Withers (WA)

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According to investigations of ABS demographic updates for the broader territory, combined with recent address records verified by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Withers has a calculated residency of approximately 3,202 individuals as of May 2026. This represents an addition of 223 residents (7.5%) compared to the 2,979 citizens documented in the 2021 Census. This adjustment is deduced from the resident count of 3,197, computed by Districts following an analysis of the ABS's June 2025 ERP release and 15 validated new addresses identified since the census date. This population level translates to a density of 732 persons per square kilometer, which aligns closely with typical figures recorded in other localities reviewed by Districts. The 7.5% expansion rate in the suburb of Withers since the census is within 1.8 percentage points of the national rate (9.3%), indicating solid growth dynamics. Overseas arrivals served as the main catalyst for local growth, accounting for roughly 55% of all population increases in recent times.

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The labor market in Withers features a mix of white and blue collar positions, with manufacturing and industry playing major roles, an unemployment rate of 12.2%, and steady employment conditions over the previous twelve months, according to Districts data aggregation. As of March 2026, 1,302 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 8.7% higher than Regional WA's 3.5%, indicating potential for progress, and workforce participation is notably lower at 56.6% versus Regional WA's 65.6%. Census data reveals that only 3.0% of residents worked from home, although effects from Covid-19 lockdowns should be taken into account.

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According to tax data from the ATO for the 2023 financial year, the median earnings for taxpayers in the suburb of Withers stood at $38,880, while the average was $49,979. These figures trail the national averages and compare to medians and averages of $59,973 and $74,392 across Regional WA. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since the 2023 financial year, estimates for March 2026 would be roughly $43,130 for the median and $55,442 for the average. In the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal earnings in the area sat between the 2nd and 7th percentiles nationwide. The largest income bracket contains 30.7% of residents (983 individuals) earning between $400 - 799 weekly, which contrasts with the wider region where the - range is the most common at . With of households earning less than weekly, economic pressure is evident for many. Financial stress from housing is notable, with residents keeping just of their earnings, which sits in the th percentile.

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The local housing stock at the time of the last Census consisted of 76.6% stand-alone houses and 23.5% alternative housing types including townhouses and apartments, compared to 88.5% houses and 11.6% other options across Regional WA. Rates of owner-occupancy trail the regional benchmark, sitting at 24.2%, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with mortgages (30.0%) or tenants renting (45.8%). The median monthly home loan repayment of $1,300 was far lower than the regional standard of $1,560, and the median weekly rental cost was $240 compared to the regional figure of $265. Nationally, local home loan payments are much lower than the Australian median of $1,863, and rents are also significantly below the national median of $375.

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Families make up 59.1% of all local households, consisting of 17.8% couples with children, 21.4% couples without children, and 18.2% single parent households. The remaining 40.9% are non-family arrangements, with single person households accounting for 36.9% and group living situations representing 3.8%. The average household size of 2.2 residents is smaller than the regional average of 2.5.

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Local academic outcomes show room for development, with university graduation rates of 11.6% sitting far below the national average of 30.4%. This highlights a clear opportunity for targeted educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 8.9%, with graduate diplomas at 1.5% and postgraduate degrees at 1.2%. Vocational and technical abilities are highly represented, with 41.5% of residents aged 15+ holding practical qualifications, split between advanced diplomas (9.1%) and certificates (32.4%).

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Analysis of transit options indicates there are 42 active transit stops in the suburb of Withers, consisting of bus services. These stops are connected to 4 distinct routes, which support a total of 226 passenger trips weekly. Accessibility is rated as highly favorable, with residents generally living within 181 meters of the nearest stop. The locality is primarily residential, resulting in most workers traveling outside the area, with private vehicles remaining the primary choice at 92%. Average vehicle ownership is 1.1 per household, which is below the regional average. A low 3.0% of local workers perform their roles from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect the pandemic context.

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Considerable health issues are apparent across the suburb of Withers, as shown by Districts analysis of mortality statistics and chronic disease rates that impact both younger and older cohorts, with private health insurance coverage rates being particularly low at roughly 47% of the community (~1,506 individuals). This compares to a rate of 56.4% in Regional WA and a national average of 55.7%.

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The local population aligns closely with regional averages for cultural metrics, with citizens comprising 83.8% of the community, 79.5% of residents born in Australia, and 90.8% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the main religious affiliation, representing 39.7% of residents. The most noticeable deviation is in the Other category, which accounts for 0.9% of the population compared to 0.7% across Regional WA.

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The median age of 38 in the suburb of Withers is slightly lower than the Regional WA average of 40, though it matches the national median of 38. Compared to Regional WA, the 25 - 34 age bracket is highly represented at 14.9% locally, while 65 - 74 year-olds are less common at 9.8%. Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 cohort grew from 12.1% to 13.8%, and the 25 to 34 group rose from 13.4% to 14.9%. In contrast, the 45 to 54 group fell from 12.9% to 11.5% and the 65 to 74 age group dropped from to . Demographic projections suggest the age distribution will change notably by with the to cohort leading growth with a projected increase, adding residents to total while the to age bracket is expected to lose residents.

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Withers currently has an estimated 204 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 123 children aged 0-2 and 81 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 11% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 38% by 2041 (to approximately 282 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 316. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 10.6 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.