Waroona

Waroona has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

According to the analysis by AreaSearch, the population of Waroona stands at approximately 4,665 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 431 residents (10.2%) relative to the 2021 Census, which recorded 4,234 individuals. The adjustment is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 4,665 in combination with 43 validated new addresses identified after the Census. The resulting population density is 5.6 persons per square kilometer, indicating a spacious environment for residents. Outperforming the national average of 9.3%, Waroona's 10.2% growth rate positions it as a leading growth area in the region. The primary driver of this demographic expansion was interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 70.6% of the total population growth, though other components including natural increase and overseas migration also made positive contributions.

AreaSearch incorporates projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia for individual SA2 regions, published in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 regions lacking this coverage, and to calculate growth beyond 2032, AreaSearch applies age cohort growth rates from the latest ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, which are based on 2022 data. Future demographic patterns suggest that regions situated outside capital cities will experience population growth above the median, with this specific area projected to add 563 residents by 2041 according to the most recent annual ERP statistics, representing a total expansion of 12.1% over the 16-year timeframe.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Waroona among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Waroona has averaged approximately 29 residential building approvals annually, resulting in 145 dwelling approvals over the recent 5 financial years (FY-21 to FY-25) and 27 recorded in FY-26 so far. Over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), an average of 2.4 residents moved to the area for every new dwelling built, pointing to consistent demand that helps maintain property values, with the average construction cost of new homes standing at $287,000. Furthermore, $2.4 million in commercial building approvals have been registered during this financial year, highlighting that the locality is predominantly residential.

Compared to the Rest of WA, development activity in Waroona is slightly elevated, running 11.0% above the regional average per capita over the 5-year timeframe, which supports local real estate values while ensuring sufficient options for purchasers. In addition, recent construction has consisted entirely of standalone residences, sustaining the low-density character of the area through detached dwellings that appeal to buyers seeking space. The region averages roughly 117 residents per approved dwelling, signaling a growing market.

Demographic projections indicate that Waroona's population will expand by 563 individuals by 2041, based on the latest quarterly figures from AreaSearch. The current rate of construction suggests housing supply is on track to satisfy local demand, establishing positive purchasing conditions for buyers and potentially supporting expansion that outpaces current projections.

Waroona has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 14thth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure projects, major planning, and development initiatives are key drivers of regional performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of 2 projects that are expected to influence this locality. Prominent projects include the Waroona Energy Park (Solar and Battery Precinct), Railside Park, Waroona Town Centre Revitalisation, Myalup Offshore Windfarm, and the Additional Australind Trains Procurement, with the following list detailing the most significant initiatives.

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Employment drivers in Waroona are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

The local workforce is evenly divided between blue-collar and white-collar roles, with a high concentration of workers in the construction industry, an unemployment rate of 5.7%, and an estimated annual job growth rate of 0.8%. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 2,186, while the local unemployment rate sat 2.1% higher than the Regional WA average of 3.5%, and labor force participation was notably lower at 59.6% compared to the 65.6% recorded across Regional WA. Census data showed that a minor 8.0% of the workforce worked from home, though this figure may have been affected by COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

The primary sectors employing local residents are mining, construction, and manufacturing. The manufacturing sector is particularly prominent, employing residents at 2.5 times the regional average rate. By contrast, accommodation & food services is underrepresented, accounting for 3.5% of employment compared to the regional average of 7.1%. Although there are local employment options, a comparison of the local jobs count to the resident workforce suggests a significant number of people travel outside the area to work.

Analysis of ABS and SALM data by AreaSearch shows that during the 12-month period, employment rose by 0.8% and the labor force grew by 1.0%, leading to a 0.1 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate. This differs from Regional WA, which recorded a 0.1% decline in employment, a 0.3% rise in the labor force, and a 0.4 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate. National employment projections released in May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia help clarify potential future trends in Waroona. These five and ten-year forecasts have been applied to the local workforce structure to model future growth. Nationally, employment is projected to rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though rates vary by sector. Applying these industry projections to the local employment mix yields an estimated local job growth of 4.8% over five years and 11.1% over ten years, representing a basic weighted extrapolation that does not incorporate local population forecasts.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Tax data from the ATO, compiled by AreaSearch for the 2023 financial year, indicates that the Waroona SA2 features higher income levels than the national average. Taxpayers in the Waroona SA2 registered a median income of $54,790 and an average income of $73,099, compared to $59,973 and $74,392 respectively in Regional WA. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for March 2026 would be around $60,779 for the median and $81,089 for the average. In the 2021 Census, household, family, and individual incomes in Waroona ranked between the 14th and 20th percentiles nationwide. The largest income group comprises 27.5% of households earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,282 residents), which aligns closely with the 31.1% observed regionally. After accounting for housing costs, residents retain 85.5% of their income, placing the area in the 23rd percentile nationally for this metric.

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

Data from the latest Census shows that the housing stock in Waroona is made up of 92.3% standalone houses and 7.7% other housing formats (including townhouses, apartments, and alternative dwellings), compared to Regional WA where standalone houses represent 88.5% and other structures represent 11.6%. The rate of home ownership in Waroona stands at 43.6%, which is higher than the rate in Regional WA, with the remaining dwellings split between homes with a mortgage (38.3%) and rental properties (18.1%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,625 is higher than the Regional WA average of $1,560, whereas the median weekly rent of $260 is slightly below the regional average of $265. Locally, mortgage payments are lower than the national median of $1,863, and weekly rents are also well below the Australian median of $375.

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

Families make up the largest share of local households at 69.5%, consisting of couples with children at 26.9%, couples without children at 33.0%, and single-parent households at 9.1%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 30.5%, with single-person households representing 27.9% and group households making up 2.5%. The average household size of 2.4 persons is slightly below the Regional WA average of 2.5.

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

Educational attainment in the region is relatively low, with university completion rates at 9.3% compared to the national average of 30.4%, pointing to a key focus area for future education programs. Bachelor degrees account for 7.1% of qualifications, followed by graduate diplomas at 1.3% and postgraduate degrees at 0.9%. Vocational and technical training is highly represented, with 45.6% of residents aged 15+ holding trade qualifications, comprising advanced diplomas at 9.3% and certificates at 36.3%.

Engagement in learning is strong, with 27.0% of the population enrolled in formal studies. Within this student group, 10.7% attend primary schools, 8.9% are in secondary education, and 1.8% are enrolled in tertiary programs.

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

Analysis of transit options indicates there are 4 active bus stops operating in Waroona. These locations are served by 4 distinct routes, which provide a total of 36 weekly passenger journeys. Public transport access is classified as limited, with residents living an average of 3172 meters from the nearest stop. The region is mostly residential and many workers travel outside the area, with private vehicles remaining the primary commute mode for 89% of workers. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.8 cars per home, which is above the regional average. A small proportion of residents, 8.0%, worked from home according to the 2021 Census, a figure that may reflect pandemic conditions.

Bus routes in the area average 5 trips per day, which translates to roughly 9 weekly passenger trips for each individual stop.

Waroona's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health indicators show favorable outcomes for the population of Waroona. The analysis of health conditions and mortality rates by AreaSearch indicates results that are consistent with national trends, showing typical rates of common medical conditions across both younger and older cohorts, alongside a high level of private health insurance coverage held by roughly 55% of residents (~2,584 people).

Arthritis and mental health concerns are the most frequently reported medical conditions in the region, affecting 11.3% and 8.1% of the population, respectively, while 64.4% of residents reported having no chronic health issues, compared to 69.3% across Regional WA. Residents of working age exhibit a higher than average occurrence of chronic health issues. Seniors aged 65 and over constitute 22.6% of the local population (1,055 people), which exceeds the Regional WA average of 19.2%. The health status of this older cohort is favorable, showing national rankings that align with the broader public.

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

Waroona displays lower cultural diversity than average, with citizens making up 86.9% of the population, Australian-born residents accounting for 80.5%, and English-only speakers representing 93.6% of households. The predominant religious affiliation is Christianity, representing 50.7% of the population, compared to 44.6% in Regional WA.

Looking at parent birthplaces, the largest ancestral backgrounds in Waroona are English at 33.7%, Australian at 28.3%, and Italian at 8.4%, with the Italian representation notably exceeding the regional average of 3.0%. Other ancestral variations are present, with New Zealand ancestry at 0.9% of the population (matching 0.9% regionally), Maori ancestry at 0.8% (compared to 1.0% regionally), and Australian Aboriginal ancestry at 2.8% (compared to 6.1% regionally).

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

The median age in Waroona is 48 years, which is older than the Regional WA average of 40 and the national figure of 38. The 55 - 64 age bracket is highly represented locally at 17.1% compared to Regional WA, while the 25 - 34 bracket is lower at 9.4%. This local 55 - 64 concentration is higher than the national figure of 11.2%. Since 2021, the 55 to 64 group has increased from 15.5% to 17.1% of the population, while the 65 to 74 group fell from 14.8% to 12.9% and the 45 to 54 cohort decreased from 13.6% to 12.3%. Projections for 2041 suggest significant demographic shifts, with the 25 to 34 age group expected to increase by 204 people (46%) from 438 to 643, while the 75 to 84 and 15 to 24 age groups are projected to decrease.