Waroona
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Waroona's population is around 4,558 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase of 324 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,234. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,537 in June 2024 and an additional 35 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 5.5 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Waroona has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.1%, outpacing the non-metro area. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 66.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch utilises growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth of locations outside capital cities is projected. The area is expected to grow by 582 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, recording a gain of 12.3% in total over the 17 years.

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

Waroona has received approximately 29 dwelling approvals per year. The Australian Bureau of Statistics provides development approval data on a financial year basis. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, Waroona had 145 dwelling approvals, with an additional four approved in FY26 so far. On average, 1.9 new residents have arrived per new home over these five financial years.

This indicates a balanced supply and demand, leading to stable market conditions. The average construction cost of new properties is $361,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY26, there have been $2.4 million in commercial approvals, reflecting Waroona's primarily residential nature.

Compared to the Rest of WA, Waroona has recorded slightly higher construction levels, with an 11.0% increase per person over the five-year period. This preserves reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. All recent development in Waroona has consisted of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character and focusing on family homes that appeal to those seeking space. With approximately 114 people per approval, Waroona is considered a developing area. Future projections indicate that Waroona will add around 561 residents by 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth beyond current forecasts.

Waroona has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 17thth percentile nationally

AreaSearch has identified two projects that could impact the area significantly due to their potential influence on local infrastructure. Key projects include Waroona Energy Park (Solar & Battery Precinct), Railside Park, Waroona Town Centre Revitalisation, Myalup Offshore Windfarm, and Additional Australind Trains Procurement. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Waroona recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Waroona has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent with an unemployment rate of 6.0% and estimated employment growth of 6.3% in the past year as of June 2025.

There are 2,217 residents employed with an unemployment rate of 2.8% higher than Rest of WA's 3.2%. Workforce participation is lower at 53.2% compared to Rest of WA's 59.4%. Key employment sectors include mining, construction, and manufacturing, with manufacturing being particularly notable at 2.5 times the regional average. However, accommodation & food services employ only 3.5% of local workers, below Rest of WA's 7.1%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. In the 12 months prior to June 2025, employment increased by 6.3% and labour force grew by 5.5%, reducing unemployment by 0.7 percentage points. By contrast, Rest of WA had employment growth of 1.1%, labour force growth of 0.5%, and unemployment fell by 0.6 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across sectors. Applying these projections to Waroona's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 4.8%% over five years and 11.1% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Waroona had a median income among taxpayers of $51,260 in financial year 2022. The average level stood at $69,956 during this period. This was higher than the national average and compared to levels of $57,323 and $71,163 across Rest of WA respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Waroona would be approximately $57,211 (median) and $78,078 (average) as of March 2025. Census data reveals that household, family and personal incomes in Waroona all fall between the 14th and 21st percentiles nationally. Income analysis shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 27.5% of residents (1,253 people), reflecting patterns seen in the region where 31.1% similarly occupy this range. After housing costs, 85.5% of income remains, ranking at only the 23rd percentile nationally.

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

Waroona's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 92.3% houses and 7.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro WA had 88.1% houses and 11.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Waroona was at 43.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.3% and rented ones at 18.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,625, higher than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,616. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $260, lower than Non-Metro WA's average of $300. Nationally, Waroona's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

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

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

The area's university qualification rate is 9.3%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 7.1%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.3%) and postgraduate qualifications (0.9%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 45.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 9.3% and certificates at 36.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 10.7% in primary, 8.9% in secondary, and 1.8% in tertiary education. Educational provision includes St Joseph's School and Waroona District High School, serving a total of 445 students. The educational mix comprises one primary school and one K-12 school. There are 9.8 school places per 100 residents, below the regional average of 17.1, with some students likely attending schools in adjacent areas.

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

Waroona has four operational public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are served by four different routes, offering a total of 36 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility in Waroona is considered limited, with residents usually located 3172 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are five daily trips across all routes, equating to roughly nine weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Waroona faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover stands at approximately 54%, covering around 2,479 people. The most common medical conditions include arthritis (11.3% of residents) and mental health issues (8.1%). Conversely, 64.4% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.4% across the Rest of WA. As of 2019, Waroona has 21.7% of its population aged 65 and over (990 people), higher than the state average of 17.6%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Waroona are above average, outperforming the general population in various health metrics.

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

Waroona had a cultural diversity index below the average, with 86.9% of its population being citizens, 80.5% born in Australia, and 93.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 50.7% of Waroona's population, compared to 45.9% across the Rest of WA. The top three ancestry groups were English (33.7%), Australian (28.3%), and Italian (8.4%).

Notably, New Zealand (0.9%) and Maori (0.8%) were overrepresented in Waroona compared to regional figures of 0.8% and 1.0%, respectively. Additionally, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher at 2.8% in Waroona than the regional average of 2.4%.

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

Waroona's median age is 47 years, significantly higher than Rest of WA's 40 and above the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of WA, Waroona has a higher percentage of residents aged 55-64 (16.8%), but fewer residents aged 25-34 (9.2%). This concentration in the 55-64 age group is well above the national average of 11.2%. Between the 2021 Census and the current time, the percentage of Waroona's population aged 55 to 64 has increased from 15.5% to 16.8%, while the 15-24 age group has increased from 9.8% to 11.0%. Conversely, the 65-74 age group has decreased from 14.8% to 12.3%, and the 45-54 age group has dropped from 13.6% to 12.3%. By 2041, Waroona's age composition is expected to change notably. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 56% (236 people), reaching 656 from 419. Meanwhile, the 5-14 and 75-84 age groups are expected to experience population declines.