Merredin (WA)

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Based on evaluations of ABS population updates for the wider region, and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census, Merredin's population is estimated at around 2,844 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 240 people (9.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,604 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,842, estimated by Districts following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 11.4 persons per square kilometer, a level providing ample space per person. Merredin's 9.2% growth since census positions it within 0.1 percentage points of the national average (9.3%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 81.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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The workforce of the suburb of Merredin is balanced across professional and trade roles, with diverse representation across industries and an unemployment rate of only 3.9%, according to Districts aggregates of local data. As of March 2026, 1,454 residents are employed, which is 0.4% higher than the Regional WA unemployment rate of 3.5%, while the workforce participation rate aligns closely with the Regional WA figure of 65.6%. Census figures indicate that a low 4.2% of residents worked from home, though this may have been influenced by COVID-19 restrictions.

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The level of income in the suburb of Merredin is below the national average according to aggregated ATO data for the financial year 2023. Taxpayers in the suburb of Merredin have a median income of $50,711 and an average income of $62,932, compared to $59,973 and $74,392 respectively in Regional WA. Factoring in a Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since the financial year 2023, current estimates correspond to approximately $56,254 for the median and $69,810 for the average as of March 2026. According to Census records, family, household, and individual earnings in the suburb of Merredin rank modestly, placing between the 28th and 39th percentiles. Income distribution figures show that the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly wage bracket accounts for 31.9% of the local population (907 individuals), which is consistent with the surrounding region where of residents fall into this category. Housing expenses are manageable, with residents keeping of their earnings, though disposable income is below the national benchmark at the th percentile.

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Residential structures in the suburb of Merredin at the time of the latest Census consisted of 94.5% standalone houses and 5.5% alternative housing types such as duplexes, apartments, and other dwellings, compared to Regional WA where standalone houses made up 88.5% and alternative dwellings accounted for 11.6%. The rate of home ownership in the suburb of Merredin matched the regional level at 32.5%, while the remaining properties were either mortgaged (33.2%) or occupied by tenants (34.3%). The median monthly payment for home loans in the area was $1,074, which is significantly lower than the Regional WA average of $1,560, and the median weekly rent was $220, compared to the regional figure of $265. Locally, mortgage obligations are well below the Australian average of $1,863, and typical rent costs are similarly below the national average of $375.

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Families make up the majority of local households at 64.1%, which consists of couples with children at 25.0%, couples without children at 28.5%, and single parent homes at 10.5%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 35.9%, with single-person households representing 32.9% and group households making up 2.8% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 individuals is slightly smaller than the Regional WA median of 2.5.

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Educational attainment in the area shows room for growth, as the proportion of residents with a university qualification (13.1%) is lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Among tertiary degrees, bachelor qualifications are held by 9.3% of the community, postgraduate qualifications by 2.4%, and graduate diplomas by 1.4%. Vocational and technical training are highly represented, with 40.6% of residents aged 15 and over holding trade certifications, consisting of advanced diplomas (7.4%) and certificate credentials (33.2%).

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Analysis of local transit indicates there are 2 transport stops operating in the suburb of Merredin, which are served by buses. These stops are serviced by 2 routes that provide a combined 12 passenger trips per week. Transport links are classified as limited, with residents living an average of 959 meters from the nearest stop. The locality is primarily residential, leading to outward commutes where private cars are the primary travel method at 89%, while 7% of residents walk. The average number of vehicles per household is 1.4, which is lower than the regional average. A low 4.2% of residents worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-related conditions.

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Based on Districts assessments of mortality and chronic disease prevalence, the suburb of Merredin faces notable public health challenges, with standard medical issues appearing across both younger and older cohorts, while the proportion of residents with private health insurance is slightly higher than the average SA2 region at approximately 52% of the population (~1,484 people). This is below the private coverage rate of 56.4% recorded across Regional WA.

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The suburb of Merredin has a lower level of cultural diversity than the national average, with citizens making up 84.9% of the population, 86.4% of residents born in Australia, and 94.0% speaking only English at home. The predominant religious affiliation is Christianity, followed by 46.8% of residents, compared to 44.6% across Regional WA.

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The median age of 38 years in the suburb of Merredin is slightly below the Regional WA average of 40, though it matches the national median of 38. Compared to Regional WA, the local area has a higher representation of young people aged 15 - 24 (14.1% locally), while residents aged 45 - 54 are less represented (9.6%). Since the 2021 Census, younger arrivals have lowered the median age by 1.5 years to 38. Specifically, the 15 to 24 age bracket rose from 11.5% to 14.1% of the population, and the 25 to 34 age group grew from 12.7% to 15.1%. In contrast, the 55 to 64 group fell from to , and the to group dropped from to . Demographic projections suggest the age profile of the suburb of Merredin will change significantly by with the to cohort projected to grow by , adding residents to reach while the + and to cohorts are expected to decrease in size.

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Merredin currently has an estimated 187 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 104 children aged 0-2 and 69 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 20% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 38% by 2041 (to approximately 258 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 292. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 11.9 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. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.