Waggrakine (WA)

Detail

Waggrakine has a population estimated at 3,031 as of May 2026, according to analysis of ABS population updates for the wider region alongside newly validated addresses by Districts since the Census. Compared to the 2,679 individuals recorded in the 2021 Census, this indicates an expansion of 352 people (13.1%). This change is derived from an estimated resident population of 3,025 calculated by Districts using the ABS ERP release from June 2025, combined with 17 validated new addresses identified since the Census. The resulting population density stands at 97 persons per square kilometer, which suggests a spacious living environment and room for future construction. The 13.1% rate of growth in the suburb of Waggrakine since the 2021 Census outpaced the broader SA4 region (8.2%) and the SA3 area, establishing it as a frontrunner for growth locally. Interstate migration was the primary driver of these gains, accounting for approximately 58% of the growth, although other factors such as natural increase and overseas migration also made positive contributions.

Detail

The local workforce is split between white-collar and blue-collar roles, with a solid footprint in industrial and manufacturing sectors. The unemployment rate sits at 3.2%, and employment grew by an estimated 2.4% over the previous year. As of March 2026, 1,485 local residents are employed. The unemployment rate is 0.3% lower than the 3.5% rate seen in Regional WA, while the participation rate is very close to the Regional WA average of 65.6%. Census data indicates that a minor 4.4% of the workforce worked from home, though this figure may have been influenced by pandemic lockdowns.

Detail

Tax office data for the financial year 2023 indicates that local incomes are lower than the national average, with a median of $49,602 and an average of $61,312. These figures are below the Regional WA median of $59,973 and average of $74,392. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index increase of 10.93% since the financial year 2023, the figures are estimated at approximately $55,023 for the median and $68,013 for the average as of March 2026. In Waggrakine, household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly, placing between the 40th and 41st percentiles. A concentration of 33.3% of the population (1,009 residents) falls into the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, which is comparable to the 31.1% of residents in this bracket regionally. Households retain 86.0% of their income for non-housing costs.

Detail

At the time of the latest Census, Waggrakine's housing stock was dominated by separate houses at 95.9%, with other housing types (including apartments, semi-detached properties, and alternative options) making up 4.1%. This compares to 88.5% houses and 11.6% other properties in Regional WA. Homeownership in the suburb stands at 32.3%, slightly lower than the Regional WA average, while the remaining homes are mortgaged (43.4%) or rented (24.3%). The median mortgage repayment of $1,540 per month is lower than the Regional WA average of $1,560, while the median weekly rent of $290 is higher than the regional average of $265. Locally, mortgage costs are much lower than the national median of $1,863, and rents are also well below the national median of $375.

Detail

Families make up 75.9% of all local households, consisting of 31.9% couples with children, 27.7% couples without children, and 15.5% single-parent households. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 24.1% of households, with lone person households representing 21.0% and group housing representing 3.0%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is slightly larger than the Regional WA average of 2.5.

Detail

Educational attainment levels present an opportunity for improvement, as the university qualification rate of 9.9% is significantly below the national benchmark of 30.4%. Among these qualifications, bachelor degrees represent 7.4%, postgraduate degrees represent 1.4%, and graduate diplomas account for 1.1%. Vocational and technical training is common, with 47.9% of residents aged 15 and over holding a qualification, including 9.8% with advanced diplomas and 38.1% with certificates.

Detail

There are 18 active public transport bus stops located within Waggrakine, which are served by 2 routes that generate 125 weekly trips. Public transport accessibility is strong, with residents living an average of 181 meters from their nearest stop. Given the residential nature of the suburb, most workers commute outside the area, and private cars remain the dominant mode of travel at 94%. Households average 1.8 vehicles, which is above the regional average. A low 4.4% of residents worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.

Detail

Analysis of mortality rates and the prevalence of chronic illnesses suggests the area faces notable health challenges, with common medical conditions affecting both older and younger age groups. Private health insurance coverage is relatively low, held by approximately 52% of the population (~1,562 people), compared to 56.4% across Regional WA.

Detail

Cultural diversity metrics are below average, with citizens making up 85.1% of the population, 87.9% born in Australia, and 95.2% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 46.7% of the community. The most distinct variance is in the Other religious category, which accounts for 0.6% of the population, compared to 0.7% across Regional WA.

Detail

The median age of 36 years in the suburb of Waggrakine is younger than the Regional WA average of 40 and slightly below the national median of 38. The 5 - 14 age group is larger than the regional average, representing 15.4% of the population, while the 65 - 74 age group is smaller at 8.6%. Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 cohort grew from 12.3% to 14.0% and the 25 to 34 cohort rose from 12.7% to 13.9%. Over the same period, the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 13.4% to 10.8%, and the 5 to cohort declined from to . By demographic projections suggest the to age group will increase by ( people) to reach from while the + and to cohorts are expected to decrease.

Detail

Waggrakine currently has an estimated 193 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 126 children aged 0-2 and 83 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 10% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 37% by 2041 (to approximately 264 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 361. 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. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.