Utakarra (WA)

Detail

Analysis of ABS population updates for the wider region, alongside newly validated addresses recorded by Districts since the Census, indicates the population of the suburb of Utakarra stands at approximately 1,592 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 125 people (8.5%) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 1,467 people. The estimate is derived from a resident population of 1,588, calculated by Districts using the latest ERP data release from the ABS (June 2025) plus an additional 6 validated new addresses established after the Census date. This population size corresponds to a density ratio of 322 persons per square kilometer, indicating substantial personal space and capacity for future expansion. The 8.5% growth rate of the suburb of Utakarra since the 2021 census outpaced the SA4 region (8.2%) and the SA3 area, establishing it as a regional growth leader. Population gains in the area were chiefly driven by natural increase, which accounted for approximately of the overall population rise in recent times.

Detail

The local workforce is evenly distributed between professional and trade occupations, with notable representation in lifestyle and retail sectors. The unemployment rate sits at 8.1%, and estimated employment growth reached 3.0% over the prior year, based on Districts statistical aggregations. As of March 2026662 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 4.5% higher than the Regional WA average of 3.5%, indicating room for improvement. Labor force participation is also low at 59.1% compared to Regional WA's 65.6%. Census data reveals that a low 3.6% of residents worked from home, though the influence of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions should be noted.

Detail

According to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by Districts for financial year 2023, the suburb of Utakarra recorded a median taxpayer income of $48,779 and an average of $60,677. This is lower than national averages, contrasting with Regional WA's median of $59,973 and average of $74,392. Adjusting for Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $54,111 for the median and $67,309 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Utakarra all sit between the 15th and 23rd percentiles nationally. The earnings profile reveals that 31.0% of the population (493 individuals) earn in the $1,500 - 2,999 range, which is very similar to the regional rate of . Housing affordability pressures are major, with only of income remaining, placing the area in the th percentile.

Detail

At the time of the latest Census, residential structures in Utakarra consisted of 94.1% standalone houses and 5.9% other dwellings, such as semi-detached homes, apartments, or alternative options, compared to Regional WA's split of 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Utakarra was lower than the regional rate, standing at 25.2%, with the remaining properties either mortgaged (40.8%) or rented (34.0%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was $1,300, which is lower than the Regional WA average of $1,560, while the median weekly rent was $240 compared to Regional WA's $265. Nationally, mortgage repayments in Utakarra are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are lower than the national figure of $375.

Detail

Family households represent the largest segment at 71.1%, which includes couples with children at 22.8%, couples without children at 24.8%, and single parent families at 22.2%. The remaining 28.9% are non-family households, consisting of lone person households at 24.6% and group households at 3.2%. The median household size of 2.6 people is larger than the Regional WA average of 2.5.

Detail

The local community shows lower rates of higher education, with university qualification rates at 5.0%, which is below the national average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common tertiary credential at 3.1%, followed by graduate diplomas at 1.0% and postgraduate qualifications at 0.9%. Vocational and technical skills are highly prevalent, with 47.3% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (8.2%) and certificates (39.1%).

Detail

Public transport analysis identifies 15 active transport stops in Utakarra, consisting of bus services. These stops are serviced by 1 distinct routes, which provide 55 weekly passenger trips in total. Accessibility is good, with residents typically living 350 meters from the nearest stop. Due to the residential nature of the suburb, most workers commute out of the area, and private vehicles remain the dominant mode of travel at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling, which is lower than the regional average. A low 3.6% of residents work from home, based on 2021 Census data, which may reflect the impact of pandemic conditions.

Detail

Significant health issues are apparent in Utakarra based on Districts' evaluation of mortality rates and chronic disease prevalence, with various health conditions impacting both younger and older cohorts, and the rate of private health insurance is low at approximately 51% of the population, which is roughly 816 people. This is lower than the 56.4% recorded across Regional WA.

Detail

Utakarra exhibits lower levels of cultural diversity, with citizens making up 82.6% of the population, 89.4% born in Australia, and 92.5% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 44.9% of the local population. The most prominent overrepresentation is in the Other category, which accounts for 1.0% of residents compared to 0.7% across Regional WA.

Detail

The median age of 33 years in Utakarra is lower than the Regional WA average of 40 and also below the national median of 38. Compared to Regional WA, Utakarra has a larger cohort of residents aged 15 - 24 (15.0%) but fewer aged 55 - 64 (10.2%). Since the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age bracket increased from 12.7% to 15.2% of the population, while the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 11.9% to 9.8% and the 55 to 64 group decreased from 11.5% to 10.2%. Demographic modeling suggests the local age distribution will shift by with the to cohort projected to grow by , adding residents to reach while both the to and to cohorts are expected to contract.

Detail

Utakarra currently has an estimated 122 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 67 children aged 0-2 and 45 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 24% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 24% by 2041 (to approximately 151 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 184. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 11.3 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.