Willagee (WA)

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Willagee's population is estimated at around 6,287 as of May 2026, according to analysis of ABS population updates for the wider region and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census. Compared to the 2021 Census, which counted 5,447 people, this represents an increase of 840 people (15.4%). The calculation is based on a resident population of 6,253, which Districts estimated after evaluating the ABS's latest ERP data release (June 2025) and address verification since the Census. This population level corresponds to a density ratio of 3,008 persons per square kilometer, placing the suburb in the top quartile of national areas evaluated by Districts. Willagee's growth of 15.4% since the 2021 census outpaced the national average (9.3%) and the SA3 area, making it a regional leader in expansion. Overall population gains in recent times were mostly fueled by interstate migration, which accounted for approximately 55% of the increase, though all sources, including overseas migration and natural growth, made positive contributions.

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Willagee possesses a highly educated workforce, with strong representation in essential services industries and an unemployment rate of 5.9%, according to Districts' consolidation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 3,278 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 1.7% higher than the Greater Perth rate of 4.2%, and labor force participation is slightly below average (67.6% compared to Greater Perth's 70.2%). Census responses indicate that a low 8.3% of residents worked from home, though the influence of Covid-19 lockdowns should be taken into account.

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According to Districts' consolidation of the latest postcode-level ATO data released for financial year 2023, the suburb of Willagee recorded a median taxpayer income of $63,923, with the average income standing at $97,128. This is exceptionally high on a national scale and compares to levels of $60,748 and $80,248 across Greater Perth, respectively. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $70,910 (median) and $107,744 (average) as of March 2026. Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Willagee are close to the 50th percentile nationally. The statistics show that the weekly earnings bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 contains 28.0% of the community (1,760 individuals), which is close to the metropolitan region where this group makes up . The suburb displays significant income variation, with earning under weekly and earning more than resulting in a varied socioeconomic profile. Housing affordability pressures are intense, with only of income remaining, which ranks in the rd percentile, and the area's SEIFA income ranking falls in the th decile.

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At the time of the latest Census, the dwelling structure in Willagee consisted of 79.4% houses and 20.5% other dwellings (semi-detached properties, apartments, and alternative homes), compared to 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings across the Perth metro area. Meanwhile, the home ownership rate in Willagee lagged behind the Perth metro average, sitting at 20.1%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (42.9%) or rented (37.1%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was higher than the Perth metro average at $1,967, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $283, compared to Perth metro averages of $1,907 and $350. Nationally, Willagee's mortgage payments exceed the Australian average of $1,863, whereas weekly rents are considerably lower than the national figure of $375.

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Family households make up the majority at 62.6% of all households, consisting of 26.0% couples with children, 20.6% couples without children, and 14.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 37.4%, with lone person households representing 32.8% and group households making up 4.5% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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Educational attainment in Willagee sits below regional benchmarks, as 32.8% of residents aged 15+ hold a university degree compared to 42.3% in the SA3 area. This difference points to opportunities for further education and skills development. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 22.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.8%). Vocational and technical skills are well represented, with 32.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, comprising advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (21.4%).

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Public transport analysis shows 33 active transport stops in Willagee, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are served by 3 separate routes, which combine to support 496 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is classified as excellent, with residents generally living 159 meters from the nearest stop. As a mostly residential area, most residents travel outwards to work, with cars remaining the dominant transport mode at 83% and trains accounting for 8%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 8.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; potentially reflecting COVID-19 conditions).

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Health indicators highlight significant challenges for Willagee, based on Districts' evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, which shows a considerably higher than average prevalence of common health conditions, particularly among older age cohorts, while the private health insurance rate was found to be exceptionally high at approximately 66% of the population (4,134 people). This compares to 59.0% across Greater Perth and a national average of 55.7%.

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Willagee shows above average cultural diversity, with 13.8% of the population speaking a language other than English at home and 26.9% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion, practiced by 40.6% of people in Willagee. However, the most notable overrepresentation is in Judaism, which accounts for 0.1% of the population, compared to 0.3% across Greater Perth.

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Willagee's median age of 37 matches the Greater Perth figure of 37 and remains close to the Australian median of 38 years. The 85+ age bracket is strongly represented at 3.1% compared to Greater Perth, while the 5 - 14 cohort is less common at 11.3%. Since 2021, the 35 to 44 age group has expanded from 14.3% to 15.7% of the population, whereas the 5 to 14 cohort has shrunk from 13.1% to 11.3%. Looking forward to 2041, demographic forecasts indicate significant changes in Willagee's age structure. The 75 to 84 cohort will lead these shifts, growing by 83% (267 people) to reach from . This aging trend is prominent, with residents aged + accounting for of the projected growth. Conversely, the to and to cohorts are expected to experience population declines.

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Willagee currently has an estimated 396 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 235 children aged 0-2 and 157 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 23% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 1% by 2041 (to approximately 394 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 568. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 13.1 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 20% of areas assessed nationally.