Waroona

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Waroona's population is around 4,585 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 351 people (8.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,234 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,537 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 40 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 5.5 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Over the past decade, Waroona has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 1.1% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the Rest of WA. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 66.7% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including overseas 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 utilizing the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Anticipating future population dynamics, an above-median population growth for Australia's non-metropolitan areas is projected, with the area expected to increase by 582 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 11.7% in total over the 17 years.

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

Waroona has experienced around 29 dwellings receiving development approval per year, with 145 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 18 so far in FY-26. At an average of 1.9 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), the market shows a good balance between supply and demand, supporting stable conditions, while new homes are being built at an average value of $287,000. Additionally, $2.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

When measured against the Rest of WA, Waroona has slightly more development (11.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. Further, recent development has been entirely comprised of standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 114 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

Population forecasts indicate Waroona will gain 534 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.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 2 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Waroona Energy Park (Solar and Battery Precinct), Railside Park, Waroona Town Centre Revitalisation, Myalup Offshore Windfarm, and Additional Australind Trains Procurement, 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.

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Employment performance in Waroona has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Waroona has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with the construction sector a particular standout in terms of representation, an unemployment rate of 5.5%, and 5.4% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 2,226 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.0% above Regional WA's rate of 3.5%, and workforce participation lags significantly (62.2% compared to Regional WA's 67.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 8.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are mining, construction, and manufacturing. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in manufacturing, with employment levels at 2.5 times the regional average. Conversely, accommodation and food services show lower representation at 3.5% versus the regional average of 7.1%. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 5.4% alongside the labour force increasing by 5.2%, resulting in unemployment falling by 0.2 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 Waroona. 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 Waroona's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.8% over five years and 11.1% 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 Waroona SA2's income level is higher than average nationally according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Waroona SA2's median income among taxpayers is $54,790 and the average income stands at $73,099, which compares to figures for Regional WA's of $59,973 and $74,392 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $60,061 (median) and $80,131 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Waroona all fall between the 14th and 20th percentiles nationally. The data shows the largest segment comprises 27.5% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,260 residents), mirroring regional levels where 31.1% occupy this bracket. After housing, 85.5% of income remains, though this ranks at only the 23rd percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure within Waroona, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 92.3% houses and 7.7% 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 Waroona was well beyond that of Regional WA, at 43.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (38.3%) or rented (18.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Regional WA average at $1,625, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $260, compared to Regional WA's $1,560 and $265. Nationally, Waroona's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 69.5% of all households, comprising 26.9% couples with children, 33.0% couples without children, and 9.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 30.5%, with lone person households at 27.9% and group households comprising 2.5% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people is smaller than the Regional WA average of 2.5.

Waroona 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 (9.3%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 7.1%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.3%) and postgraduate qualifications (0.9%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 45.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.3%) and certificates (36.3%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.7% in primary education, 8.9% in secondary education, and 1.8% 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 4 active transport stops operating within Waroona, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 4 individual routes, collectively providing 36 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 3172 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 89%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A relatively low 8.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 5 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 9 weekly trips per 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 data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Waroona residents, with AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions showing results broadly in line with national benchmarks. A fairly standard level of common health conditions is seen across both young and old age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 55% of the total population (~2,540 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 11.3 and 8.1% of residents, respectively, while 64.4% 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 21.0% of residents aged 65 and over (963 people), which is higher than the 19.2% in Regional WA. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Waroona was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 86.9% of its population being citizens, 80.5% born in Australia, and 93.6% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Waroona is Christianity, which makes up 50.7% of people in Waroona, compared to 44.6% across Regional WA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Waroona are English, comprising 33.7% of the population, Australian, comprising 28.3% of the population, and Italian, comprising 8.4% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 3.0%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: New Zealand is notably overrepresented at 0.9% of Waroona (vs 0.9% regionally), Maori at 0.8% (vs 1.0%) and Australian Aboriginal at 2.8% (vs 6.1%).

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

Waroona'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, Waroona has a higher concentration of 55 - 64 residents (17.1%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (9.8%). This 55 - 64 concentration is well above the national 11.2%. Since the 2021 Census, the 55 to 64 age group has grown from 15.5% to 17.1% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 11.4% to 12.6%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 14.8% to 12.1% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 13.6% to 12.2%. By 2041, Waroona is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 46% (205 people), reaching 656 from 450. On the other hand, the 75 to 84 and 15 to 24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.