering 33 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is rated limited, with residents on average located 5374 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages four trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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 in Wagin is approximately 52%, leading that of the average SA2 area (~2,708 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, impacting 10.9% and 7.2% of residents respectively. Sixty-six point one percent declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 65.6% across Rest of WA. Twenty-three point six percent of residents are aged 65 and over (1,222 people), higher than the 21.7% in Rest of WA. Health outcomes among seniors are 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 cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 83.5% of its population being citizens, 85.6% born in Australia, and 97.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Wagin, comprising 48.1% of people, compared to 49.0% across the Rest of WA. The top three ancestry groups were English (37.1%), Australian (33.0%), and Scottish (8.0%).

Notably, Maori were overrepresented at 1.0%, compared to 0.8% regionally, New Zealanders at 0.8%, versus 0.9%, and South Africans at 0.5%, compared to 0.6%.

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

Wagin's median age is 47 years, significantly higher than Rest of WA's 40 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%). This 65-74 concentration is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 25 to 34 has grown from 9.1% to 11.3%, while the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 16.8% to 15.3% and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 13.3% to 11.9%. By 2041, Wagin's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 33%, increasing from 582 to 777 people. Conversely, the 75 to 84 and 65 to 74 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.