Withers - Usher

Withers - Usher is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Withers - Usher's population is approximately 5,510 as of November 2025. This figure represents a growth of 391 people, an increase of 7.6% since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 5,119. This change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,462 in June 2024 and an additional 46 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is around 670 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential for further development. Withers - Usher's growth rate of 7.6% since the census is close to the national average of 8.9%, demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 54.8% of overall population gains in recent periods, driving primary population growth.

AreaSearch uses 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 post-2032 growth, 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). Future population dynamics anticipate an above median growth for national non-metropolitan areas. By 2041, Withers - Usher is projected to increase by 1,148 persons, reflecting a total gain of 20.0% over the 17 years based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Withers - Usher recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Withers - Usher has averaged approximately 14 new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, a total of 74 homes were approved, with an additional 5 approved in FY26 as of now. On average, for every home built over these five years, there has been a demand for 3.3 new residents annually.

This high demand outpaces supply, which typically leads to upward pressure on prices and increased competition among buyers. The average construction value of new homes is $313,000, which is below regional levels, indicating more affordable housing options for buyers. In the current financial year, there have been $3.2 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to the rest of WA, Withers - Usher shows significantly reduced construction activity, with a 54.0% decrease below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes.

Relative to national averages, Withers - Usher also reflects lower construction levels, suggesting market maturity and potential development constraints. The new development in the area consists of approximately 83.0% standalone homes and 17.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 323 people per dwelling approval, Withers - Usher is showing signs of a developing market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the area is forecasted to gain approximately 1,100 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Withers - Usher has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 6thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 16 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Usher Residential Land Release, Bunbury Regional Hospital Redevelopment, Flynnwood Estate, and SWAMS Health Hub and Community Centre. The following list details those 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.

The labour market performance in Withers - Usher lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Withers - Usher employs a balanced mix of white and blue-collar workers, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominently featured. The unemployment rate in June 2025 was 10.0%, having grown by an estimated 5.5% over the past year.

As of this date, 2,517 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate stood at 6.8 percentage points higher than Rest of WA's rate of 3.2%. Workforce participation was lower in Withers - Usher at 53.6%, compared to Rest of WA's 59.4%. The leading employment industries among residents included health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Manufacturing stood out as a particular specialization with an employment share of 1.9 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing showed lower representation at 1.2% versus the regional average of 9.3%.

Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census data comparison between working population and resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 5.5%, while labour force grew by 5.4%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 10.0%. In contrast, Rest of WA saw employment rise by 1.1%, labour force grow by 0.5%, and unemployment fall to 9.4%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Withers - Usher's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 5.6% over five years and 12.4% over ten years.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The Withers - Usher SA2's median income among taxpayers was $42,121 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $54,144 during the same period. These figures are below those of Rest of WA, which had median and average incomes of $57,323 and $71,163 respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, estimates for September 2025 suggest the median income would be approximately $48,102 and the average income around $61,832. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Withers - Usher fall between the 9th and 11th percentiles nationally. In this area, 28.3% of the population (1,559 individuals) have incomes within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, similar to the metropolitan region where this cohort represents 31.1%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Withers - Usher, with only 81.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 9th percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Withers - Usher, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 81.4% houses and 18.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro WA's 88.1% houses and 11.8% other dwellings. The level of home ownership in Withers - Usher was 23.9%, with the remainder being mortgaged (35.1%) or rented (41.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,300, below Non-Metro WA's average of $1,616 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure was $250, compared to Non-Metro WA's $300 and the national figure of $375.

Withers - Usher features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 62.4% of all households, consisting of 20.0% couples with children, 23.1% couples without children, and 18.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 37.6%, with lone person households at 33.9% and group households comprising 3.8%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of WA average of 2.5.

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

The area has university qualification rates of 10.5%, 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 8.2%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.2%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.1%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 41.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (7.9%) and certificates (33.6%).

Educational participation is high, with 27.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.6% in primary education, 8.3% in secondary education, and 1.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 62 active stops operating in Withers - Usher, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by four distinct routes that together offer 226 weekly passenger trips. Residents have excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 178 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency is 32 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately three weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Withers - Usher is well below average with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Withers-Ushers face significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover stands at approximately 47%, covering about 2589 people, compared to Rest of WA's 54.1% and Australia's average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, impacting 12.5% and 10.8% respectively, while 59.2% report no medical ailments, lower than Rest of WA's 66.4%.

The area has 15.7%, or 862 people aged 65 and over, compared to Rest of WA's 17.6%. Seniors' health outcomes present challenges similar to the general population's profile.

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

Withers-Ushers' cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 84.9% of its population being citizens, 80.5% born in Australia, and 91.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 39.9% of people in Withers-Ushers, surveyed between September 2016 to June 2021. Islam was overrepresented, making up 1.0%, compared to 0.7% across Rest of WA during the same period.

The top three ancestry groups were English (31.5%), Australian (28.3%), and Scottish (7.4%). Notably, Maori (1.4%) and Filipino (1.9%) populations were higher than regional averages of 1.0% and 1.2%, respectively. Additionally, Australian Aboriginal representation was significantly higher at 5.0%.

Withers - Usher's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Withers-Ushers median age is 38 years, slightly below the Rest of WA average of 40 but in line with Australia's median age of 38. The 15-24 cohort makes up 12.7% of Withers-Ushers population, higher than the Rest of WA average, while those aged 75-84 are under-represented at 4.7%. Post-2021 Census, the 35-44 age group grew from 12.7% to 14.4%, and the 25-34 cohort increased from 12.7% to 13.9%. Conversely, the 65-74 age group decreased from 11.2% to 9.8%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 13.2% to 12.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Withers-Ushers age profile. The 25-34 cohort is projected to grow by 54%, adding 418 residents to reach 1,187. Meanwhile, both the 65-74 and 15-24 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.