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

The population of Withers - Usher is around 5,496 as of February 2026. This reflects an increase from the 2021 Census figure of 5,119 people, indicating a growth of 377 individuals (7.4%). 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 stands at 668 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person. Withers - Usher's growth rate of 7.4% since the census is within 2.5 percentage points of the national average (9.9%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 54.8% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth in the area.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and employs growth rates by age cohort from the ABS's latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for areas not covered. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above median growth is projected for locations outside capital cities. By 2041, Withers - Usher is expected to expand by 1,148 persons, reflecting a total increase of 20.3% 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 per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 74 homes were approved, with an additional 7 approved so far in FY-26. This averages out to around 3.3 new residents arriving per dwelling constructed annually over these five years.

The demand for housing significantly outweighs the supply, which typically leads to upward pressure on prices and increased competition among buyers. The average value of new homes being built is approximately $277,000. In FY-26, there have been $3.2 million in commercial development approvals recorded, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to the rest of WA, Withers - Usher shows a significantly reduced rate of construction, with 54.0% fewer dwelling approvals per person than the regional average. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes.

The area's construction level is also below the national average, reflecting its maturity and potentially indicating planning constraints. Recent construction comprises predominantly detached houses at 83.0%, with townhouses or apartments making up the remaining 17.0%. This preserves the area's low-density nature and attracts space-seeking buyers. There are approximately 323 people per dwelling approval in Withers - Usher, indicating potential room for growth. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the location is expected to grow by 1,114 residents through to 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag behind 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

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 16 projects that are likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Usher Residential Land Release, Bunbury Regional Hospital Redevelopment, SWAMS Health Hub and Community Centre, and Flynnwood Estate. The following list details those projects most relevant to the area.

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 with representation from both white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent, with an unemployment rate of 9.0% as of September 2025. The area saw estimated employment growth of 6.5% over the past year.

As of September 2025, 2,558 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 5.8%, which is above Rest of WA's rate of 3.3%. Workforce participation was somewhat below standard at 63.8% compared to Rest of WA's 67.2%. Only 2.4% of residents worked from home, according to Census responses. Employment in Withers - Usher is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Notably, manufacturing employment levels are at 1.9 times the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with only 1.2% employment compared to the regional average of 9.3%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 6.5% while labour force grew by 5.9%, resulting in a 0.5 percentage point decrease in unemployment. In contrast, Rest of WA saw employment rise by 1.4%, labour force grow by 1.2%, and unemployment fall by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is expected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Withers - Usher's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.4% over ten years, though these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Withers - Usher SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $43,938 and an average of $56,634. This is below the national average. Rest of WA had a median income of $59,973 and an average of $74,392 during this period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $48,165 (median) and $62,082 (average). Census 2021 data indicates Withers - Usher's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 9th and 11th percentiles nationally. The largest income segment is 28.3% earning $1,500 to $2,999 weekly, with 1,555 residents in this cohort. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.7% of income remaining, 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 latest Census evaluated Withers - Usher's dwelling structure as 81.4% houses and 18.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Non-Metro WA had 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Withers - Usher was at 23.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.1% and rented ones at 41.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Non-Metro WA's average of $1,560. Weekly rent in Withers - Usher was $250, compared to Non-Metro WA's $265. Nationally, Withers - Usher's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,300 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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 account for 62.4% of all households, including 20.0% couples with children, 23.1% couples without children, and 18.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute 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's university qualification rate is 10.5%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.2%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.2%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.1%). Vocational credentials are held by 41.5% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 7.9% and certificates at 33.6%. Educational participation is high, with 27.5% currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.6% in primary, 8.3% in secondary, and 1.9% in tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates 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. Car remains the dominant mode at 92%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 2.4% of residents work from home, which 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 from Withers - Usher shows significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, impacting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 48% of the total population (~2,610 people), compared to 56.4% in Rest of WA and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis were found to be the most common medical conditions, affecting 12.5% and 10.8% of residents respectively. However, 59.2% of residents reported having no medical ailments, compared to 69.3% in Rest of WA. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. The area has 14.9% of residents aged 65 and over (818 people), lower than the 19.2% in Rest of 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-Urser had a cultural diversity index below average, with 84.9% of its population being citizens and 80.5% born in Australia. English was spoken exclusively at home by 91.7%. Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 39.9%.

Islam was overrepresented compared to Rest of WA, comprising 1.0% versus 0.8%. The top three parental ancestry groups were English (31.5%), Australian (28.3%), and Scottish (7.4%). Notable differences existed in Maori representation at 1.4%, Australian Aboriginal at 5.0%, and Filipino at 1.9%, compared to regional averages of 1.0%, 6.1%, and 1.2% respectively.

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

At age 38 years, Withers - Usher's median age is slightly below the Rest of WA average of 40 but aligns with Australia's median age of 38. Compared to the Rest of WA average, residents aged 25-34 are notably over-represented at 14.8%, while those aged 75-84 are under-represented at 4.5%. Post the 2021 Census, younger residents have lowered the median age by 1.2 years to 38. Specifically, the 35-44 age group has increased from 12.7% to 14.9%, and the 25-34 cohort has risen from 12.7% to 14.8%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort has decreased from 11.2% to 9.4%, and the 45-54 group has dropped from 13.2% to 11.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling indicates Withers - Usher's age profile will significantly change. The 25-34 cohort is projected to grow by 46%, adding 374 residents to reach 1,187. Conversely, the 85+ cohort is expected to decline by 1 person.