Mckail (WA)

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Analysis of ABS population updates for the wider region and new address verifications by Districts since the Census indicates that the suburb of McKail has a population of approximately 4,332 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 362 people (9.1%) compared to the 2021 Census, which counted 3,970 people. The estimate is derived from a resident population of 4,306 calculated by Districts using the latest ABS ERP data release (June 2025) along with 92 validated new addresses registered since the Census date. This population size results in a density of 438 persons per square kilometer, which offers substantial space per individual and capacity for future housing projects. The 9.1% growth rate in the suburb of McKail since the 2021 census outpaced the SA3 region (8.8%), positioning it as a leading growth area locally. Natural increase was the primary contributor to population gains in recent times, accounting for roughly 37.0% of the growth, though all components including interstate and overseas migration remained positive.

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McKail has a balanced workforce distributed across professional and industrial roles, with strong representation in essential service sectors, and an unemployment rate of just 3.3% according to statistical area data aggregated by Districts. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 2,187, while the local unemployment rate was 0.2% lower than the Regional WA rate of 3.5%. Participation in the labor force stands at 68.0%, which is close to the Regional WA benchmark of 65.6%. Census data showed that a low 3.2% of working residents operated from home, though this may have been influenced by past pandemic restrictions.

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According to financial year 2023 ATO statistics compiled by Districts, tax-paying residents in McKail earn incomes comparable to national averages. The median taxpayer income is $53,065, while the average income is $66,883, compared to Regional WA figures of $59,973 and $74,392. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index increase of 10.93% since financial year 2023, estimated figures for March 2026 are approximately $58,865 for median income and $74,193 for average income. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in McKail sit in the moderate range, ranking between the 44th and 46th percentiles. The largest income group contains 40.3% of households, earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,745 residents), which aligns with the broader region where 31.1% fall into this bracket. Affordability pressures are significant, leaving households with of their income after housing costs, placing the area in the th percentile.

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At the time of the latest Census, the housing mix in McKail consisted of 98.2% standalone houses and 1.8% alternative dwellings like semi-detached homes or apartments, compared to 88.5% houses and 11.6% other options in Regional WA. Home ownership rates in McKail lagged the regional average, standing at 25.8%, with mortgaged properties accounting for 48.8% and rented homes making up 25.4% of dwellings. The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,622 was higher than the Regional WA average of $1,560, and the median weekly rent of $350 exceeded the regional figure of $265. Locally, mortgage costs remain below the national median of $1,863, and weekly rents are lower than the Australian benchmark of $375.

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Family units constitute 77.8% of local households, featuring couples with children at 36.7%, couples without children at 27.7%, and single parents at 12.2%. Non-family households represent the remaining 22.2%, consisting of lone person households at 19.1% and group shared homes at 3.2%. The typical household size is 2.8 individuals, which is larger than the Regional WA average of 2.5.

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Educational data shows lower rates of university attainment in the area, with 11.7% of residents holding a tertiary degree compared to the national average of 30.4%. Among these, bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.8%, followed by graduate diplomas at 1.7% and postgraduate degrees at 1.2%. Technical and vocational credentials are more common, with 46.2% of residents aged 15+ holding practical qualifications, consisting of 11.0% with advanced diplomas and 35.2% with certificates.

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Public transport services in McKail feature 5 active transit stops served by buses. These stops accommodate 1 distinct routes, which provide a total of 55 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is moderate, with homes situated an average of 546 meters from the nearest stop. The suburb is primarily residential, and 97% of commuting residents travel by private car. Households own an average of 1.8 vehicles, which exceeds the regional standard. A minor 3.2% of residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-era arrangements.

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Analysis of mortality rates and chronic disease indicators by Districts shows notable health issues in the community across various age demographics. The rate of private health insurance coverage is slightly above the average SA2 area, representing approximately 54% of the population (~2,328 people), compared to 56.4% across Regional WA.

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McKail has lower cultural diversity than typical areas, with 81.4% of residents born in Australia, 89.8% holding citizenship, and 90.2% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 44.1% of the population. The most prominent statistical divergence is in Judaism, which is recorded at no residents, matching the regional average of none.

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McKail has a median age of 34, making it younger than the Regional WA median of 40 and the Australian average of 38. The 15 - 24 age bracket is well represented at 14.9% of the population, whereas the 65 - 74 age group is smaller at 7.5%. Since 2021, the cohort aged 15 to 24 grew from 13.1% to 14.9%. In contrast, children aged 5 to 14 decreased from 16.1% to 14.6%, and residents aged 45 to 54 declined from 12.4% to 11.2%. Projections for 2041 indicate shifts in the local age structure, led by a increase in the to age group, which will grow by people to reach from . Conversely, the cohorts aged to and to are projected to shrink.

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McKail currently has an estimated 363 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 165 children aged 0-2 and 110 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 13% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 33% by 2041 (to approximately 482 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 460. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 12.2 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 30% of areas assessed nationally.