Harvey (WA)

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According to ABS demographic updates and quarterly residential address checks from Districts since the Census, Harvey's population is estimated to have reached approximately 3,792 by May 2026. This represents a gain of 330 residents (9.5%) relative to the 2021 Census, when the count stood at 3,462 people. This shift is calculated from a resident base of 3,721, calculated by Districts using the latest ABS ERP figures from June 2025 alongside 36 validated new addresses registered post-Census. With these numbers, the local density stands at 57 persons per square kilometer, indicating a spacious residential environment. The suburb's 9.5% growth rate since the 2021 census paced ahead of the nationwide mark of 9.3%, placing it among the faster-growing regional localities. The population expansion was mostly underpinned by domestic relocation from other states, which made up roughly 51.0% of the net gains, though net overseas migration and natural increase also contributed positively.

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The local economy supports a diverse mix of blue-collar and professional roles, with a strong manufacturing footprint, a low unemployment rate of 2.9%, and employment growth estimated at 0.9% over the past year. In March 2026, the employed resident count stood at 1,879, with the jobless rate tracking 0.6% below the Regional WA average of 3.5%. Participation in the labor force is slightly lower than typical, standing at 61.5% compared to 65.6% for Regional WA. Census records show only 4.2% of the workforce worked from home, though this figure reflects the timing of pandemic-related restrictions.

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ATO data for the financial year 2023 shows local incomes align closely with national averages, with a median of $56,016 and an average of $68,073. This is slightly lower than the Regional WA figures, which show a median of $59,973 and an average of $74,392. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index increase of 10.93% since financial year 2023 suggests updated March 2026 figures of approximately $62,139 for median income and $75,513 for average income. In the 2021 Census, local household, family, and individual incomes ranked in the modest 30th to 37th percentiles. The weekly earnings bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 accounts for 31.7% of the community (1,202 individuals), matching the wider regional trend of 31.1% in this bracket. Discretionary income after housing costs is estimated at of total earnings.

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According to the Census, housing in Harvey is comprised of 93.0% detached houses and 7.0% other dwelling types like townhouses and apartments, compared to Regional WA's mix of 88.5% houses and 11.6% other properties. Home ownership rates are high, with 39.0% of residents owning their homes outright, while 30.3% have mortgages and 30.7% rent. The median monthly mortgage cost of $1,517 is lower than the Regional WA median of $1,560, while the weekly rent median of $280 is slightly higher than the regional average of $265. Locally, both mortgage payments and rents are lower than the national averages of $1,863 and $375 respectively.

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Families make up 69.3% of households, consisting of couples with children at 28.4%, couples without children at 29.0%, and single parents at 10.3%. The remaining 30.7% are non-family households, including lone-person households at 28.4% and group living situations at 2.2%. The average household size matches the Regional WA median of 2.5 people.

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Tertiary educational attainment is relatively low, with 15.1% of residents holding a university degree compared to the national average of 30.4%. Among degree holders, bachelor degrees represent 12.3%, graduate diplomas 1.6%, and postgraduate degrees 1.2%. Technical training is more common, with 37.8% of residents aged 15+ holding a vocational qualification, including 8.0% with advanced diplomas and 29.8% with certificates.

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Local health and mortality trends indicate some challenges, though private health coverage is relatively high at roughly 54% of the population, representing about 2,056 residents. This is slightly lower than the Regional WA average of 56.4%.

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The local population displays high cultural diversity, with 29.1% of residents born outside Australia and 22.2% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the dominant religion at 62.7%, which is higher than the Regional WA average of 44.6%.

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The median age of 44 years is higher than the Regional WA average of 40 and the national average of 38. The population aged 85+ is well represented at 4.4%, while children aged 5 - 14 are less common at 10.2%. Since the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age bracket increased from 12.7% to 14.8%, while the 5 to 14 cohort decreased from 12.4% to 10.2%. Projections to 2041 suggest the 25 to 34 cohort will grow by 37%, adding 209 residents to reach 771, while the 75 to and + cohorts are expected to decrease.

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Harvey currently has an estimated 208 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 116 children aged 0-2 and 76 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 18% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 38% by 2041 (to approximately 286 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 317. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 10.1 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.