Willagee

Population growth drivers in Willagee are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Willagee's population is around 6,288 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 841 people (15.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,447 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,075 from the ABS as of June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 3,008 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Willagee's 15.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 54.7% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including overseas migration and natural growth, were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts 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 utilizes the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Regarding demographic trends, an above-median population growth relative to national areas is projected, with the area expected to grow by 985 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 12.3% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Willagee among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Willagee has seen around 50 new homes approved each year, with 252 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 29 so far in FY-26. With an average of 2.9 new residents per year gained for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), indicating healthy demand that should support property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $252,000. Additionally, $2.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

When measured against Greater Perth, Willagee has slightly more development (41.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), balancing buyer choice with support for current property values, though building activity has slowed in recent years. New building activity shows 69.0% detached houses and 31.0% medium and high-density housing, showing an expanding range of medium-density options creating a mix of opportunities across price brackets, from traditional family housing to more affordable compact alternatives. With around 167 people per dwelling approval, Willagee shows characteristics of a growth area.

Population forecasts indicate Willagee will gain 772 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Willagee has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 29thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 0 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Kardinya Park Shopping Centre Redevelopment, Kardinya District Centre Precinct Structure Plan, Fremantle to Murdoch and Cockburn Central Transport Capacity, and Santa Clara Estate, 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.

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.

Willagee shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Willagee possesses a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 5.8%, and 0.8% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 3,298 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.7% above Greater Perth's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (69.1% compared to Greater Perth's 71.9%). Based on Census responses, a low 8.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in education & training, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. Conversely, mining shows lower representation at 5.4% versus the regional average of 7.0%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.8% and the labour force increased by 0.8%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. In contrast, Greater Perth experienced employment growth of 2.3% and labour force growth of 2.6%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Willagee. 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 Willagee's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Willagee SA2 is exceptionally high nationally, with the median assessed at $66,697 while the average income stands at $103,695. This contrasts to Greater Perth's figures of a median income of $60,748 and an average income of $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $73,113 (median) and $113,670 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Willagee cluster around the 50th percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 28.0% of the community (1,760 individuals), aligning with the surrounding region where this cohort likewise represents 32.0%. A diverse economic landscape emerges with both lower-income residents (30.4%) and affluent households (25.1%) well-represented. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.0% of income remaining, ranking at the 43rd percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Willagee is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Willagee, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 79.4% houses and 20.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Perth metro's 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Willagee was lagging that of Perth metro, at 20.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (42.9%) or rented (37.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Perth metro average at $1,967, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $283, compared to Perth metro's $1,907 and $350. Nationally, Willagee's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Willagee features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 62.6% of all households, comprising 26.0% couples with children, 20.6% couples without children, and 14.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 37.4%, with lone person households at 32.8% and group households comprising 4.5% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Educational attainment in Willagee aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

Educational qualifications in Willagee trail regional benchmarks, with 32.8% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 42.3% in the SA3 area. This gap highlights the potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 22.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.8%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 32.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (21.4%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.3% of residents aged 15+ currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.4% in primary education, 8.4% in secondary education, and 5.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 33 active transport stops operating within Willagee, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 3 individual routes, collectively providing 496 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 159 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 83%, with 8% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 8.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 70 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 15 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Willagee is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Critical health challenges are evident across Willagee, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A range of health conditions have marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts, while the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 72% of the total population (4,546 people). This compares to 59.0% across Greater Perth and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 10.6% and 7.5% of residents, respectively, while 67.0% of residents declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 18.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,138 people), which is higher than the 16.3% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Willagee was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Willagee was found to be above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 13.8% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 26.9% born overseas. The main religion in Willagee is Christianity, which makes up 40.6% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Islam, which comprises 1.6% of the population, compared to 3.2% across Greater Perth.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Willagee are English, comprising 28.0% of the population, Australian, comprising 24.8% of the population, and Other, comprising 9.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Croatian is notably overrepresented at 1.1% of Willagee (vs 0.8% regionally), New Zealand at 1.1% (vs 0.8%) and French at 0.7% (vs 0.5%).

Willagee's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

With a median age of 37, Willagee is equal to the Greater Perth figure of 37 and remains comparable to Australia's 38 years. The 85+ age group shows strong representation at 3.6% compared to Greater Perth, whereas the 5 - 14 cohort is less prevalent at 10.8%. Since 2021, the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 7.4% to 8.7% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 14.3% to 15.3%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 13.1% to 10.8%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Willagee's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 78% (283 people), reaching 646 from 362. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 64% of projected growth. On the other hand, the 0 to 4 and 15 to 24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.