Mount Tarcoola (WA)

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Based on reviews of ABS population updates for the wider region and new address lists validated by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Mount Tarcoola has a population estimated at 3,444 as of May 2026. This represents an increase of 187 individuals (5.7%) compared to the 2021 Census, which registered 3,257 residents. The shift is calculated from a resident population of 3,436, estimated by Districts after examining the latest ERP data release from the ABS (June 2025) along with address verification since the Census. This count places the population density ratio at 1,624 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average across national locations evaluated by Districts. The post-census growth of 5.7% in the suburb of Mount Tarcoola is within 2.5 percentage points of the broader SA4 region (8.2%), showing competitive growth indicators. Natural growth was the main driver of population gains, accounting for approximately 64.0% of the overall increase during recent periods.

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Mount Tarcoola possesses a balanced labor force split between white-collar and blue-collar roles, with a strong presence in essential service sectors, an unemployment rate of only 2.1%, and an estimated 2.0% employment growth over the past year, according to Districts compilations of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 1,800 residents are employed, which is 1.4% below the Regional WA unemployment rate of 3.5%, while workforce participation matches the 65.6% seen in Regional WA. Census responses indicate that a low 4.2% of residents worked from home, though the influence of COVID-19 lockdowns should be kept in mind.

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Data from the ATO at the postcode level, aggregated by Districts for the 2023 financial year, indicates that Mount Tarcoola has a median taxpayer income of $52,501 and an average of $65,527. This is slightly below the national average, contrasting with Regional WA's median of $59,973 and average of $74,392. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current estimates for March 2026 are approximately $58,239 for median income and $72,689 for average income. In the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Mount Tarcoola ranked around the 59th percentile nationally. Income distributions show that 36.9% of the population (1,270 individuals) are within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, mirroring the surrounding region where 31.1% are in this bracket. After accounting for housing expenses, residents keep of their income, indicating solid purchasing power, while the SEIFA income index places the area in the th decile.

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Residential structures in Mount Tarcoola at the time of the latest Census consisted of 95.2% houses and 4.8% other dwelling types like semi-detached properties, apartments, or alternative options, compared to Regional WA where houses made up 88.5% and other structures 11.6%. Home ownership in Mount Tarcoola lagged Regional WA slightly at 31.8%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (42.4%) or rented (25.8%). The median monthly mortgage payment was below the Regional WA average at $1,517, while the median weekly rent was $300, compared to regional averages of $1,560 and $265 respectively. Compared nationally, mortgage payments in Mount Tarcoola are well below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are also significantly lower than the national figure of $375.

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Families make up the majority of households at 74.5%, consisting of couples with children at 28.9%, couples without children at 31.0%, and single parents at 12.8%. Non-family households represent the remaining 25.5%, with single-person households at 23.1% and group households at 2.7%. The median household size is 2.5 residents, which matches the Regional WA average.

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Educational challenges are present in the area, as university qualification rates of 16.5% fall significantly below the national average of 30.4%. This represents both a difficulty and an opportunity for focused education programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 12.6%, followed by graduate diplomas at 2.2% and postgraduate degrees at 1.7%. Technical and trade skills are highly represented, with 43.5% of residents aged 15 and over holding vocational qualifications, comprising advanced diplomas (10.4%) and certificates (33.1%).

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Analysis of transit options shows 19 active bus stops operating in Mount Tarcoola. These stops are served by four distinct routes, which provide a total of 75 passenger trips per week. Transit accessibility is classified as excellent, with residents living an average of 181 meters from the nearest stop. As this is a mostly residential area, the majority of workers travel outward, with cars remaining the main transit mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership stands at an average of 1.5 per household. A low 4.2% of residents work from home, based on 2021 Census data which may reflect pandemic-related conditions.

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Health indicators demonstrate positive results for the residents of Mount Tarcoola, with Districts' evaluation of mortality and medical conditions showing outcomes consistent with national benchmarks, alongside typical levels of common ailments across different age cohorts. Private health insurance coverage is slightly ahead of the average SA2 region at approximately 53% of the population (~1,832 people), compared to 56.4% in Regional WA.

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Mount Tarcoola ranks below average in cultural diversity, with citizens making up 88.9% of the population, 84.3% born in Australia, and 91.4% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 51.3% of the community. However, Islam shows the most notable overrepresentation, accounting for 2.4% of the population compared to 0.8% across Regional WA.

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The median age of 39 in Mount Tarcoola is close to the Regional WA average of 40 and aligns with the national figure of 38. The 15 - 24 age bracket is well represented at 12.6% compared to Regional WA, while the 55 - 64 cohort is less common at 10.7%. Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group expanded from 12.2% to 13.5%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 group decreased from 12.3% to 10.7%, and the 5 to 14 group fell from 14.6% to 13.3%. Projections for 2041 suggest significant demographic shifts in Mount Tarcoola, led by a growth in the to age group (adding people) to reach from while the to and to cohorts are expected to contract.

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Mount Tarcoola currently has an estimated 220 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 133 children aged 0-2 and 88 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 15% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 28% by 2041 (to approximately 282 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 392. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 10.9 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.