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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Withers - Usher's population is around 5,496 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 377 people (7.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,119 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,462 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 46 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 668 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Withers - Usher's 7.4% growth since the census positions it within 2.5 percentage points of the national average (9.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 54.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 utilising 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 locations outside of capital cities is projected, with the area expected to expand by 1,148 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 20.3% in total over the 17 years.

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 around 14 new dwelling approvals per year, with 74 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 7 so far in FY-26. Given an average of 3.3 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is significantly outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers, while new homes are being built at an average value of $277,000. Additionally, $3.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting the area's residential character.

Compared to the Rest of WA, Withers - Usher shows substantially reduced construction (54.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. This level is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 83.0% detached houses and 17.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 323 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth.

Looking ahead, Withers - Usher is expected to grow by 1,114 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Withers - Usher has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 7thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 16 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Usher Residential Land Release, Bunbury Regional Hospital Redevelopment, SWAMS Health Hub and Community Centre, and Flynnwood 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.

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

Withers-Usher has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of 9.0%, and 5.0% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 2,558 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 5.5% above Regional WA's rate of 3.5%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (63.7% compared to Regional WA's 67.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 2.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care and social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in manufacturing, with employment levels at 1.9 times the regional average. Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry and fishing has a limited presence with 1.2% employment compared to 9.3% regionally. The 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, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 5.0% while the labour force increased by 5.2%, resulting in unemployment rising by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional WA, where employment rose by 1.0%, the labour force grew 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 Withers-Usher. 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 Withers-Usher's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.4% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Withers - Usher SA2's median income among taxpayers is $43,938, with an average of $56,634. This is below the national average, and compares to Regional WA's median of $59,973 and average of $74,392. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $48,165 (median) and $62,082 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Withers - Usher all fall between the 9th and 11th percentiles nationally. The data shows the largest segment comprises 28.3% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,555 residents), aligning with the region where this cohort likewise represents 31.1%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 9th percentile.

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

Dwelling structure within Withers - Usher, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 81.4% houses and 18.6% 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 Withers - Usher was lagging that of Regional WA, at 23.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (35.1%) or rented (41.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional WA average at $1,300, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $250, compared to Regional WA's $1,560 and $265. Nationally, Withers - Usher's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 62.4% of all households, comprising 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% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Regional 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (10.5%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 8.2%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.2%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.1%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 41.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (7.9%) and certificates (33.6%).

Educational participation is notably 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

Public transport analysis reveals 62 active transport stops operating within Withers - Usher, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 4 individual routes, collectively providing 226 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 178 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 92%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 2.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 32 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 3 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

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Withers-Usher, 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, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~2,610 people). This compares to 56.4% across Regional WA. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 12.5% and 10.8% of residents, respectively, while 59.2% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.3% across Regional WA. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 14.9% of residents aged 65 and over (818 people), which is lower than the 19.2% in Regional WA. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Withers-Usher was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 84.9% of its population being citizens, 80.5% born in Australia, and 91.7% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Withers-Usher is Christianity, which makes up 39.9% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Islam, which comprises 1.0% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Regional WA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Withers-Usher are English, comprising 31.5% of the population, Australian, comprising 28.3% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 7.4% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maori is notably overrepresented at 1.4% of Withers-Usher (vs 1.0% regionally), Australian Aboriginal at 5.0% (vs 6.1%) and Filipino at 1.9% (vs 1.2%).

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

At 38 years, Withers - Usher's median age is marginally below the Regional WA average of 40, though in line with the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Regional WA average, the 25 - 34 cohort is notably over-represented (14.8% locally), while 75 - 84 year-olds are under-represented (4.5%). Following the 2021 Census, younger residents have shifted the median age down by 1.2 years to 38. In particular, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 12.7% to 14.9% of the population, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 12.7% to 14.8%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 11.2% to 9.4% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 13.2% to 11.6%. Demographic modeling suggests Withers - Usher's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 46%, adding 374 residents to reach 1,187. Conversely, the 85+ cohort is projected to decline by 1 person.