Merriwa (WA)

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According to evaluations of ABS population updates for the wider region and new addresses verified by Districts since the Census, the resident population of the suburb of Merriwa (WA) is projected to be approximately 6,141 in May 2026. This represents a growth of 554 people (9.9%) from the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 5,587 people. This shift is calculated from a resident population of 6,136, determined by Districts after analyzing the latest ABS ERP data release (June 2025) and one newly verified address since the Census date. This population level translates to a density ratio of 2,681 persons per square kilometer, placing the suburb in the top quartile of domestic locations evaluated by Districts. The 9.9% growth rate in the suburb of Merriwa (WA) since the 2021 census outpaced the national benchmark of 9.3%, establishing it as a regional growth leader. Population increases in the area were largely propelled by net overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 67.0% of the total population growth over recent periods.

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The local labor force is evenly distributed between professional and manual occupations, with the building sector showing exceptionally strong representation. The area has an unemployment rate of 9.8% and achieved 2.1% growth in estimated employment over the last year, according to Districts aggregations of statistical area figures. In March 2026, there were 2,674 employed residents, while the unemployment rate was 5.6% higher than the Greater Perth benchmark of 4.2%, indicating potential for labor market improvement. Workforce participation is also lower at 57.8%, compared to 70.2% in Greater Perth. Census data reveals that a small 5.8% of employed residents worked from home, though this may reflect temporary pandemic restrictions.

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According to the latest postcode-level ATO data released by Districts for financial year 2023, taxpayers in Merriwa earn a median income of $48,955 and an average income of $61,471. These levels are below the national benchmarks, and compare to a median of $60,748 and average of $80,248 across Greater Perth. Adjusting for Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current estimates correspond to approximately $54,306 (median) and $68,190 (average) in March 2026. The 2021 Census indicates that household, family, and individual incomes in Merriwa sit between the 16th and 17th percentiles nationally. The $1,500 - 2,999 weekly household income range is the most common, accounting for 29.8% of households (1,830 people), which aligns with the broader regional average of in this category. Affordability pressures are high, with residents retaining only of their income after housing costs, placing the area in the th percentile.

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Residential architecture in Merriwa at the last Census consisted of 76.0% detached houses and 24.0% alternative dwellings, such as townhouses and apartments, compared to 77.8% detached houses and 22.1% other dwellings across the Perth metropolitan area. Home ownership rates in Merriwa trail the wider Perth metro area at 19.1%, with the remaining properties occupied by mortgage holders (51.2%) or tenants (29.7%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,500 is notably lower than the Perth metro average of $1,907, while the median weekly rent of $330 compares to $350 across the Perth metro. Nationally, mortgage costs in Merriwa are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rent payments are well below the national figure of $375.

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Families make up the majority of local households at 68.7%, consisting of couples with children at 24.8%, couples without children at 25.8%, and single parents at 16.9%. Non-family households account for the remaining 31.3%, with single-person households at 28.6% and shared group households at 2.4%. The median household size is 2.5 residents, which is slightly lower than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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The region records lower rates of higher education, with university qualification levels at 10.8% compared to the Australian average of 30.4%. This highlights a clear opportunity for targeted educational support. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 7.9%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 1.5% and graduate diplomas at 1.4%. Vocational skills are highly represented, with 43.8% of residents aged 15+ holding technical credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (10.9%) and certificates (32.9%).

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Public transport systems include 23 active stops operating within Merriwa, consisting of bus services. These stops are connected by 3 routes, which collectively support 863 passenger trips per week. Transit accessibility is strong, with residents living an average of 182 meters from their nearest stop. The suburb is primarily residential, and most workers commute to outer areas, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode of travel at 80%, followed by train travel at 10% and bus travel at 5%. Vehicle ownership stands at 1.2 cars per household, which is below the wider regional average. A small 5.8% of residents worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic conditions.

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Significant health issues exist in Merriwa, based on Districts analysis of local mortality rates and the prevalence of chronic illnesses, which impact both younger and older residents. The rate of private health insurance is relatively low, covering approximately 52% of the population (~3,169 people), compared to 59.0% across Greater Perth.

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Merriwa exhibits a higher level of cultural diversity than most benchmarked markets, with 13.3% of residents speaking a non-English language at home and 36.5% born outside Australia. Christianity is the primary religious affiliation, representing 45.4% of the population. The most prominent relative concentration is among those identifying as Jewish, who make up 0.1% of the local population compared to 0.3% across Greater Perth.

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The median age of local residents is 40, which is higher than the Greater Perth median of 37 and slightly above the national average of 38. Compared to Greater Perth, the area has a high concentration of residents aged 85 and over (7.7% locally vs 2.2% nationally), while those aged 25 to 34 are underrepresented at 11.5%. Since 2021, the 55 to 64 age bracket expanded from 8.4% to 10.1% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort decreased from 13.8% to 12.0%, and the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 11.4% to 10.2%. Projections indicate that the demographic profile will shift by with the to cohort expected to grow by people (), increasing from to . Combined cohorts aged and over are projected to drive of total population growth, pointing to a rapidly aging community. In contrast, the to and to age cohorts are projected to shrink.

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Merriwa currently has an estimated 288 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 205 children aged 0-2 and 138 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 9% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 4% by 2041 (to approximately 277 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 666. Birth rates in the area have averaged 10.5 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a moderate rate (within the middle tier nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.